I created Spiral of Resilience as a personal reflection on the enduring strength of the Jewish people, a theme that has long resonated with me but took on a new urgency after the events of October 7, 2023. At the heart of this piece is the Magen David, the Star of David, a symbol of Jewish identity and perseverance, rendered in a textured, deep blue that evokes both the weight of history and the hope of survival. Within its center lies a spiraling form, cast in fiery oranges and reds, representing the cyclical nature of persecution that has shadowed Jewish communities for centuries, a spiral that is both ancient and painfully contemporary.
The orange spiral is the soul of this piece, embodying the resilience that defines our story. Its vibrant, molten colors speak to the intensity of our collective journey, the trials, the suffering, and the unyielding spirit that has carried us through. For me, the spiral also holds a deeply personal tribute to the Bibas family children, whose innocence and suffering have become a heartbreaking symbol of recent atrocities. The fiery orange reflects the warmth of their spirits and the red spiraling hair whorl of the Bibas babies , an image that has etched itself into my heart. The spiral captures their story within the larger narrative of Jewish endurance: a cycle of loss and hope, of innocence caught in the flames of conflict, yet forever a part of our shared history.
I used to joke during Jewish holidays, saying, “This holiday is because someone tried to destroy us, but we prevailed.” It was a lighthearted way to acknowledge our history, but in the wake of recent events, that humor has faded, replaced by a profound need to create, to process, and to honor. Set against a stark black background, the Magen David and its spiraling core stand in sharp relief, a testament to the clarity of our identity amidst the darkness of adversity. Spiral of Resilience is my way of grappling with the past and present, a tribute to the Jewish people’s enduring legacy, and a reminder that our story, though marked by struggle, is one of triumph, unity, and the eternal hope represented by every child, like the Bibas babies, who remains in our hearts.
Material:
Urethane, Epoxy, Sand
Size:
32” x 34” x 2.5” (81cm x 86cm x 6.3cm)
Technique:
Urethane casting
