Yair Emanuel

Multi color painted Laser Cut Bowl. Signed by artist.

2020

Background Yair Emanuel was born on Kibbutz Shaalvim, a religious kibbutz in central Israel. His orthodox family later moved to Jerusalem where he grew up. Even though he now has a more liberal perspective on Judaism, Yair’s religious upbringing still influences his art and design. Themes Yair Emanuel went to the prestigious Bezelel Academy of Art and Design to study art. Since leaving art school he has developed his own style, working mostly in wood and textiles, especially silk. He also paints on raw silk, using appliqué and embroidery to produce the effects he wants. He uses Jewish themes such as the biblical seven species:- wheat, barley, grapes, olives, figs, pomegranates and dates as inspiration for his designs. Yair Emanuel's designs are also influenced by his location - Jerusalem, the city of gold, the holy city. [Wood and Textiles Yair designs both ritual religious objects in decorated painted wood such as Chanukah menorahs, Havdalah sets, Challah boards and Kiddush cups, in addition to regular tableware like bowls and napkin rings. His textiles, like his silk tallits, kippot in a variety of fabrics, and decorative tapestry wall hangings, have made him extremely popular. Yair Emanuel is now considered one of the foremost contemporary Judaic designers. Studio Workshop Yair Emanuel is a designer and creative artist producing excellent modern usable Judaica from his studio workshop in Jerusalem. According to tradition, a Jew is supposed to donate money to charity (tzedakah) and contribute to society. One of the ways Emanuel does this is by employing a variety of people in his workshop, manufacturing his unique Judaic designs, who might otherwise find it difficult to locate suitable employment.