CHAI

“Chai” in Hebrew is made from the characters Chet (ח‎) and Yod (י‎) forming the word chai, meaning "alive", or "living".

This piece was inspired by a family amulet that has been passed down through generations. Although not raised religiously Jewish, I would not be the person I am today had I not grown up with the traditions and tight knit family structure that comes from my Jewish relations.

Many of the stories, both ancient and personal to my family, are how the Jewish people were resilient and resourceful. They had a great commitment to their connection to one another and way of life.

This piece is representative of the torch of life & tree of life. Each generation passes the flame on to the next, and grows their branches and fortifies their roots.

This is the way the culture has endured for millennia. Even through persecution and hardship this group of people kept their values and passed important ways of being into prosperity.

I honor my family with this sculpture, who supported me to be who I am today, as well at the diaspora of Jewish family I have met in my life, always welcoming and offering a fimiliar comfort of home.

* Originally titled “Beacon” for the flame of life that can be a marker to those looking for comfort and home, I have since
re-named it reflecting the signifying symbol of the piece

Steel
6 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft | 183 cm x 122 cm x 122 cm
2014

ABOUT THE PROCESS

The Joan Frazer Memorial Award for Judaism and the Arts was established at Hillel at Arizona State University in 2002.
The grant is awarded to create art that in some way portrays Judaism, Jews, Jewish community, or Jewish culture.

In permanent collection at ASU Hillel House