The Lord Bless Thee

This benediction comes from Num. 6:24. During a layover in Chicago in summer 2013, I stayed with my Jewish friend Barbara Seaver. She had it on the wall a family relic, and I was inspired to inscribe this benediction right there. She took me to her temple, and I pondered on the beautiful Jewish calligraphy with its flame-like endings of the letters. While I waited at the Chicago airport, I drew the arched two trees that surround the words. I believe that those flames inspired me to create the tree leaves like burning candles.