Joel Kaufman   (1961 - )

 

Joel Kaufman is creating a connection between the Hebrew he learned in his Jewish education – the same words read and spoken throughout Jewish life and family celebrations today – and the power those words bear after thousands of years, generation after generation.

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In his studies of art history, there was always an intrigue of things ancient – art objects that have become timeless and direct connections to people hundreds, even thousands of years ago. Ancient carvings into stone using whatever tools were available, illuminated manuscripts of the Medieval, and more – these all have captured the beauty and power of the written word in a most artful way.

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The artworks being created by Joel share this sentiment, with the intention of capturing both ancient and modern sensibilities. He credits one of his University of Illinois art professors, Frank Gallo, best known for his paper sculptures, with his fascination with bas relief, which is the basis for his current works.