Blog

Welcome to My Workshop: Carving Memory from Wood and Story

My work begins long before a knife touches the wood. It starts in the pages of the books that have preserved the texture and humanity of Eastern European Jewish life — books that have become my references, my inspiration, and my bridge to a world that no longer exists. A Vanished World by Roman Vishniac and Photographing the Jewish Nation from S. An‑Sky’s expeditions offer a vivid visual record of the people, gestures, and daily rhythms of the shtetl. Their photographs guide my hand as I carve, helping me capture the posture, expression, and quiet dignity of lives once lived in small, close‑knit communities.

Alongside these visual archives, The Golden Age Shtetl has shaped the spirit behind my work. It reminds me that the shtetl was not only marked by hardship but also by creativity, humor, and a deep sense of cultural richness. That perspective allows me to carve with a sense of celebration as well as remembrance — to honor not just what was lost, but what was vibrant and enduring.

Using only knives and gouges, I try to give form to these stories. Each cut becomes a small act of cultural memory, a way of preserving the warmth, resilience, and humanity captured in those books. My carvings are not simply objects; they are a continuation of a narrative that deserves to be held, seen, and passed forward.

This website is where I share that journey — the books that inspire me, the figures they bring to life, and the heritage that ties them together. Whether you’re drawn to Jewish history, folk art, or the beauty of handmade work, I’m glad you’re here. May these carvings help keep a vanished world present in our own.