Paper Dolls
This series developed from the idea that photographs of lost relatives actually comprise a “paper family.” Starting with paper doll shapes, I used those images as representing: human fragility and impermanence, connection among humanity, collective interdependence, and common destiny.
My Paper Family (Paper Doll Series)
Oil on linen 71 x 110 cm, 2017
A newly found original family photograph was the inception for this work. The faces were painted closely following the photo. A hand-cut paper doll chain was the model for their bodies. The setting is evocative of floating, referencing forest, sky and water. Painting these images reminded me of a blind person feeling a face to get its sense, here – for me – ‘meeting’ my grandparents and family through the removed physical touch of a brush as it built their faces in oils.
Touching (Paper Doll Series)
Graphite, Sumi ink, gouaches on paper, 89 x 89 cm, 2018
Alternating male and female paper doll images comprise a chain of linked figures in black ink with gouaches filling the interstices. The paper dolls represent humanity. We all touch each other in some way.
The Spaces Between (Paper Doll Series)
Graphite and turpentine on paper, 88 x 90 cm, 2017
This work is comprised of large white paper doll images in lines, and some are inverted. The patterns made by them leave space in between the figures. Just as each and every letter in the Torah has its importance, so too do the spaces in between the letters have their distinction and purpose. Here, a second chain of small paper doll figures fit in the subordinate areas and become the focus.
The Spaces Between (Paper Doll Series) (detail)
Graphite and turpentine on paper, 88 x 90 cm, 2017
Mixed Dancing (Paper Doll Series)
Graphite, Sumi ink, gouaches on paper, 85 x 85 cm, 2019
Pairs of figures are lined up, which can be isolated as pairs of men, pairs of women, or men with women. Humanity forms a mixed dance. Mixed dancing is prohibited in traditional Jewish sources.
In Every Generation (Paper Doll Series)
Oil on linen, 89 x 89 cm, 2017
The lines of alien-like forms are staggered as if stretching through time. The title is derived from the Passover Haggadah, which states that in every generation the Jews face animosity and the Divine protects us.
Vinedance (Paper Doll Series)
Oil on linen, 25 x 85 cm, 2017
Oddly shaped figures form a line dance, a sort of dance of life in which survival is the goal.
Couplings (Paper Doll Series)
Gouaches, Sumi ink, graphite, 70 x 40 cm, 2018
Male and female linked figures form a circle indicating dependence and unity.
Coming and Going (Paper Doll Series)
Graphite and turpentine on paper, 38.5 x 57 cm
Male and female figures create patterns from inverted forms. The overall impression is of facing life head-on with a common purpose.
Men and Women (Paper Doll Series)
Gouaches and Sumi ink on paper, 32 x 100 cm, 2018
The male and female figures are inverted and the heads overlap, suggesting that emotional closeness connects couples.
Lineup (Paper Doll Series)
Graphite, graphite powder, 57 x 70 cm, 2017
The empty space is significant. The context could be a morning lineup during the Holocaust where all were counted. Another very different possibility is the daily lineup of soldiers standing at attention in the Israeli army. Who is missing and why?
Chains of Dolls Layered (Paper Doll Series)
Mixed media on paper, 47 x 152 cm, 2017
The work is based on a hand-cut template of paper dolls, some with grotesque head shapes, reminiscent of aliens, non-humans, skeletal figures, but, possibly also, as dancers, intertwined humanity, community.
Chains (Paper Doll Series) (detail)
Mixed media on paper, 47 x 152 cm, 2017
