שמיני |Sh’mini

Laya Crust, Canada

There are a few groupings of flames in this painting. The acceptable flames of offering are rendered in reds, oranges, and yellows. The flames wind up to heaven and ultimately turn into gold. God sends down heavenly flames to meet the earthly ones. These ethereal flames are bordered by darker flames rendered in burnt orange, burgundy, red, and yellow ochre. The darker flames die and disappear before reaching heaven. As we learn and create, we strive to make our prayers and our lives like the flames that will reach to heaven and become golden. We endeavor to leave behind the actions and thoughts that are not well formed. By striving for integrity, truth, and compassion, we reach toward sanctity in our lives like the golden flames before us.

Professional Background  Laya Crust is an internationally recognized artist creating art in a variety of media. Foremost a painter, she also works in clay, fabric, and glass, collaborating with other artists to express her unique ideas. Her works have been installed in buildings throughout the world including the Union of Reform Judaism headquarters in Manhattan. She maintains a studio in Toronto, Canada.