Hangings
Elyssa Wortzman Hangings Wire, tulle, acrylic, cavnas
Still Small Voice 2
2012
Wire, tulle, acrylic, cavnas
Elyssa Wortzman Hangings Wire mesh, wire, tulle
Still Small Voice Within
2012
Wire mesh, wire, tulle
30in x 10in x 10 in

In this golden sculpture the body is the vessel creating the form for the soul in this manifestation. Like the wire, the body is delicate and flexible, it can be manipulated, yet it is also porous, allowing the soul to emerge. With an opening at the top and bottom, the form captures the role of the spiritual director as a vessel through which Divine shefa can flow to the directee.

A delicate, cascading voice from within the interior void, signified by the white tulle fabric, emerges. On the tulle, are written words that are signifiers of the state of listening in and experiencing G-d’s presence: Shalom, Peace, Om Shanti, Still small voice. The writing, muted by the fabric and in multiple layers, creates a palimpsest of meaning. The fabric recalls a bride’s veil, signifying at once the presence of the Shechinah and the barriers between us and her presence. In this case, though, the veils are pushed back and come from within, reminding us that our work as spiritual seekers is to continually be asking ourselves what barriers we are erecting between us and the Divine, and reminding us that while we have complex thoughts, emotions and actions, at our core lies a spark of the Divine.

The delicacy of the wire and the fabric recall the ephemeral nature of the still small voice that we are listening for.

Elyssa Wortzman Hangings Wire mesh, tap, metal hose, chain, tulle, mirror, acrylic on canvas
Go With The Flow
2012
Wire mesh, tap, metal hose, chain, tulle, mirror, acrylic on canvas

There is a deeper Flow that runs like a river of energy through all of life and every particle of the universe. We can step into the river, follow the flow and allow it to guide us through our personal purpose to the ocean of collective healing and peace (tikuun).

We can Go With The Flow, by following our spiritual intuition, our inner connection to the divine. Then, it may be possible to see the invisible waves of energy that course through and around us, connecting us to others. We must have faith (Emunah) that our spiritual intuition will lead us to the right place where things will work out for us and those we are directing.

In Go With The Flow, an amorphous, porous “body” leads the charge, trailing behind it a blue, oceanic flow of waves. On the underside of the waves are pieces of mirror that reflect the light, causing the wave to sparkle, as if sunlight was reflected on water. This sparkle is a reminder to become aware of the divine flow of energy that surrounds us and to ride its wave. Like a bridesmaid carrying the train of a wedding dress, as the viewer approaches the work from behind she is invited to hold the train of divine energy, following it down the aisle of her life. In holding the train, and following the flow, the viewer, like a bridesmaid, takes an integral role in preventing our greater purpose from being tripped by our inattention.


Elyssa Wortzman Hangings Wire, acrylic on canvas
Tifferet
2011
Wire, acrylic on canvas

A suggestive embodiment of the Divine quality of Tifferet, Harmony/Beauty, one of the 10 Kabbalistic sephirot on the Tree of Life representing the qualities of the Divine.

Elyssa Wortzman Hangings Wire, acrylic on canvas
Gevurah
2011
Wire, acrylic on canvas
15 in high

A suggestive embodiment of the Divine quality of Gevurah, Strength/Judgment, one of the 10 Kabbalistic sephirot on the Tree of Life representing the qualities of the Divine.
Elyssa Wortzman Hangings Wire mesh, acrylic on canvas
Hanging From the Moon
2012
Wire mesh, acrylic on canvas
48 x 14 x 7 in

Elyssa Wortzman Hangings Wire mesh, string, tulle, acrylic, mirror on canvas, canvas paper
Web of Life (Process Theology)
2012
Wire mesh, string, tulle, acrylic, mirror on canvas, canvas paper

“In this moment, will you somehow materialize the possibility?” (Keller)

I feel a yearning to do this and overwhelmed by exhaustion at the thought of putting this into practice. How will I find the energy to remain aware at all of these “this moment”s? How can I hear the call/the lure in each moment so that I remember to materialize (Divine Love)?

Web of Life attempts to grapple with these universal questions, as it also refers to the particular situation of loss when you don't get the phone calls from a beloved.