I decided to paint because I wanted to use my hands; I find it an essential way to portray my vision of Jerusalem. The process of this project was special because nothing was planned, it came together by itself. My hands were just tools in creating this life. When you create something, nothing is on accident, everything has purpose. I painted in layers, using only black and white paint… besides the violin, which I used a little bit of pink. I wanted the instrument to have a life of its own. The background is a bit destroyed and unidentifiable. The girl playing also has no identity. I do not feel like Jerusalem has a permanent identity, or a permanent resident. Music, to me, represents harmony and peace. To play music, we must sync up and work together to make our many melodies play harmoniously. After much deliberation I decided not to paint her bow. I do not feel like she has obtained it yet.
When I think about the city of Jerusalem, I think of layer s. Layers of history some peeled back, others on thick and stuck. I think of human hands pouring themselves into the construction of their empire. I think about identity, or lack thereof. I think of death and life. Thoughts fly before me of crushed dreams, but also hope and new desires. While some finally receive their nationality and develop pride, others lose rites, and a place to call home. All who experience Jerusalem leave a piece of themselves there, and their struggle becomes their existence. Raw human emotion is used as the glue to hold different ideals together...
