Jacob’s Lentils

IMAGE OF THE WEEK
© DURGA YAEL BERNHARD

Of all the sibling relationships in the Bible, most resonant for me is the relationship between Jacob and Esau.  I relate to both brothers.  As a child, I was like Jacob, intellectual and artistic, and in some ways stole attention from my sister.  As an adult, I was more like Esau, as my sister became an urban businesswoman, and I took on a rural lifestyle.  Like Esau, I have lived off the earth, growing my own food, making my own herbal medicines, and even bowhunting for wild game in my younger years.  I still sleep with deer and bear pelts on my bed.  So when Jacob dons his brother’s furs, I can relate.

Although there is no longer a formal birthright given to the firstborn, my sister and I still grapple with the dynamics that have drawn us together and driven us apart all our lives.  As with Jacob and Esau, there are intense highs and lows, peaks and valleys of love and loathing.  My painting strives to express this evolution between siblings – the joy and the agony of shared genes.

The original is acrylic and ink on special handmade watercolor paper.  This painting sold just a few weeks after I painted it.

Jacob’s Lentils is the image for November in my new calendar, The Jewish Eye 5778 / 2018 Calendar of ArtCalendars are now on sale in the new Jewish section of my website:  http://jewisheyeart.com:  $16 until the end of Sukkot, including shipping within the continental U.S.  $18 on Amazon.

The Jewish Eye Calendar of Art is like no other, and makes a thoughtful and inspiring gift for lovers of art.

A good week to all!

D Yael Bernhard
Author / Illustrator of
THE JEWISH EYE 2018 / 5778 Calendar of ArtNew!!
LOVE IS – a unique crossover book for all ages
THE LIFE OF AN OLIVEExplore the life of a 2000-year-old olive tree
JUST LIKE ME, CLIMBING A TREE: Exploring Trees Around the World
NEVER SAY A MEAN WORD AGAIN – A Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review;
winner of the Sydney Taylor Award and National Jewish Book Council Award
THE DREIDEL THAT WOULDN’T SPIN – A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah
WHILE YOU ARE SLEEPING – A Children’s Book Council Notable Book
A RIDE ON MOTHER’S BACK – An American Bookseller Assoc. Pick of the List
– and more!

 

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