Graven Images

"Graven Images" is the first in a series of ten paintings depicting The Ten Commandments. It was inspired by a competition sponsored by a Jewish organization in New York. The theme of the competition was "Depict the second Commandment, 'Thou shalt not make a graven image.'" Intrigued by the notion of using an image to say, "Don't make a graven image!", I imagined the hands of the artist as an offering unto the Lord; empty hands, free of tools and materials. This led to the question, "How would I depict the other nine commandments using only feet and hands?" It is a question I am still working on.

Michael Carter grew up in the family gravestone business and became fascinated at an early age with letterforms. When a friend introduced him (and later taught him) to Hebrew, the fascination increased. His M.F.A. thesis involved the design of a modern Hebrew font. For the past twenty years he has incorporated letterforms into his painting, while also teaching art to age levels ranging from Kindergarten to University.

More of his work may be seen at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/368-michael-carter.html.

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