EVERY BLADE OF GRASS/KINDESS UNCONTAINED

"Every blade of grass has its [angel, constellation] that bends over it and whispers, 'Grow, grow."
Bereshit 10:6
(One of several translations)

This series of works in silk organza, touches on the concepts of Chesed (Loving Kindness) and Nature.

The word Chesed, (Hesed) took me in two directions, one to the Sefirot, in which the energies of the Kabbalah, the core of Jewish Mysticism are symbolized; the other to the Hebrew Alphabet, in which each letter contains a world of meanings.

The concept of Chesed, is closely associated with Gimel, the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Kindness is suggested in the forward direction of the foot of Gimel, which looks like a person actively extending oneself to give to another. Gimel differs from tzedakah, (charity) in that it’s a more active and personal form of giving. The camel is also associated with Gimel because it’s ability to  carry a person or goods for days without needing sustenance is considered a kindness.

In the system of the Sefirot, Chesed (Loving Kindness) is opposite Gevurah (boundaries, containment and judgement) with Tiferet (beauty) between them. 

Throughout these works, I’ve chosen flowers to represent Chesed and the renderings of Roman vases (things that might be found in an archeological dig) to represent Gevurah. I’ve tipped the vases, painted vines over them, hidden them under leaves, or stood them next to the thistles, alluding to Kindness Un-Contained.