| Community artist and Torah scribe, Shoshana Gugenheim, in partnership with the Women’s Torah Project of Kadima Congregation in Seattle, WA, is seeking Jewish women artists to contribute to the creation of “Women of the Book”, a midrashic (interpretive) scroll based on the form and content of a traditional sefer Torah (Torah scroll). In the spirit of the Jewish scribal tradition, this scroll will be created on 54 sheets of parchment designed by 54 artists from around the world and sewn together as is a traditional sefer Torah. This is an international, collaborative art installation inspired by, and in conjunction with, the historic scribing of the first sefer Torah by women (www.womenstorah.com). Women of the Book, the midrashic Torah, is not a traditional sefer Torah, it is each artist's personal interpretation, in visual imagery, of the text of the first Five Books of Moses. Women of all denominations, secular and religious, are invited to join. Chosen artists will select one of 54 passages in the Torah to use as a basis for their creative interpretation. They will be provided a standard-sized piece of claf (parchment) upon which to work. The 54 completed parchment panels will be bound together into one scroll, which will be exhibited in galleries, museums, synagogues and other institutions worldwide. Interested Artists Please Send: 1) 5 images of recent work, preferably on CD ROM 2) a personal resume 3) a simple sketch of your idea (all work must be 2 dimensional so as to be rolled into a scroll) 4) your first three choices of parshiot (weekly Torah portions) that you would like to interpret in your creative work (we are available to help you with this selection if this is unfamiliar to you) 5) In one page (or more), reflect on being a Jewish woman and artist. Describe the role that Torah/Bible, historically and/or spiritually, plays in your art. (Please note: We encourage women for whom Torah/Bible has not played a significant role in your development as artists to apply) 6) SASE if you would like your slides or CD returned PLEASE NOTE: A traditional sefer Torah has a cover, a yad (pointer), a hagurah (belt) that holds it together, rimonim (crowns), etc. If you are interested in proposing to create one of these elements for “The Women of the Book” please indicate that in your submission. FUNDING: Women of the Book is currently seeking funding. It is our intention to pay the selected artists. SUBMISSIONS DUE: We are now accepting proposals on a rolling basis. Once we have received submissions from 54 qualified artists we will close the process. ADDRESS: Shoshana Gugenheim (Women of the Book) Moshav Aviezer #7 D.N. HaElah 99860 ISRAEL CONTACT: womenofthebook@artfully.org (www.artfully.org) |
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