The Wunderlich

Berne Israel was a Jewish sculptor, painter, sketch artist, illustrator, writer, potter, teacher, set designer, jewelry maker, wife, and mother of three. Her work was shown in galleries all over New York, and most of it was sold. But the relics that hang behind have given me a glimpse into the artistic powerhouse and dreamer that she was. Berne was my grandmother, and I never met her. Yet, she is the foundation for my artistic Jewish self. How can I know how to move forward without her guidance and expertise? I want to know what makes me, me. So I thought I would talk to her... In a series of vignettes, Berne and I try to converse using her imagery and artistry. I search her world to understand how Berne made her way, and, perhaps, how I can make mine.

Photos by Russell Chow