Photo: Courtesy of Robin Rotfleisch
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
My name is Robin Rotfleisch and I live in Kfar Saba, Israel with my husband Meir. I’m originally from New Jersey and made Aliya close to 48 years ago.
For as long as I can remember, I have always been in love with working with my hands. It all started about the age of 8 when my Grandmother z”l taught me how to use her sewing machine and I started to make clothes for my Barbie doll!
From there I “graduated” to beaded jewellery. 20 years ago, I was introduced to Polymer Clay. I fell in love with it and started creating Judaica along with my beaded jewellery. I was asked to join a collective crafts artist shop in Jerusalem, but unfortunately, due to the second Intifada, we were forced to close our doors, all of the tourists disappeared! I exported my Judaica work for a while, but had to stop for personal reasons.
What inspired you to become an artist?
Working with my hands and my passion for making beautiful creations that people love.
What is your specialty?
Polymer Clay Judaica.
How and where do you work?
I work from my studio at home
What is the most indispensable item in your studio?
Polymer Clay
Where do you take your inspiration? Are you pursuing any themes?
My Inspiration comes from G-d! My love for trying new techniques and incorporating other modalities into the clay keeps me awake at night!
Currently I am in an abstract phase, but am always on the search for new ideas.
Do you do bespoke work?
I am always open to making custom Mezuzot, Hamsot, etc., according to a client’s request- both in colour and style.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently building a collection of Floral Abstract patterns to incorporate into my work, although if I get an idea, I often have to try it out on the spot no matter what I’m in the middle of.
What is your favourite item in your current collection?
That is a hard one, because I love all of my creations, and don’t play favourites!
How do you know when a piece is finished?
A piece is finished when I’m satisfied that all of the details are in place to my liking. I sometimes ask my hubby to take a look because he has a good eye.
What was the first artwork you ever sold?
If we are talking about Judaica, then an antiqued looking Mezuzah made from Polymer Clay.
Which project have you enjoyed working on the most so far?
I think it is the new Floral Abstract patterns that I am currently working on. Just sit me down at my work bench, and I’m happy!
What do you want to achieve with your work and what are your wishes for the future?
I want people to recognize that putting up a Mezuzah on their doorpost does not have to be an old style plastic case, but something decorative and even fun to see. My aim is to create Mezuzot not only for the “front door” but for all of the doorways in the house.
Where can we find your work? You can see my work at:
https://judaica-n-more.com
And my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/JudaicaNMore/
Photos: Courtesy of Robin Rotfleisch
