The Scales of Justice Through a Jewish Lens
Recently, my friend, Natalie, asked me to make her a custom illustration for her home. We talked about various themes she was interested in which included: Judaism, peace, balance, future generations, nature, habitats…So I sketched out some rough ideas to represent these concepts and shared them with her to help me narrow it down.
One of these ideas was an old fashioned style scale, a symbol which typically represents balance and justice. Natalie was drawn to this one because it reminded her of her late father who always had a statue of the scales of justice on his desk.
I had met Natalie’s dad years ago, but I didn’t know this about him. One thing I do remember is how affording he was about my art. Once back when we were both in college and on summer break, I visited Natalie at her parents place for a few days. In their home, there was a whiteboard on the wall. I think it was typically used for reminders and calendar events. But if you know me, you know, I can’t resist the draw of a whiteboard (or a paper or a napkin or an old piece of mail)…So I drew a little doodle on there as a thank you for a nice stay.
Months later, Natalie showed me that the drawing was still there. No one had erased it. It warmed my heart. And thinking about it now, it makes me smile again. I was always drawing even before I knew I wanted to “be an artist.”
Fast forward to today, I’m grateful I got to create another piece of art for Natalie’s home. In the piece, I included lots of symbolism. From the Magen David (Jewish star) to connect to Judaism, to the florals and leaves to represent love and harmony with nature. The roots to represent our connection to our ancestors digging deep and holding us up as we attempt to create peace and balance to support our future generations. And finally, the two little birds nestled in the scales, eyes focused on peace, to represent Natalie’s sons and the hope for our Jewish future.
I’m really proud of how it came out. Whether you are “into art” or not, the truth is, it has a way of bringing people together. Resurfacing old memories. And, hopefully, empowering us to be good to ourselves and to others. I look forward to making many more artworks that delight and inspire!
