Artist's Statement: I composed this still life from items purchased in the shuk (open-aired market) in Jerusalem. The influence of Sephardic Judaism and culture is strong in these items. Many similar influences appear in Arab cultures; "Sephardic" refers to Jews who migrated to then welcoming Arab countries when the Romans finally crushed a Jewish rebellion and expelled all Jews from Judea. Oil on Canvas 24 x 19 in My novels are set in a global space and pace. However, I hav

Artist's Statement: Served always in a small cup and with its characteristic strength and fulsom grounds, Turkish coffee is found all over the Middle East and indeed all around the world. This painting recalls the lengthy negotiation my husband and I had with a rug merchant more than 20 years ago in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem for an exquisite (albeit small) Persian rug. The four of us (including our guide) sat on the floor on a relatively undistinguishe

Artist's Statement: Like Tuesday's posting, this painting recalls a meal in a Jerusalem cafe'. I like the contrast of colors - the green and the variegated yellow. Also, note the border of olive oil rimming the hummus. A good sign of good hummus. Oil on Wood Panel 7.5 x 7.5 in Was pita invited to pair with hummus, or hummus with pita? The answer is lost in the mists of time, like the venerable chicken-egg conundrum. (unattributed) The emotive power of hummus all over the Midd

Artist's Statement: Pita can be found throughout the Middle East and beyond. The pita in this painting is from Israel - the "feast" was ordered by a companion for lunch in a cafe' in Jerusalem. Oil on Wood Panel 8 x 8 in The religious and superstitious feeling attached to bread is stronger in some countries than in others. To some it is, more than any other food, a direct gift from God. Claudia Roden The New Book of Middle Eastern Food A book of verses underneath the bough A