Sacred Light

Medium: Black and white pencils on paper 2023
Size: 10x16in

“Love is eternal sacred light, free from the shackles of time.”
That lyric from a Paul Simon song stayed with me as I finished this piece—so much so, it gave the drawing its name.

This work came to life in the early weeks of the war here. Tensions were high, the grief was raw, and the overwhelming noise online made everything feel even more isolating. I had distanced myself from many former collaborators whose responses felt like another kind of rupture.

Around the time this photo was sent to me by the model drawn here, she told me her church had just started praying for Israel. It was the early days of the war. Everything felt raw and isolating. Much of the online world was loud, polarized, and painful. I had unfollowed many of my former muses—people whose reactions felt like yet another rupture.

And then, something different: a quiet gesture that cut through the noise. She later sent me a link to the church service, and I listened as I drew. The music, the sincerity of the singing, even the sermon—rooted in the story of Jacob and Esau—felt oddly familiar, almost like something I might hear from a rabbi. It reminded me of the kind of spiritual warmth I’ve only encountered in certain Jewish communities here—especially the egalitarian Orthodox one my American family joined after moving to Israel.

While working, I found myself thinking of this piece as a “religious drawing”—not in a doctrinal sense, but in the way it holds reverence. For light, for softness, for the shared stillness between people trying to carry something sacred through chaos.

The drawing was eventually purchased by a New York-based photographer. When it arrived, he messaged me:

“Just received your beautiful drawing. Thank you very much. As soon as I can I would love to purchase another. Beautiful artwork!!!”