Chamsa Jewel - Orange Eye

Stained Glass on Linocut 3 layers reduction, size 9.5" x 12.5", 2006

In the mixed-media Chamsa Series, I mainly explored the combination of Stained Glass and Linocut printmaking. Traditionally the Stained Glass sun catcher is hanged over a window for a back source of light to illuminate the glass. Here I tried to incorporate the Stained Glass Chamsa within the picture, complimenting the different glass colors and texture by the colors and textures used in the linocut prints.

I first designed one Stained Glass Chamsa, than started the process of reduction Lino cutting, first defining the boarders and the Chamsa position, and than adding swirls all around. Once I had a number of interesting prints, with different color and texture combinations, I selected the glass that will compliment them, and constructed the rest of the Stained Glass Chamsas. The Stained Glass solder was left silver in some of the Chamsas, creating a jeweled effect, or finished with black patina to create a more graphical effect. Each Chamsa was then mounted on the print and a foam board, then framed in a custom shadow box frame.