Laura Fishman Fine Art

'The Site', 2011

2011-11-23T05:03:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 70 cm

Um el Umdan

2011-09-21T08:20:00.001-07:00

Israel - Archaeology and Research

My most recent work is based on continuing research of an archaeological site on the outskirts of the city of Modi’in, Israel. The site is called, ‘Um el Umdan’ (Mother of Pillars), and is named for the six large pillars uncovered on the site. Within the site are ruins of a small village comprised of houses and alleyways, and one of the oldest synagogues ever discovered. It was constructed during the Hasmonean period (toward the end of the second century BCE). It is historically important as it is thought to be the synagogue of the Maccabees, the famous family of brothers that fought off the Hellenistic rule during that era, and gave the Jewish people the miracle of Chanukah, with the lesson of hope. Archaeologists believe there are several older layers of excavation to be discovered beneath the current site.

In these works I have used colour, texture and fragmented shapes to portray my fascination with archaeology and the history of aged surfaces which I believe contain the spirit of human memories and are witness to historic events. Whilst drawing in the site, I scanned the eroding surfaces of the ruins for patterns, texture and signs juxtaposed against the continuous forces of natural growth. I have also been inspired by discarded pottery shards that were unearthed as a consequence of new construction next to the site. I have reworked this theme into modern pots, to reawaken and give the shards their deserved dignity and respect.

Blue is an important colour in these works. My recent trip to Israel included visiting the mystical city of Tzefat, which is 3000 feet above sea level and is known for the study of Kabbalah. Blue symbolizes Heaven according to the Kabbalah, and is painted on architecture and doorways throughout the city. New layers of blue are continually painted over the old ones, building up archival layers that are aligned to the generations that live there.

Mikvah - Um el Umdan

2011-09-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

View at Um el Umdan, 2011

2011-09-21T08:07:00.001-07:00

Pastel on paper. 42 x 29 cm

Mikvah, 2011

2011-09-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

Charcoal on paper. 42 x 29 cm

Cheres, 2011

2011-09-21T08:01:00.001-07:00

mixed media on canvas. 152.5 x 122 cm

Tekhelet, 2011

2011-09-21T08:00:00.001-07:00

Ink, resin, pigment & metal leaf on canvas. 15 x 20 cm

Charcwuth, 2011

2011-09-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

Cyanotype and acrylic on paper. 35 x 57 cm

Um el Umdan, 2011

2011-09-21T07:57:00.001-07:00

Acrylic, ink & black lava on canvas. 59 x 41 cm

Kirton, 2011

2011-09-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Mixed media on canvas. 90 x 60 cm

Blue Heaven, 2011

2011-09-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Mixed media on canvas. 120 x 100 cm

Tzevat, 2011

2011-09-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Mixed media on canvas, 90 x 60 cm

Jugs with Ancient Shards , 2011

2011-09-21T07:52:00.001-07:00

Stoneware, gold & pottery shards. 20 x 10 cm, 45 x 20 cm

Bowl with Ancient Shards, 2011

2011-09-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Stoneware, pottery shards and gold, 28 cm diam x 15 cm h

Plate, 2011

2011-09-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Stoneware, 30 cm diameter

Exhibition at Candid Arts, Islington

2011-09-21T07:50:00.001-07:00

Middlesex University, MA Fine Art Final Exhibition
15 - 19 September, 2011

Ancient Pottery Shards & Imprints

2011-09-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Various sizes, pottery shards and stoneware

Exhibition View

2011-09-21T07:46:00.001-07:00

Ceramics with paintings

Exhibition View

2011-09-21T07:45:00.001-07:00

Ceramics with paintings