Esther Bar-Shai at the Amster Gallery

Join us for Meet the Artist with Esther Bar-Shai on Thursday, April 4 from 6-8 PM!

The Jewish Community Center is excited to welcome a series of artwork by a variety of talented visual artists! These beautiful pieces are on display and for sale in the Amster Gallery.

Featured in the Amster Gallery are the lovely watercolor pieces of local artist Esther Bar-Shai.

Come check out her work before the exhibit closes on May 31.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Esther Bar-Shai

Artist Statement

I have always enjoyed crafts and creating and decided to try painting in 2016. In the beginning, it was challenging – I didn’t understand how much technique was involved in watercolor painting. Over the years, I have taken many classes, and now I feel like art is coming from me, and is an expression of who I am. 

My journey as an artist is ongoing; the more I paint, the more I discover how much more I still have to learn. My teachers have shown me different approaches and styles and I am inspired by them to discover new techniques and approaches. Now when I paint, I lose track of time. I love watercolors because the translucent quality allows me to layer colors to create depth and texture.  Although I find it to be an ongoing challenge, I like to experiment with the paint-to-water ratio to control the opacity and intensity of the colors.  I consider G-d the greatest painter, and everywhere I look in nature, I am inspired and in awe of G-d’s creations. 

While I want to try to capture some of what I see, I typically, work from photographs, trying to imitate the beauty of nature: mainly landscapes, flowers, and birds. I have found painting to be a fulfilling and relaxing pastime that brings me great joy and a connection between my inner self and my surroundings. It has also been an excellent way to meet other aspiring artists and make new friends.

Biography

Esther is a retired award-winning teacher of fifty years, first in Israel and then in California.  Born in Russia, Esther moved to Israel as a young child. Later (at age 21), she emigrated to the US (California) with her new husband, Avraham— to study and settle down. They had four children and eight grandchildren. In 2012, Esther and Avraham moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was widowed two years later. Adjusting to winter took some time, but she has embraced her new home city. Esther especially enjoys the lakes, the Huron River, and all the artists everywhere. Esther is an avid rock hound who enjoys collecting, polishing, and wire-wrapping rocks. Her lifelong passion for art encompasses exploring all kinds of creative pursuits, including sewing, knitting, estate sales, paper crafts, and more. She resided in Ann Arbor with her first dog, Booba (doll in Hebrew).