Vancouver Talmud Torah school approached me last summer with a proposition to
teach children an after school program. I thought that inspiring children with
the art, colors and richness of Israeli artisans would be the perfect program. I have
been immersed in the Israeli art scene for many years, and even thought I have
moved to Canada, I am still a big fan of Israeli Arts
& Crafts. Last June, I was lucky to spend my birthday in the company of my
best friend (who is also an artist) and we visited a night craft market that
was filled with amazing, unique and colorful jewelry, paper products, clothing
and gifts. It was a magical evening that inspired me to create this new program called
"Mixed Media Art inspired by Israeli artists".
Gal and I on my birthday last June at the night craft market, Holon, Israel
Choosing the right artist was not an easy task. There are plenty of talented people in Israel. I approached Timor from “Timo
Handmade”. Timor makes original and commissioned fabric dolls.
She was happy to collaborate and sent me photos of her work and of herself
working at her studio.
Samples of the collages the children did inspired by "Timo handmade"
I chose Zohar from “Kululush” because I thought
that the children would love to create hair bands like the ones she does.
Photos of the hair bands inspired by "Kululush"
I wanted the children to learn how to work with clay. Hilla from "Hillovely"
works with polymer. Using textures and interesting painting technics, she adds more dimension to the clay, making it interesting and fun to teach. Since we learned about her work last September the children made clay Hamsa and pomegranates for Rosh Ashana.
I love illustration and quirky characters. To introduce some whimsy projects, I talked to Ori from “What
about paper”. When we spoke, she offered
to send each child a gift from her paper company. She sent them a print
from her collection that arrived on our last class. There were plenty of happy faces in the classroom!
http://he.whataboutpaper.com/
Happy children after receiving each of them a print from Ori!
I wanted to include more artists but unfortunately we ran out of time. With
a group of 16 children from Kindergarten to grade 4, I had to choose projects
that will appeal to all of them and planned projects that they could execute
and complete with ease and pride.
I am very happy with the results and the experience of teaching Canadian
children the work of Israeli artists. I admire the work these artists do and I
find it inspiring and very unique. All the artists were approachable and open
to this new initiative. My hopes are
that the children enjoyed the art projects and that they walked away with the confidence
that they can try new materials and dare to create with no fear, like the
Israeli artists do!
"The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become" with love, Jazmin
Visit my website at Jazmin Sasky
"The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become" with love, Jazmin
Visit my website at Jazmin Sasky
Here are some samples of the children's artworks!
