Designist Dream

Well a two week visit to the States traded blogging time for fun with family and friends. One of the highlights of our NY trip was a visit to the American Folk Art Museum to see the exhibition “Gilded Lions and Jeweled Horses: From the Synagogue to the Carousel”. With an amazing array of artwork from synagogues - ranging from papercuts to Torah Ark adornments to free-standing lions - and carousel horses, the exhibition “traces the journey of Jewish woodcarvers and other artisans from Eastern and Central Europe to America and the unsung role they played in establishing a distinct Jewish culture in communities throughout the United States.”

The exhibition struck a chord with me on several levels. First, the galleries combined objects from both the religious and commercial spheres which creates an interesting experience for the visitor who may have (very different) memories from the synagogue and the carnival. Second, the intensity of emotion displayed on the horses, the detailing of their expressions and garments reflected a very high level of artistry and workmanship that you just don’t see anymore. (Plastic toys recalls anyone?)

Third, it seems one of the masters of the art, MC Illions, is Harry’s great great uncle by marriage! Harry is very into his family’s genealogy and I must say this is one cool relative to have in your tree. Illions’ own successful company lasted until the depression and while many of the horses were dismantled, destroyed or sold, a 1909 MC Illions carousel can still be enjoyed at the Six Flags in New England.

Finally, this exhibition resonated with me because of the immigrant factor. That these Jewish artists who honed their skills in old school workshops and techniques across Europe were able to practice their craft within America’s burgeoning commercial culture is simply amazing to me. It also reminds me of Israel’s artistic legacy - one that was also started by Jewish artists from Europe and based heavily in craftsmanship; for example Boris Schatz who founded Israel’s first and premiere art school, the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design.

It seems that crafts get a bad rap - and it’s severely unjustified. Especially considering that most of what we deem ‘Fine Art’ these days was born out of handwork, hard work and craft, or skill, that relies not only on talent but also on genius.