Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I was born and raised in the Hasidic part of Williamsburg. Currently still living in Williamsburg with my wife and 5 lovely kids. I Went for Higher Education in Psychology, but ended up in real estate developments. After building a few projects, I decided to learn and practice art. Currently I am creating art full time since 2012.
What inspired you to become an artist?
As a child, I remember being flabbergasted by a diorama my cousin made for the holiday Sukes. I would stare into those little windows and get lost in that world. Until one day, I conjured up the courage to slip a few words to my little cousin, that I would love one day to do something like that. To my astonishment he did not laugh at the idea, he approached his older brother the artist, and low and behold he did not laugh either instead he suggested he will show me the tricks of the trade. From then on, I spent countless hours in another world, creating art.
What is your specialty?
Clay, wax, and mixed media.
How and where do you work?
For the past 7 years I worked in school, The Art Students League of New York, under many great teachers and artist.
Since the beginning of 2018 in a studio I opened in Williamsburg N.Y. where I work full time.
What is the most indispensable item in your studio?
The eyes and hands Hashem gave me to work with, and hopefully we’ll be able to use them for many many years to come.
And an old record player a friend parked in the studio to fill the space with some lovely Yiddish old lullabies.
Where do you take your inspiration? Are you pursuing any themes?
My inspiration comes from a love to Jewish history. As a young boy I used to read lots of tenach, I remember imagining myself being part of King David’s court.
Today my Passion is still in history and philosophy.
What projects are you currently working on?
A sculpture representing a Shamash waking up someone at the crack of dawn to attend the selichas prayer. The question is, is he waking the people or is he trying to wake himself up.
” The awakening”.
What is your favourite item in your current collection?
I would have to say the “Holy Tefelin”. It depicts a man clutching and kissing his tefelin, Our connection to God.
How do you know when a piece is finished?
A piece is never finished, you just stop working on it. Then you get to share it and it gets a life of its own. It is all about the viewer, what they feel, and what it means to them.
Do you do bespoke work?
So far, I did not do commissioned work, And, I really hope I will be able to afford this way in the future. When I work on a piece, I need to feel it and be passionate about its message.
What was the first artwork you ever sold?
For the past 8 years, I have been busy creating art, and was focusing on creating a collection before selling off. Now I have teamed up with a very good friend who will be my art agent.
Which project have you enjoyed working on the most so far?
It is a sad piece unfortunately. “6,000,000”
The Auschwitz piece was very technical and lots of details, Both of which I enjoyed immensely.
It is a sad piece but a powerful message, which I was honored with the “blue dot award”, at the Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery.
What do you want to achieve with your work and what are your wishes for the future?
It would be my greatest pleasure the work should reach a diverse audience and inspire yideshkiyt and kindness.
Where can we find your work? (Links of website, social media networks, etsy shop, etc.)
zalmenglauber.com and @ instagram.com/zglauber/
© Zalmen Glauber 
© Zalmen Glauber
