I find religion fascinating and symbols of the religion and the meaning behind them intriguing. As I traveled throughout the east coast a few years back and had the lovely opportunity to meet new Jewish art collectors, I became even more fascinated with the Jewish culture. Upon my research I was inspired to paint this piece.
I am in no way an authority on the Star of David but this is my artist rendition to honor the trials that these people have suffered and to celebrate the tenacity to survive horrific historical situations while continuing to believe in the power of their faith.
My colors of choice, Blue for the Star, to signify the Truth, Integrity and Honesty. Yellow-Orange Heart for spiritual belief, remembrance to those that lost their life and honoring the belief in the shield and power of god. Yellow to honor the badge of honor. Magenta to honor the Jewish men, women & children that suffered because of insane discrimination. And to remind us to respect and honor another’s belief and take the time to understand and not JUDGE.
History: Symbol, or symbolon, is the word that was used in ancient Greece to indicate the two halves of a tablet or token that was usually divided by two different persons to affirm a commitment to hospitality. But through the evolution of the language and through time the word itself acquired many different meanings and connotations.
Symbols are essential elements to the process of communication and can be found in countless varieties through human existence and human knowledge. Many symbols are recognized internationally, but sometimes they are only understood inside of a context, culture or group mindset.
A symbol is something that represents an idea, a process, or a physical entity. The purpose of a symbol is to communicate meaning.
Star of David, Hebrew Magen David (“Shield of David”), Magen also spelled Mogen, Jewish symbol composed of two overlaid equilateral triangles that form a six-pointed star. ... Kabbalists popularized the use of the symbol as a protection against evil spirits. ( Kabbalism Ancient traditional interpretation of the Bible)
The Star of David is also associated with the darkest hours of Jewish history: under Nazi-occupied Europe, Jews were forced to wear the yellow badge with Jude inscribed in the middle of the six-pointed star. Since the foundation of the state of Israel in 1948, the Star of David is also incorporated on the country’s national flag and remains, as of today, one of the most defining and widespread symbols of Judaism.
The symbol thus generally represents the merging of the male and the female, and, the elements of fire and water, respectively. The Star of David also appears in the architecture of Mormon places of worship, where it symbolizes the union of heaven and earth, with God reaching down to man and man reaching up to God.
