Meet The Artist: Yehudis Jacobowitz of Hidur Design Works

Yehudis Jacobowitz is a visual artist and graphic designer. Her studio Hidur Design Works specializes in the exploration and development of new and innovative forms of artistic and high-quality Judaica, product designs and art.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I was born and raised in Europe and moved to Israel with my family in 2006 to live a life deeper rooted in our Jewish identity. Today our children are grown — our daughter is currently traveling the world, our son just finished his IDF service.

I was involved in the arts since very early childhood and originally planned to become a classical musician. I had just gotten ready to study classical guitar at the conservatory when, as it so often happens, life took a few different turns and I ended up in the visual arts. So, I studied art, design and visual communications at the Academy of Art in Munich, Germany, and am working as a graphic designer and artist now for over 20 years. Shortly after I graduated, I was offered a teaching position for graphic and design at a renown media academy in Munich, and — also after making Aliyaa — continued to teach here in Israel at private academies in Jerusalem as well as taking on private students and giving workshops on creativity and creative leadership.

Why do you do what you do and how did you get started in the first place?

I guess I am not really made for doing anything else but an artistic profession.

The ideas for my Hidur Design product line, in particular, are the result of a process that got kickstarted after our Aliya. I started studying the available religious art and Judaica here in Israel and drew a number of conclusions of what I think is lacking in the graphic design sector. So, I focus on the product development of concepts and ideas that were and are not out there in the market yet. It’s a challenging road to travel because you have to introduce people to new ideas — never an easy endeavor.

What is your specialty?

I think my specialty is to be a rather versatile artist. I feel equally comfortable to work with a pencil on paper or a brush on canvas or a computer, depending on what the artwork or design requires.

How and where do you work?

I am a freelancer and work from my home based studio.

What is the most indispensable item in your studio?

Myself. As I work in different fields, whether it is classical painting or computer graphics or product development, it all starts with the inspiration and the idea.

Where do you take your inspiration? Are you pursuing any themes

Inspiration is everywhere. It happens everywhere and anytime.
I think my major theme is identity, with a personal focus on Jewish identity that I try to explore through my art.

What projects are you currently working on?

Finishing a painting of Rabbi Carlebach that I had abandoned for a while and am now coming back to with a number of changes and additions. It is part of a series called „The House of Love and Prayer“, where I try to add a new, more modern artistic perspective to the tradition of Rabbinical portraits that are available as high quality wall art reproductions in a limited edition.

What is/are your favourite item/s in your current collection?

Oh, that’s almost impossible for me to answer. I guess, it’s always the work I am presently working on. But when I have reached the point of feeling done and satisfied with a work of art or design, I like them all equally as long as they manage to convey a hint of the process and idea that built its foundation.

How do you know when a piece is finished?

I am not sure anything is ever finished.

But over the years I observed that I follow a certain rhythm when it comes to the point of knowing, which is when the work can »survive« me looking at it for at least a week. In most cases, after the first decision of thinking that I am finished (which is usually an illusion, but you have to start somewhere … ) , I still make additions or small changes in the days to come.

The other day I reworked a painting of Rav Soloveitchik I thought I had »finished« two years ago. It’s all relative …

Do you do bespoke work?

Yes.

What was the first artwork you ever sold?

If I recall correctly, it was a wood print from my series of Haggada illustrations.

Which project have you enjoyed working on the most so far?

Always the one I am working on at the moment.

What do you want to achieve with your work and what are your wishes for the future?

I named my company Hidur Design Works based on the Jewish concept of Hidur Mitzvah. In the Hebrew language, the meaning and purpose of the act of Hidur are to enrich, enhance and uplift our lives through Judaism as a way of life. By Hidur Mitzvot – the beautification of good deeds as well as religious practices and rituals – we transform our daily routine from the ordinary to the sublime.

I would like art and aesthetics to become a greater part of our lives again because it makes us better people. Or as the famous American (Jewish) designer Paul Rand once said:

»Withouth aesthetics, you can’t find the truth.«

That about sums it up. And I would like the art and products and designs I develop and create to add to that and help people on that journey.

Where can we find your work?

Hidur Design Works

The Creativity Hub (for workshops and teaching)

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