16” by 16” framed 2005 Woven linen, rayon and paper. Embroidery with cotton, rayon and metallic threads. Pigment on cloth.

This series is based on a poetic response to the traditional Aramaic memorial prayer spoken in the home and synagogue, the Kaddish. This poem was written by Reverend MARK BELLETINI of Columbus, Ohio.

Each piece in my series is inspired by a line or phrase from the poem. Each piece has the complete poem written over and over on kozo paper. This paper has been folded and woven into the linen cloth.

Praise for Life.

Praise for all the senses of the body

reaching out and plucking the universe like an autumn apple.

Praise for the dream of justice here upon the earth,

equity and well being for the whole of humanity.

May our children’s children harvest the dreams

we plant in our brief lives.

Praise for Life.

Praise though all of our philosophies and explanations

trickle through the fingers of our experience like water.

Praise for Life.

Praise for it though it is brief before the lives of stars,

and the lives of worlds,

and the lives of even the trees that shade us.

Praise for Life.

Praise for the sacred power of remembrance.

Praise for the sacred power of forgiveness and letting go.

Praise for Life, the beginning, the middle and the amen of this prayer.

MARK BELLETINI