Jennie Rivlin Roberts of ModernTribe.com recently interviewed me for Jewish Woman Magazine.  Here's the article:


Aimee Golant: Judaica Metalsmith
 
Aimee Golant is a sixth generation metalsmith working out of San Francisco, California. She has won many honors including the Jewish Museum of New York's acquisition of one of her evocative mezuzahs for its permanent collection and her Barbed Wire Mezuzah traveling into space on the Space Shuttle’s Columbia and Atlantis. Aimee has created Judaica to benefit Darfur, Sharsheret, the Paper Clips Project, and more. She teaches at several educational institutions in San Francisco, where she lives with her husband and son.
 
Q: You’ve been making Judaica since the beginning of your career as a metalsmith. Why did you choose to use your metal-smithing skills to make Jewish ritual items?
 
In early 1993, I was a sophomore at San Francisco State University in my second semester of Metal Art and Jewelry. The professor, Dawn Nakanishi, gave an assignment to use the hydraulic press. I designed three lockets: one with a peace-sign surrounded by petals, the next with a heart, and the third with a Jewish star encircled by barbed wire. I showed my designs to my professor who became both puzzled and concerned.
 
"I want you to express yourself without using a cliché.” Just like that, my professor rejected my project, encouraging me to dig deeper.
 
My grandfather is a Holocaust survivor and, along with most every male relative on that side of the family, was a machinist and tool and die maker. They owned a factory in Poland before the war, where they made the machines that made candles. I learned about my grandparents experience in the Holocaust while he taught me to work with metal.
 
Also at this time, I was taking a class called Holocaust and Genocide where I learned about the Holocaust. I went straight from that class to my metals class several times a week.
 
With the Holocaust, my grandfather’s legacy as a machinist, and desire to express peace and love without forgetting the bitterness of the Holocaust, the idea of making mezuzot materialized. I created my first die to make three different mezuzot. They had images of flames, jail bars, decay, and pointed barbed wire. I had many intense moments of tears and revelation.


 
Q. Do you find that non-Jews appreciate your work and “get” what you are doing?
 
When I finished the first set of mezuzot, I presented them to my class, telling them I loved using the metal in such a meaningful and permanent way; and by making mezuzot, I was preserving a tradition. "But," I asked, "how could there be a G-d when something like the Holocaust happens?" I burst into tears. I knew, in that moment, that this was my first true expression of art. Making Judaica gave me a sense that I could preserve tradition that might have been lost, had Hitler been successful in his endeavors. Nothing before had given me such intense meaning in my life.
 
Now, my favorite question when I go to art shows is “what is a mezuzah?” because it gives me the opportunity to share meaningful Jewish teachings with the world. The mezuzah has a universal message, and when I sell a mezuzah to a non-Jew, I feel I have just brought peace on Earth!  To give of ourselves, as Jews, is one thing we don’t do enough; the outside world doesn’t know who we are. Those words in that mezuzah, Jesus taught that. You don’t have to convert to have a mezuzah.  
 
Q: Where do you look for inspiration for new work?
 
I usually don't look for inspiration: I’m struck by it.  Sometimes, looking at antique Judaica makes me think of my own.  Sometimes, when designing mezuzot, architecture is important.  Many times, one piece leads to another: I will make one, then all these possibilities open up in my head as to how I can make related pieces.  So far, I am full of ideas.  Getting the time and means to make the pieces is more of a challenge. I may have some designs sitting in my sketchbook for years.  But usually, if a new piece is drawn out and it feels right, and I have the time, (now that I am a mom, this is even more challenging) I will start on it right away.
 
Q: I love that you work mostly NOT in sterling silver which is expensive and tarnishes. How did you choose to work with metal alternatives to silver for your Judaica?
 
First of all, I love the warm look of copper. I made the crown for the Woman's Torah Project Torah out of copper to convey warmth instead wealth, which I feel is conveyed by silver. I also adore physically working with copper, along with bits of gold and silver, as it helps contrast, both visually and economically, with the more expensive metals.
 
Q. What’s next for you?
 
I’m working on more wearable pieces, more Jewelry, maybe a series of Stars of David.

You can see the full line of Aimee Golant’s work on her website: www.aimeegolant.com


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My Grandmother once showed me a coin that she has been saving since 1945.  It has a great story that I would like to share with you.  After my grandparents survived the Holocaust they were one of the first to come by boat to New York.  They were here, staying with my grandmother's uncle for about a week when my grandfather got his first job.  He was hired at a gas station, he thought to be a mechanic.  Turns out he was pumping gas.  He did not last long at the job, since he was a skilled precision tool and die maker and quickly found other work.  But on his first week on the job pumping gas-- someone gave him a tip of this 1943 $0.50 piece. 

When he brought it home to my grandmother the two of them sat in amazement.  It was a huge tip for then-- enough for a week's groceries a tank of gas, etc.....  Sometimes life is made up of these magical moments.  After surviving 6 years of concentration camps, I think this tip meant a little something extra to them.  Perhaps it was a confirmation of freedom, perhaps it was a good omen for the many happy years they would have together raising a family in the US.

Who knows?  But my grandma saved the coin all this time, and shared the great story with us. When she told it, she said that she wanted to be buried with the coin.  Although we all were sad when she said this  I decided to make her a locket so if she wanted to, she could wear the coin.

 

Hi everybody,

Here's a selection of my original heart shaped jewelry handmade for Valentine's Day or anytime.  We love custom orders and welcome your ideas. Happy browsing!  If you have questions, don't hesitate to email me at info@aimeegolant.com.  For more information about my work visit my website at www.aimeegolant.com.

My Best,

Aimee

Silver, Copper and 22K gold spiral heart ring.  Custom made.  Click here to shop and find out more information.

Silver Copper and 22K gold spiral heart earrings.  Click here to shop and find out more information.

Silver, steel and gold plated wire earrings.  Click here to shop and find out more information.

Spiral Heart Belt Buckle in Pewter.  Click here to shop and get more information.

Copper and silver heart ring.  email Aimee for more information: info@aimeegolant.com

Please join me on January 24th from 12-3:30 at the "Cartier in America" Exhibit at the Legion of Honor, San Francisco, CA.  I will be doing live hands on jewelry making demonstrations-- specifically stone setting.  Here are some pieces that I will be working on.  Hope to see you there!





Here are some images from the event:





I was setting stones in the hinged bracelet....

This mezuzah was created in the spirit of spiritual diversity.  The three distinct sections-- two outer portions (one with texture and one smooth) and a central domed section-- represent the hope that individuals, families, and communities with differing ages, backgrounds, and religious beliefs can come together and be welcomed in a central spiritual space.  The upward movement and shape of the mezuzah reminds me of the concept of Aliyah or raising ourselves upward -- creating a special sacred space while maintaining a down to earth mentality. 

Here are the progress pictures, starting with the drawing up to the finished master in copper.



3/4 view concept drawing



Domed portion is soldered on, frame is created.



Geoff Ludwig is adding the stippling texture.



Texture complete, now to finish up the piece.




Here is the finished master. 

Stay tuned for the replicas which will be available for sale at the exhibition sponsered by The Metal Arts Guild: Urban Renaissance:  New Visions in Jewelry and Sculpture
Opening Reception November 13th 6 - 8 p.m.
ACCI Gallery, Berkeley CA

Here's the finished piece, also available on my etsy page:

Aviva Mezuzah: The dimensions are 4.5 x 1 x .5"

The original silver mezuzah was commissioned to honor one of the first female cantors in Los Angeles - Cantor Aviva Rosenbloom.  She was my Bat Mitzvah teacher and she officiated the wedding of David and I.  Needless to say she is special to so many, not just me. 

The high quality silver and tin alloy replicas are for sale and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Los Angeles based non-profit Aviva Center's high school for girls needing special education.  

The petals of the shin flower are open revealing the Torah inside.  The mezuzah comes with an informational artist's card, hanging instructions, a paper scroll, and nails. Click the picture for more information.  Kosher scrolls and gift wrap are also available.

Check out the Story on NPR's The California Report 5/15/09 4:30 - 5:00, 6:30 -7:00!

Here's the scoop:

Mezuzah in Space a Second Time

    A replica of the Barbed Wire Mezuzah by artist Aimee Golant has gone into space with Astronaut Mike Massimino in order to honor the life of the first Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon. The mezuzah will make the voyage to the Hubble Telescope on the Atlantis Space Shuttle.

    The mezuzah, commissioned by the 1939 Club in Los Angeles, accompanied Ilan Ramon and was destroyed in the Columbia Space Shuttle crash in January of 2003.  Ramon was a child of Holocaust survivors, and as the first Israeli astronaut, he wanted to bring an artifact into space that commemorated the Holocaust. 

    In search of the right object, he approached The1939 Club, a group of Holocaust survivors and their families in Los Angeles. Golant’s family are Holocaust Survivors and members of the 1939 Club.  When they heard about Ramon’s quest, they recommended that Golant submit a picture of the mezuzah for consideration and the board approved.

    After the crash the 1939 Club commissioned Golant to make another “Barbed Wire Mezuzah” to give to Ramon’s widow, Rona, as a gift.  Mike Massimino was in flight school with Ramon and wanted something special to commemorate his friend on his next voyage into space.  Ms. Ramon recommended another “Barbed Wire Mezuzah.”  The 1939 Club asked Golant if she would be willing to replicate the piece.  She recreated it in April of 2008 and donated the mezuzah for the flight.

    In Jewish tradition, the mezuzah is a statement of faith, written in Hebrew on a tiny scroll contained in a decorative case fixed to the front doorpost.  It reminds us of our oneness with all people, and our responsibility to honor G-d by upholding and teaching the values of loving kindness, truth and compassion.  Our home becomes a sanctuary, bringing the hope of a better world.  

   Aimee Golant is a 6th generation metal artist and a grandchild of Holocaust survivors. She creates contemporary Judaic art in order to preserve, share and illuminate the universal within Judaism. She has been creating Judaica since she was in college at San Francisco State University in 1992. Her evocative an award-winning judaica is exhibited nationally and included permanent collection at the Jewish Museum of New York. Aimee is currently partnering with many non-profits to raise funds for philanthropic causes through her art, including the Holocaust and Diversity programs at Whitwell Middle School in Tennessee home of the famous documentary Paper Clips.

WOMEN'S TORAH PROJECT

TORAH CROWNS

Artist's Statement

CROWNING  OUR PAST,  PRESENT AND FUTURE       

I have designed crowns to reflect the bold new direction taken

by the Women's Torah Project, which opens the door for

women to break the time-honored tradition that allows only

men to scribe the Torah.  

These Torah adornments combine the best of tradition,

starting with the pomegranate, the sacred Shiv'at Ha-Minim

mentioned in Exodus as the symbol of both righteousness

and fruitfulness, here shown in warm earth tone materials - 

copper and a brown diamond, accented with silver and 22k gold.

At the same time I have created a clean, purposeful and

sculptural design which is intentionally contemporary

and reflective of the dialogue evoked by the Project.   

In my own life, as a grandchild of Holocaust survivors, and 

full time metal artist, I have devoted my artistic career to making

Judaica that will preserve, illuminate and share Jewish traditions while honoring

women building pathways to new and exciting futures.

Here is the new Seder plate.  It is a hand crafted replica of an original one-of-a-kind designed by Aimee.  It is made of a high quality silver and tin alloy in her San Francisco studio.