As if on cue, melodic sounds of spring-time songbirds drifted through the windows during a talk by artist Judy Sirota Rosenthal for her presentation of “Art As Prayer, Prayer As Art” at Westville’s Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel.
Rosenthal spoke at the Sunday event about her current installation at the synagogue of calligraphic designs of over 30 illustrated meditations — handsome lettering in brush and ink, juxtaposed with bold strokes, shapes, textures and transparencies of color, created with Caran D’Ache oil pastels and colored pencil.
Her favored ink lettering tool, a prized, hand-made Kolinsky brush, is made from the hairs of male Russian weasels.
Most of the calligraphic presentations include both Hebraic and English alphabet text, which, when layered with her colorfield applications, create flowing, visual tapestries of form and edifying content. The negative visual spaces, which are represented by blank portions of the overall image, play a critical part in the unity and balance of each design.
The exhibit represents a category of work she describes on her website as, “worded pieces” which include texts, prayers, blessings, and expressions of wisdom — some rooted in Kabbalistic thought. A basketful of her inspired note-card series, which have been a constant in her practice, were available at the talk but are also available by email request (sirotarosenthal@gmail.com).
Rosenthal said she creates her calligraphic images while in a standing posture, a receptive stance that better connects her to the Mystery — the firmament above, and the earth below as she becomes both a receptacle of inspiration and a conduit.
A question from the audience about her choices and use of color yielded insight into Rosenthal’s process. Spontaneity is key as she is guided by the inspiration of the moment and her intuition. When reaching for her pastels, she is not beholden to formal academic strictures or color theory, but is more reliant on the connection between hand and heart.
Some of the neatly framed graphic images, a mix of original works, Giclees and high-end lithographs, were left un-matted, an intentional presentation that liberates the spirit of the messages from the physical confines of conventional mat framing, according to Rosenthal. Images without mat frames can provide a more focused, intimate experience with the viewer. A more practical reason in occasionally omitting mats is that some people simply lack the additional wall space availability required when utilizing mats.
For those in attendance at this past weekend’s talk, seeing Rosenthal’s artwork may have come as a surprise. Many know her from her work as a photographer; a perennial presence at functions and events as she artfully documents important moments through the lens of an attuned visual artist and her camera.
A visit to Rosenthal’s website offers a glimpse at her varied, expressive modalities; installations, ceremonial rods, ritual objects, works on paper, prayer flags, and a common thread of spiritual connectedness — not only to nature, but to a higher presence. She has been described as a “mystic and woman of the earth.” Her disarming accessibility and sensitivity perfectly align with a life-calling as both healer and artist.
Rosenthal credits her her own spiritual development, in part, to studies under American spiritual teacher and Kabbalistic healer Jason Shulman, whose A Society of Souls (ASOS) provides training in healing and spiritual awakening.
When it comes to her development and influences as an artist, Rosenthal cites 20th-century painter and illustrator Ben Shahn, who pursued social justice themes combining figurative imagery and calligraphy; and artist-teacher and Catholic Sister Corita Kent, a colorist who also combined words with bold splashes of color in service to social justice themes.
Rosenthal’s art today embodies the elements and spirit of the work of these two message-oriented artists as she creates her own version of colorful, worded pieces; visual blessings designed to lift the spirit, impart wisdom and express gratitude. Art as prayer. Prayer as art.
The exhibit runs through June 17 and can be viewed by calling BEKI office manager, Peggy Hackett, at 203 – 389-2108 x 114, during office hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Tuesday). Visitors who attend Shabbat services may also visit the exhibit.
