Photo: Courtesy of Gail Rosenbloom Kaplan
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
My Judaica journey with the arts began when I was 19 years old, and a freshman at the School of Art at U of M. I was fortunate to get an internship at The Jewish Museum in New York City. I was given the opportunity to work one week in each of the departments. One rotation, I found myself polishing silver Torah breastplates for an upcoming exhibition. Originally sent to NY in 1938 by the elders of Danzig, Poland, who were conscious of the imminent destruction to their community at the hands of the Nazi, they shipped their treasures to the JTS for safekeeping. The agreement was that they had 15 years to reclaim their Judaica. Sadly, the community did not survive, and this collection eventually came to live at the Jewish Museum and was going to be exhibited, 34 years later, for the first time. I felt myself trembling as I knew then that I was touching something from a lost community. This memory, as vivid today as it was then, has inspired me throughout my journey as an artist.
What inspired you to become an artist?
From the time I was a child, I found art to be comforting. In early elementary my art teacher approached my mother and encouraged her to enrol me in art classes. The Detroit Institute of Arts and Cranbrook Academy of Art offered classes and my parents did not waste a minute.
What is your specialty?
I have worked in a variety of mediums including clay, glass mosaic, mixed media, and sand art. At present I am focused on my DIY beaded and sand art kits and community work.
How and where do you work?
I work in a studio built above my garage.
What is the most indispensable item in your studio?
My 36-inch paper cutter and my blue smock.
Where do you take your inspiration? Are you pursuing any themes?
I have the philosophy “if you make it, you will use it.” This inspired me to create the DIY YadaYadaYad Judaica Art kits. Starting with the yad, the idea was to personalize the B’nai Mitzvah celebration. I have grown the line to include Shabbat candlesticks, kiddush cups, mezuzahs, menorahs and more. I have also been inspired to work with the community. Together with my mosaic partner, we have designed and installed over 60 mosaics in schools, synagogues, libraries, community centers and hospitals.
What projects are you currently working on?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg DIY sand arts, a new DIY Chanukiah for Michigan PJ Library, and creating DIY projects that can be done at home, with YouTube videos and zoom session, bringing my studio into people’s homes during the pandemic.
What is your favourite item in your current collection?
My Holocaust Memory Sphere memorializing the Six Million is my personal favorite. I am proud to have had this on exhibition at the Holocaust Memorial Center, Zekelman Family Campus, in Michigan.
Photo: Courtesy of Gail Rosenbloom Kaplan
How do you know when a piece is finished?
While I often rework my pieces I emotional and visually recognize when they feel right to me.
What was the first artwork you ever sold?
I began my art journey as a clay artist where I created ‘trompe-l’oeil sculptures. The first major clay piece I sold was a Ceramic String Mop which was inspired by the movie Fantasia. It sold to a collector in Michigan.
Which project have you enjoyed working on the most so far?
I believe in the power of art to heal. The recent mosaic installation Children Chasing the Rainbow, for the new lobby of Children’s Hospital of Michigan is presently my most rewarding. We completed this on site with the help of patients, physicians, hospital staff and visitors. It warms me to know that this installation greets both patients, staff and the public with the message of hope.
What do you want to achieve with your work and what are your wishes for the future?
I have a new website offering DIY kits for personal use and community team building projects. I am expanding my offerings to corporate events and activities. I hope to continue my projects of community building and to grow them.
Where can we find your work?
Website: www.gailrosenbloomkaplan.com
Artist interview with Mitch Albom Live in the D: Heart of Detroit Gail Rosenbloom Kaplan – YouTube
Detroit Public Library Mosaic TV Interview Press Detroit Library Mosaics – YouTube
Website: www.grkartcreations.com
DIY Yad Making Video How to make your DIY Yad – YouTube
Photos: Courtesy of Gail Rosenbloom Kaplan
