מְזוּזוֹת mezuzot / Naomi weintraub
Background
Guided by the Atiq Maker Practice, my project is an exploration of Mezuzot.
I hand made mezuzahs from clay and gathered items from nature and my surroundings.
I was inspired by the materials I gathered and the Jewish seasons I experienced during this time period.
My slow, intentional process with each mezuzah brings out unique textures and designs in each piece. No mezuzah is identical which connects them to the uniqueness of each person and home who will receive this mezuzah.
I imagine that these 10 mezuzot are like a minyan, gathering together at my art table and eventually going off on their own paths to homes far away.
Throughout my making, seven words resonated and became points of exploration:
Universe
Tinkering
Nature
Scroll
Protection
Amulet
Threshold
Offering for Participation
For the next step of my project, I am looking for an appropriate and meaningful way to sell my mezuzah cases to those looking for ritual objects. As an educator I am deeply interested in how to engage Jewish ritual art into Judaics learning. I have been teaching my students how to make their own hand-made clay mezuzot. Below is a photograph of mezuzot made by my student, Shirfra (Sophie).
Please reach out if you are interested in partaking in a workshop on DIY mezuzot, or if you are looking to commission a mezuzah for your home. Instagram: na0mir0se or Email: nomirose97@gmail.com.