Jewish Art Today

When Bruce David first put his artistic creativity onto paper in 1979, it was not the insights or knowledge of a trained art student or seasoned professional that guided his hand. Even to this day, David confesses that his father was talked into helping him with his drawing projects, so that he could pass art classes in his early years. It wasn’t until his dedicated wife gave him a pad of paper and some colored pencils that the creative inspiration began to flow. “An artist is the last thing I thought I would be,” David admits, “I truly feel fortunate to have been given such a wonderful gift.”  Using this “gift,” Bruce David has been creating colorful and dynamic, unique, biblical, storytelling pictures, filled with hidden multi-dimensional symbolism for over 30 years. And his efforts have proven successful. Receiving educational awards and international acclaim, Bruce David’s art has found its way into the hearts and homes of communities around the world, as one of the leading Jewish artists of our time. When McGraw Hill publishers chose one living and one deceased Jewish artist to represent Judaism in one of their college textbooks, Bruce David was highlighted alongside of Marc Chagall. Addtionally, Hallmark Cards has used (and sold out of) multiple series of cards, utilizing David’s dynamic designs.

During the past 3 decades, Bruce David has strived to create meaningful art, which both reflects the beautiful and relevant aspects of Judaism, as well as serves as educational and inspirational tool for its viewers. “I want people to look at my art and develop an appreciation for Judaism and Israel. My hope is that it will help others increase their conscious awareness of who and what they are, and what it means to be Jewish,” he said. Working side-by-side with his wife, Diane, David has been developing an educational curriculum to use his art in an enlightening manner. It was not until this past spring, when his son graduated from college that his dreams began to manifest. Graduating from Indiana University with a business degree, David’s son, Joshua, agreed to rise to the challenge of turning those dreams into a reality. Over the course of the past 9 months, they have already been to San Francisco for a 2 month exhibit in the Fall, started a non-profit organization to support Jewish education, and are ready to launch their new user-friendly website (davidart.com). Working together, the father-son team has started a program to assist students and young professionals across the country in supplementing their cost of living. The New S.O.N.G. (Supporting Our Next Generations) Mitzvah Project allows individuals, schools, and organizations to support their fundraising and financial needs, by sharing Bruce David’s art in communities across the nation. “By supporting our next generation of Jewish students, we are not only helping them attain financial stability, thereby supporting their own efforts, but we are also spreading the important and relevant aspects of Judaism that benefit our world as a whole.”

Aside from trying to help our next generation financially and ideologically, David and his son have established a non-profit organization that will utilize David’s art for Jewish educational programming. The recently established non-profit, “Light of the Nations” (LOTNexperience.org) provides communities around the country with contemporary educational programming, through art, music, and uniquely crafted interactive experiences, allowing participants to experience Judaism through the senses. When asked about the programs, David’s son responded that, “our programs are designed to share the spirit, beauty, importance, and modern-day relevance of Judaism and its universally-oriented ideology. Our experiential art, music, meditation, discussion, and action-based programs engage participants in interactive experiences, designed to offer unique opportunities for individuals to reconnect with their Jewish identity and culture.” Though still in formation, Light of the Nations has achieved 501(c)(3) status, begun their fund raising efforts, and is already taking reservations for their day and weekend programming, beginning in 2011. Light of the Nations, temporarily has information on Bruce David’s website, but also has launched a new website of their own – LOTNexperience.org. For more information, take a look at Bruce David’s new website: davidart.com