I find within the mystery and beauty of sacred texts and symbols the cellular imprint of the human soul.

As an artist I endeavor to cipher those imprints into tangible vision and so invoke the evolution of humanity towards its own Godliness.

Shahna lives and works in Crestone, Colorado, where she creates doors, windows, altar meditations, lighting, mirrors and other forms of transformative art embracing the shared aesthetics of the Judaic and Islamic cultures.

Following her return from studies in Hebrew etymology and medieval studies at Haifa University in Israel in 1973, Shahna established a ceramic studio in Santa Monica, California, where she produced Judaic ceremonial art and Hebrew micrographies. A scholar, a mystic, a gardener, an artist and a parent, Shahna incorporates all of her life experience into the quality of her work in the medium of copper.
The focus of the largest portion of Studio Moresca Coppperworks is to invoke the harmonies between Semitic cousins - Jews & Arabs - that emerged for the better part of 700 years, under Moorish rule during the Golden Age of Spain. Such motifs as hamsas, floral arabesques, fish, trees, birds and geometric ornament, are artistic and cultural expressions held in common. These, as well as traditional Palestinian embroidery patterns and adaptations of Turkish and Persian miniature line drawings find their way into the forms. Hebrew and Arabic calligraphies also figure into most pieces. An unusual feature of most work is the open fretwork inspired by both the Islamic mashrubia grilles and Hebraic papercuts. The strong Spanish influence of these pieces blends to advantage with adobe, Santa Fe and Mission style architectural elements.

In resonance with her Moorish focus, Shahna also creates works which emerge from the Celtic interwoven, natural and symbolic forms, runic script, as well as symbols and calligraphies from the Far East.

Processes include acid etching, fretwork, punchwork, repousse and engraving. Some pieces are embellished with precious jewel amulets. Where fretwork is incorporated into the design, mica (isinglass), beveled glass mirror or colored acrylic mirror are incorporated as dictated by the intention of the piece. Colors are achieved through patina affects, polishing, heating, oxides, enamels, and acrylics. African mahogany, madrone, oak, cherry and other hard woods as well as cedar are used as backing and framing materials.

Studio Moresca Coppperworks are hand worked with focus and prayer and infused with baraka, the intention of healing, protection, and of overwhelming conflict with compassion and beauty.