My Davidka Square studio overlooked a confluence of vehicular and human traffic. After exploring the larger expanse, my focus shifted to vignettes that occurred right beneath me, with zebra stripes a unifying element. They created a rhythm and a consistent frame for The Crossings Series. In later works, the stripes were not just a visual tie-in but represented a philosophical element as a safe zone from the erratic street dangers.
At the Edge
Crossings Series, Tryptych oil on linen, 3 panels total 40 x 60 cm 2014
Two women pass each other, one younger, one middle-aged, each unaware of overlapping connections as they pass. Each seeks an unknown destination.
At the Edge (detail) 2014
In At the Edge, an undefined figure seems bewildered as the crosswalk fades (and the defined choices diminish).
Attraction
Crossings Series, oil on linen, 20 x 30 cm 2006
This work describes the split-second attraction that may catch passers-by in a drama of indecision. The man who is edging out of view seems to have regrets after passing the woman, as evidenced by his turned shadow.
Couples Crossing
Crossings Series, oil on linen 20x 30 cm 2007
The young urbanites in the foreground are oblivious to the elderly couple that walks carefully away. The old were once them, the young may yet become the elderly.
On the Path
Crossings Series, oil on linen, 20 x 30 cm 2006
The Jewish religious world describes adherence to ritual and religious law as being on the path, as this is titled. When one strays, they are “off the path,” often implying judgment. Here, the crosswalk represents that path, with the pedestrian not clearly going in one direction or the other, but anchored on the safe zone of the path.
Shadow Couple
Crossings Series, oil on linen, 20 x 30 cm 2006 (private collection)
A religious man and a secular woman are waiting for the light to change. In this unlikely pair, their shadows converge, connecting them intimately, despite their separate milieus.
Stop Light
Crossings Series, oil on linen, 20 x 30 cm 2006
The strong summer sun casts light on poles creating traffic light shadows, thrown across random pedestrian groups. The directional signs seem to present weighty life choices to those briefly paused for the light to change.
Wet Day
Crossings Series, oil on linen, 20 x 30 cm 2006
Rainy days bring out the high colors of coats, awnings and traffic markings in this wintery Jerusalem corner.
Crossings series, number I
Mixed media on paper, 18 x 26 cm 2007
The rapid changes in foot traffic demanded that I vary my materials. Graphite drawings and Sumi ink became one way that I could quickly reduce the strong graphics to their simple forms.
Crossings Series, number 3
Graphite on paper, 29 x 21 cm 2007
The black and white renditions of the street scenes were effective to get to their essence.
Crossings Series, number 8
Sumi ink on paper, 18 x 26 cm 2006
The street provides a setting for numerous mini-encounters, here, the individual faces a mass of people.
Self-portraits on Paper