ARTIST STATEMENT - SHALOM KELNER
Shalom Kelner - Israel
SHALOM KELNER Artist Statement The major idea that dictates my artistic work is twofold: it must possess considerable esthetic quality coupled with expression of meaning and content. My primary subjects deal with Jewish history and Jewish heritage, the Diaspora and the establishing of the Jewish State. The Hebrew alphabet is prominent in my work. The geometrical structure of the Hebrew letters provides me with infinite inspiration and challenge in its three dimensional interpretation. This challenge is compounded in more complex works when drawn from historical and Biblical themes. I also find interest in subjects such as the parts of the human body, animals, birds and abstracts as well. My preferred material is wood. To me it expresses friendliness and warmth. Some types of wood have interesting grain structure which contributes and participates in the shaping of the sculpture. I find the warmth of the wood and its qualities as fitting to my aspirations and personality. Glass, steel, led lights and stone are incorporated in some works. Casting a part of my works in bronze or other metals allows a deeper insight. A verbal description and background, in English and occasionally in Hebrew, is added to certain themes of my works when it is essential to convey their meaning. I have exhibited my work in single and group art shows in Israel and abroad.