Things found by the wayside.

I found these beautiful pieces today. Such beauty found in such a dark place. I'm learning to thank the land for what it gives me. Shukran, salaam. 

Searching for stars.

More stars and moons in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

A morning with the sawdust.

Learning in the wood factory. 

Kingly Stone

In this region, all the buildings are made of mizi, also known as 'Jerusalem stone' or 'kingly stone'. To me it looks luxurious and expensive. But actually, it is cheaper to build with than wood because it is so accessible. This limestone is extracted from a quarry close to Bethlehem.

Still from a video that I'm working on.

The wood shop

I met the owner of a wood carving factory in Bethlehem today. He let us wander through the shop and into the back courtyard where all the scraps are kept. I told him about my residency, and how I wanted to work with olive wood. He offered to teach me! I don't know if I'm cut out for carving, but as Jack says, "The carving is in you or it isn't. If you are an artist, and you know how to make things, it will work". Here's hoping!

Moon of Bethlehem

Chef Hostel in Tel Aviv, does this shape look familiar?

 I've only been obsessed with it for the last five years! 

I must be in the right place. 

Fulfillment

Six years ago I did a performance art piece in university called 'Family Ties'. This was the first time I started engaging and collaborating with my Great Grandmothers "relics" in my artwork. Today I am going to fly to Israel with these relics to return them (after four generations). This is an important day.

I am a mess of nerves, excitement and wonder. It's finally happening!