Lori Charnow is excited to share her love for reverse painting and creating one of a kind beautifully functional objects! She offers Reverse Painting workshops to the public and is interested in partnering with local non-profits and other organizations to help raise funds by combining them with a fundraising show of her work. While her work is grounded in Judaic customs or tradition, she create pieces that are relevant to clients of all backgrounds expressing universal values of family, friendship, and community. She offers pieces with or without Hebrew, in English only, and is thrilled when asked to create pieces in other languages! It’s exciting and rewarding to offer clients an opportunity to provide custom messages in any language with text they provide. The Rickie Report shares the details and a short interview with Lori. We urge non-profits and groups to contact her and reserve time for a workshop!
For Class Information Click Here
“My work has been enhanced and expanded by a diverse clientele who have allowed me to express their own cultures and heritage”
~ Lori Charnow
TRR: Is your work solely Judaica?
LC:
While most of my work is grounded in Judaic customs or tradition, I create pieces that are relevant to clients of all backgrounds expressing universal values of family, friendship, and community. I offer most of my pieces with or without Hebrew and several are in English only. I am also thrilled when asked to create pieces in other languages! It is exciting and rewarding to be able to offer clients the opportunity to provide custom messages in virtually any language with text they provide.
To see more Pendants Click Here
To see More Platters Click Here
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Lori (Leah), has roots in two distinct Jewish cultures as the daughter of first generation Americans whose families immigrated from Russia (on her father’s side) and Turkey (on her mother’s). As a child, she enjoyed the unparalleled experience of old world Sephardi and Ashkenazi customs in her grandparents and great-grandparents homes. This background gives her an enthusiasm to share her cultural roots with her family and friends and has led her to create unique pieces of art to enhance the rituals of both cultures. As a teacher of children and adults, Leah uses her knowledge and life experience to add to the vast richness of Jewish culture and traditions. She hopes that her work will inspire others to reach back and bring their own histories into the present, fostering the Jewish mandate of l’dor va dor ( from generation to generation).
To see more Blessing Bags Click Here
Lori shares, “I am a teacher and self-taught painter who became a Judaic artist. My journey began as a way to share traditions that were brought to this country by my great-grandparents and passed down to my children through me. I use my art to express the beautiful and varied traditions of the Jewish people. Through the years my work has been greatly enhanced and expanded by a diverse clientele who have allowed me to express their own cultures and heritage using my art form to create one-of-a-kind pieces for their homes, friends and family. My pieces are designed to accessorize and enhance all family celebrations, holidays and milestones”.
To see the Rosh Hashana Collection Click Here
TRR: Why do you call it Living Art?
LC:
Two reasons…
Ten years ago I taught myself to paint in reverse to create unique, colorful, decorative and functional “artware” which I call Living Art by Leah.
First, this is art for living – functional, practical pieces that you can use and enjoy every day to serve food or hold items, or simply to display. They are food safe and washable, making them easy to incorporate into your everyday life and adding a pop of something special to everything you do.
The second reason is that I design each piece with the hope that my art will help to bring the vast and wonderful legacy of our Jewish ancestry to life! Every piece touches upon a tradition or aspect of Jewish living, making it easy to share Jewish culture and tradition with family and friends. Most pieces include translations or transliteration to make the Hebrew and the traditions relevant and meaningful for all.
This is art that tells the story of a living people, rooted in an ancient heritage but reaching out to embrace future generations in a colorful, approachable, and understandable way. I hope that these pieces will become cherished family heirlooms, woven into your own customs, traditions, and celebrations!
For Mah Jongg Mezuzah Click Here
TRR: Is your name Leah or Lori?
LC:
Yes! My legal name is Lori. My Hebrew name is Leah. When I began painting Judaica, I felt drawn to my Jewish roots and identity, so I started signing my work with my Hebrew name, in Hebrew script and transliterated, so that those who couldn’t read Hebrew would still be able to read my signature.
TRR: Why do you paint backwards?
LC:
I wanted to put the art behind the glass so no one would be afraid to use the pieces. I taught myself to paint and write in reverse layers and backwards. The resulting artwork, usually created on a piece of functional glassware, is trapped between the protective glass in front and the additional layers of paint behind the artwork. Then each piece is baked to a delicate permanence so they are food safe and washable.
To Create Your Own Class Click Here
For More Color & Design Information Click Here
TRR: Give us an overview of one of your reverse painting workshops:
LC:
I start by offering choices of the objects that are going to be painted themselves ( a jewelry pendant, platter, small bowl, mezuzah, tea light holders, etc.) The beginning of the workshop is learning how to reverse paint and understand how to add layers from behind so they pop when you’re looking at the object straight on. If English or Hebrew calligraphy is involved, I create it as you request, because it takes a steady hand and lots of hours of practice to do calligraphy backwards! Once you finish painting your object, I take it to my studio to back each piece with two additional layers of paint and then bake it. This ensures the delicate permanent finish of all Living Art by Leah pieces, protects the artwork, and makes each piece functional and food safe. Before each workshop, we arrange for a central pick-up location of your group’s choice, making it easy for participants to get their finished pieces. A typical workshop lasts 2-3 hours.
For Class Projects Click Here
TRR: If I place an online order, is the piece shown on your website the one that will arrive at my home?
LC:
Yes, and no. Every piece shown is an actual piece painted in the design selected and it is representative of other pieces painted in the same design. My designs are original and handpainted one at a time. While the elements of each design are incorporated on every new piece, there will be differences in how the final product appears. As with any original artwork, no two pieces are exactly identical. You can get a clear idea of what a design will look on the Color & Design page of my website. Click on any design image to read about the colors and elements of the design and to see examples of items painted using that design. If you want to see the exact piece that will be shipped to you, contact me directly and I will be happy to send you pictures before your order ships.
For More Mezuzah Information Click Here
TRR: Where can I see your work?
LC:
I am a resident of Wellington, in Palm Beach County, FL. Currently, my work is for sale online and in a few Judaica shops across the country, mostly in Florida. If you happen to be in Florida or the Southeast region, you may see me in a tent or booth, as I do appear at some local art shows and events from time to time. I also showcase my work periodically at conventions and other large meetings around the US, mostly on the East Coast. I meet clients locally by appointment, and I just recently added a virtual studio space where we can meet face to face no matter where you reside! Click on the Contact Us tab on the menu bar for more information or to make an in person or virtual appointment. You can find my work in a sprinkling of fine shops around the US including The Jewish Museum Gift Shop, NY,NY. and Temple Torat Emet Sisterhood Judaica Shop, Boynton Beach, FL.
For Details About Custom Gifts Click Here
TRR: Tell us about your wholesale accounts and the time to complete an order, including shipping.
LC:
I have some wholesale clients and I would love to discuss the possibility of my work being added to your shop or venue. Please reach out to me and we can discuss further…
I fill orders as quickly as possible, but it does take time to paint each piece and allow for adequate drying and baking. Please contact me when you place your order to let me know if you need an item right away, and I will do my best to accommodate you. In general ~ If the piece that you ordered is currently in inventory, it should take approximately one week to ten days from your order date to arrive to you, depending on where you live. You will be notified via email when your order ships. Please allow 2-4 week lead time for all custom pieces, such as Family Trees or other one of a kind items, as these require several approval checks throughout the creation process. Of course, we all know that sometimes we just need to get something quickly. Contact me directly to check availability and/or lead times, or for suggestions on items that can be shipped immediately.
I’d like to say I ship everywhere, and hopefully someday soon I will. Right now, shipping is regularly available within the US only, but I will look into international shipping on a case by case basis. Please contact me directly for more information. My standard shipping method is currently Priority Mail from the US Postal Service, which typically takes 3-5 business days. If you need something faster, please contact me for quicker shipping options and cost. All shipping rates and delivery estimates are based on the USPS regional price scale and delivery time table.
* Each piece of Living Art by Leah is part of a growing collection, perfect for building your own traditions for gift giving, holiday celebration, and adding art to everyday life.
* Everything is available in colorful contemporary designs to enhance or complement any decor or setting.
* You can choose the language in each design ( English, Hebrew, or one of your own choosing)
Pendants
Prism Mezuzahs * Blessing Bags
Blessings on functional pieces, suitable for display or use
Freeform tea light menorah
Platters and bowls – available individually and in sets
Candlesticks and tea light holders
Challah Trays * Kiddush Cups
Hamsas
Traditional and deconstructed Seder plates
Please check her website often to see what’s new!
For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:
Rickie Leiter, Publisher
11676 SW River Crossing Place, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
