Umanut
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Umanut is a Hebrew word which carries the meaning: "art/skill/craftsmanship," all deriving from the root word for "truth." This piece attempts to find inclusive symbolic language with which to express the nature of commitment to one's work in the world.

The symbol of the hamsa (hand with the eye) was straight forward enough and closely related to my own work, but not everyone works expresses umanut through their hands.

My son Noah expresses his umanut through music. He spoke to me of "breath" being a quintessential element of his work. Rhythm and timing were also suggested. The concept of "breath" triggered the memory of a poem for Ramadan written by Rumi in which he said that "Man is like a lute, no more, no less."

The three circles in this piece contain the lines:
      If a lute is full it cannot sing a high or low note
      Be empty and weep with the fullness of the reed flute
      Be empty and discover the mysteries of the reed pen

                                                            translation by Jonathan Star

These words, I believe, capture the essence of manifesting in the world by means of one's Divine Nature. They reflect the fidelity required to distill inspiration into form and elicit dedication towards honing one's skill to match the standard of expression to the source of direction.

The hamsa has become the central luterose. The two additional smaller roses are formed by the Arabic repeated micrography baraka, a word which describes the power and blessing of an object that derives from the intention of its maker.

The double line and circle forms around the outside border are suggestive of a heart beat.

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Etched, engraved, inked and scroll worked copper green acrylic mirror and mounted on mahogany.   19.5" x 19"