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Perek
Shira (Verse of Song)
Perek Shira is one of the oldest
texts of Merkabah mysticism which had its flowering in the
early centuries of the Common Era. Once ubiquitous, these “songs”
were a required morning recitation – a continuation of the
Modeh Anee; as the former is a human prayer thanking God
for a new day of life, Perek Shira gave nature a voice to
poetically extol its having been created.
Perek Shira is a collection of
eighty-two verses or “songs” taken from various
books of the Old Testament. Each begins by identifying that aspect
of nature singing followed by the biblical verse referring
to its characteristics. For example, “The cat says: ‘I
have pursued my enemies and overtaken them: Neither did I turn back
till they were consumed.’ ” (Psalms, verse 18:38). Many
of the verses are clear while others remain incomprehensible as
to why they were chosen.
Concern for environmental and wildlife
preservation has been a long time focus for me. It is
through these songs that I have found my own interpretive means
for conveying the essence of those speaking and open the viewer
to the divine voice and ever present beauty of God’s universe.
Portraits
Portraiture has been a long-time artistic
love of mine, especially when I can add a touch of
fantasy to the mixture. Either way, straight or fantastical, capturing
the inner essence of each
face I draw is a beautiful challenge and an enchanting process.
Frances Oelbaum
EDUCATION
PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN NYC
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN
Providence, R.I.
RELATED WORK
EXPERIENCE
FREELANCE: Book and Editorial Illustration
Clients Include: Life Magazine, MGM/UA, New York Times,
Circle Repertory Company, United Artists, Leber Katz, Grey Advertising,
Knoll International, Double Day Publishing, Henri Bendel, Bantam
Books, Cinema 5, Scholastic Publications, New York Magazine, Columbia
Pictures, Paramount, Saks Fifth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall, Harper
and Rowe Publishers, CBS Video, Dodd Mead Publishers, Mobil Oil
Corp.
AWARDS, SYMPOSIUMS,
EXHIBITIONS
HEBREW UNION COLLEGE and THE INSTITUTE
FOR CONTEMPORARY MIDRASH
Invited to participate on a creative panel and to present my work
on “Perek Shira”
MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR JEWISH CULTURE
Fellowship Grant awarded for “Perek Shira”
LIVING TEXT - THE JOURNAL FOR CONTEMPORARY
MIDRASH: Winter Edition
Featured Artist
SOCIETY of ILLUSTRATORS 128 E.
63rd Street NYC
Chosen to participate in a one-month show featuring self-portraits
SOHO20 GALLERY: One-Woman Show
545 Broadway NYC
Presented 25 drawings from “Perek Shira”
WARD-NASSE GALLERY 178 Prince
Street NYC
Presented 6 drawings from “Perek Shira
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