The first spiral, starting from the center, begins with the division of light and dark, the first day. This is followed with the next circle portraying the division of the waters. On the third day, dry land, grass, and trees become part of existence, followed by the sun, moon, and the stars on the fourth day. Life follows the beautiful habitat G-d created and, on the fifth day, you see the birds and fish. On the sixth day, animals, man and woman became part of the life force. This pictorial is surrounded by the Hebrew letters Shin, Bet, and Tav, which spell Shabbat. Shabbat, the seventh day, G-d rested.

This piece is distinct in its vibrant colors, intricate details, and deep symbolism. The original is painted in gouasche, and water based acrylics. "Creation" is a signed limited edition series of lithographs.

Why did I use a SPIRAL? Because the spiral is the essence of Judaism. To understand this, we must understand our culture. But, first let us put it in perspective with regards to other cultures.

Art is a medium/tool used to express our cultures. Eastern cultures express themselves with the circle. This can be seen visually in many forms. Architecturally, eastern cultures use many arches and domes. The crescent moon is often used to symbolize Moslem nations, and pita bread is baked in a round form. Many Eastern peoples believe in reincarnation and the cycles of lives.

Western cultures express themselves with a straight line. Western architecture is based on grids and skyscrapers. The predominant religion, Christianity, is represented by the Cross (two straight lines). The industrial revolution was able to develop because of the "linear" assembly line.

Judaism, on the other hand, can be visualized by a straight line going into a spiral. This is actually a combination of the senses. In todays society, however, we use senses completely separate from one another. The medium is the message - whatever sense we use defines how we will perceive the world. This is problematic, though, because by not using any one of our senses, we are distorting reality. That is why a blind person cannot go up to read from the Torah. But, did you ever notice how a blind person has better hearing, or a better sense of smell than the rest of us? A prophet is someone that can perceive the world with more that one sense simultaneously. Moses was a prophet. He "heard the images". According to the Zohar, "he could see with his eyes closed."

The drawn representation for seeing is linear (the light spectrum), while the drawn representation for hearing is based on a spiral (sound waves). Thus, western society can be seen as being based on sight (the visual), while eastern society is based on sound. The spiral in Judaism can be seen in many of it's tools. Tfillin, Tzetzit, Challah and the Havdallah Candle all incorporate the spiral. The central symbol in Judaism, the Menorah, is created from a line going into a spiral. Just picture this as if the top half of the spiral were cut off. The highest name of