Before…

The etchings shown here were selected from a body of work created by Judy Orstav over several years at the Jerusalem Print Workshop. While a finished etched plate is traditionally printed as a series, Orstav uses the plate as the basis for “playing” – thus creating a mixed media image where each printing of a plate will be different, a monotype. For example, on the etched metal plate she may add rice paper, dried leaves, wire, scraps from other etchings and then pass the whole arrangement through the printing press to create a multi-layered two-dimensional image.

Since her youth Orstav has been drawn to the art of China and Japan, especially the aesthetic of reduction and conciseness of Zen art and this has been an unconscious source of inspiration for the work shown here. It can be seen in the choice of images, the fan, the kimono, the Japanese blade. Other images are suggested rather than realistically rendered.

Orstav’s work is not declarative. There are no direct references to the contemporary world, its problems and complexities. Her interest is aesthetics which she pursues by means of paper, colour, the variety of the etched line and texture. The work displays a refined investigation into the many possibilities of both the etched plate and the printing press.

The title “Before…” requires explanation. All the works were created before the events of 7th October 2023 at a time when it was still possible to put aside external events and, with peace of mind, enjoy the act of creation. Since the terrible events she has not returned to this type of work.