The new aron kodesh (torah ark) at Moshav Nov, reviving artistic themes form ancient synsgogues in surrounding Golan Heights, Israel
In this essay I wish to share with you the process of designing and building the aron Kodesh for Moshav Nov in the Golan Height. Working on this piece, I was deeply inspired by the opportunity to draw upon artistic themes visible in nearby archaeological excavations of ancient synagogues, and weave these into my design for the new aron kodesh.
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“So, what are you?” I am often asked, “A woodworker, a designer, an artist?” As I move further into the third decade of doing what I do, I find it increasingly difficult to define, and less important to do so. Despite this, I occasionally find myself with no alternative but to give verbal definition to my creative endeavors. When pressed to the wall I will say: “I’m a wood artist,” and hope that this will satisfy my interlocutors. If they continue to look at me with a rather fuzzy expression I might be tempted to add that I create functional art in wood, that I design and construct unique handcrafted furniture, or perhaps that I create custom designed art furniture. As can be seen, the possibilities that could pertain to my work are numerous and varied.
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I have been designing and creating one of a kind pieces of functional art in solid hardwoods for over two decades. I would like to think that I’ve progressed over this period, both as an artist and as a craftsman. I’ve made many improvements and changes in my technique as well as in my perspective. However, one thing hasn’t changed. I still view the creation of the torah ark, or aron kodesh, as one of the pinnacles of my work.
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In a previous essay I gave a brief overview of the various types of what are commonly referred to as “occasional tables”. Now I’d like to go into greater depth concerning what I deem to be the king of all occasional tables, namely the coffee table.
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I’d like to share a few thoughts about what I call “occasional tables”. There are all manner of tables with many different uses. It’s sometimes difficult to identify the true nature of a table one sees. It has been my experience that often clients who are looking for a custom made table to fit a specific niche feel bewildered by the range of kinds of tables. The size, dimensions and even design of each kind of table are determined according to the function it needs to fulfill. I shall now endeavor to make some order out of all this. (more…)
A large portion of what I make is custom designed fine furniture. I enjoy the challenge of solving the client’s needs in an original and aesthetically pleasing way. It gives me satisfaction to know that the clients (and their children and grandchildren) will be savoring the sensuous feel of a hand carved drawer handle or table top for years to come. However, I often heed the pull to create wood art for the sake of art itself. Whether I’m working on a wall sculpture or a three dimensional wood art piece I enjoy the freedom from the technical requirements inherent in my functional creations. (more…)
There is no doubt that ordering custom furniture offers the client great possibilities for acquiring truly original works of functional art that meet and even surpass what he or she desires. While some people might feel daunted by the prospect of ordering designer furniture, it’s actually a positive adventure in which both the client and I strive to achieve the best possible solution for a given space. This is a mutually rewarding process which in the end yields a piece of fine woodwork perfectly fitted to the client’s taste.
One of the aspects I enjoy most about my profession is the variety of different kinds of artistic furniture that I get to create. While I derive pleasure and satisfaction from designing and crafting a unique sculpted coffee table or buffet, making synagogue furniture is in a whole other league. When I undertake to design an aron kodesh for a given community I can truly say that I do so with a sense of mission (shlichoot). (more…)
