Esther Sherrow

Interconnectivity in a Matchbox

2019

My matchbox holds a two-sided screen playing with negative space, colors, transparency, and opaqueness. The vocabulary is interconnectivity because it is everywhere, it is my guide. Making the box reminded me of a time, years back, when I was making pieces that folded in on themselves, inspired by a Jewish high holiday service. The doors of the richly carved Arc folded back to reveal sheer curtains, which drew away to expose the Torah housed within, which itself was enrobed in burgundy velour and gold embroidery that was unrolled to divulge an aesthetically beautiful scripture to be graced by the yod. Extraordinary, the unwrapping of an exquisite gift held within. Yet mine is but a matchbox.