Client: Central Reform Congregation

Overview

Siona worked with Rabbi Talve to create a fifteen foot diameter ceramic floor that creates a journey drawing upon ancient and modern teachings. Inspired by the floor of the 4th century Bet Alpha synagogue in Israel the synagogue floor shows the astrological signs of the zodiac. As a Jewish woman born in Mumbai, Siona draws upon Hindu, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Catholic and Buddhist influences of her home. The blue figure is a symbol who belongs everywhere and nowhere. In solidarity with the stranger, who we are told to love, the blue makes room for all.

Goals

The final painting was executed with the help of the Rabbi who helped with the symbols and the stories which were incorporated into the final design.

Process

The artwork painting was done on a 3 foot circle using gouache, acrylic and gold paint. This painting was scanned and a large file was created of the image. The image was sent to Tile Artisans in Florida and they transferred the image onto water jet cut porcelain tiles that was then fired with the appropriate color balanced imaged from the scan of the actual painting. The final tiles were installed in the site by porcelain tile masons.