NOVA SERIES, 2024
This series is in commemoration of those who perished on and since Oct. 7th, in recognition of those taken hostage, in tribute of those who survived, and in honor of the families and all who have been effected.
During the first few months after Oct. 7th I could not produce work, I was not sleeping and glued to news, the shock and horror were stifling. I have traveled to Israel yearly since 2006 to volunteer and did so this past summer where I was privileged to work with NOVA Music Festival survivors and their families, hospital staff, and a group of women who’s family members are soldiers. As 2024 progressed, I slowly came out of the initial shock to create this series through raw instinct and action painting. These paintings have come about through impressions of the documentation of events on that day, through stories from friends and the emotional and subconscious response I have had since. The paintings began to flow instinctively as my way of processing the horror while also paying respect to the beauty of those who were murdered. Many on that day at the NOVA Music Festival—who came to celebrate life, unity and music—first thought there was a fireworks display happening at 6:29 am that morning. Instead, they realized it was numerous rockets being shot by the Hamas terrorists. This series of work lies between the fireworks and rockets - when the world turned upside down.
