“Laughter is heard further than weeping” shiva box

1995

In collaboration with Alfred Engerer (glass artist), Carole Payne  (book artist), and Janis Rapoport (poet)

The idea came from hearing many quite humorous stories about my grandfather at his shiva, and then failing to write them down.

This box is made to hold the powerful, healing anecdotes that are brought to a shiva. Two compartments accommodate written messages, cards, audiotapes, photos and small memorabilia.

References to “four” recur in this work, including forty lines in Janis’ poem, the four stages of a person’s life, the balance of a square, and the four elements.The Elizabethan four elements are represented by the glass pieces which make a transition between the experiences surrounding death and the reflections which help us affirm life:

• earth / rock / “We mourn”;
• water / shell / “We remember”;
• air / feather / “We laugh”;
• fire / sun / “We celebrate”.

Favourable responses prompted me to create a limited edition version, which is available for purchase in the Boutique.

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