Visit the Studio of Harriete Estel Berman

Water Pollution and the need to provide clean affordable water

Above is a new piece in progress in my studio. This hebrew letter portrays Blood, a symbol for the modern plague "Water Pollution and the need to provide clean affordable water." It is part of a larger installation about the "10 Modern Plagues." I have been working on this idea for years, but finally constructing the entire series. Two of the 10 Modern Plagues are finished. Three more are in progress. More photos soon.

Close up view of the side reveals lettering with the title. It says: "Blood-water pollution and the world crisis to provide clean affordable water."

Click on these links below for more information

Harriete Estel Berman Working in the Studio

All of the tins need to be opened, then pounded flat before storage in the wall of tins. This takes a lot of time, but it allows for better organization.

Usually Margot Plageman helps me with shop maintenance and opening tins for four - eight hours every week. Margot and I use the step shear to straighten edges.

After the tin is pounded flat, the irregular edge needs to be cut off very carefully avoiding sharp irregular edges with slivers and barbs sticking out cut my hands.

In the foreground you can see the Silicon Valley Fruit Crate Label in progress. Check it out! It is one of my favorite pieces.

Here I am working on a Seder plate. The frame is completely constructed, and now I am fitting in the panels. Everything needs to fit perfectly, without forcing it into place. If the parts are tight the Seder plate will get "wonky".

You can see the completed seder plate Seven Days You Shall Eat Unleavened Bread, You Shall Remove Leaven From Your Houses by clicking on the title.

In this photo I am working in my studio on one of seven windows titled Windows of Memory. These are shown on the Judaica page of my web site.

The size of this installation was very challenging. Each window was constructed from tin cans, and steel dollhouses to mimic the windows of Baltimore, Maryland.

The windows frames do not use pre-existing wooden window frames.

In the next two images you can see the artist Harriete Estel Berman working on a seder plate for Tu Bishvat.

The construction of my work from recycled tin cans and steel dollhouses seeks value in reused material. By reclaiming from the over-abundance of our consumer society we renew hope for the future.

In the photo below I am riveting the tin cans.

For the Tu Bishvat seder plate (shown above), I used 10k. gold to match the metallic gold tins.

Arrange a Tour of My Studio

Are you interested in a visit to my studio? Every year a couple of groups visit my studio. Past group tours included membership tours from the Cantor Art Museum, Stanford University, Renwick Alliance, Art Jewelry Forum and private groups.

Artwork is always on display from museum quality sculpture, jewelry, contemporary Judaica including Flower Pins.

CONTACT Harriete Estel Berman

Covid safety protocols will be in place and may affect group size restrictions.

REQUIREMENTS:

Studio tours are at your own risk.
Small groups are preferred of 15-20 maximum. Larger groups will be divided in half with some people inside looking at work and half the people in the studio.
Studio space is not handicapped accessible. There is at least one step and the studio has narrow aisles.
Children must be 10 years old accompanied by parents.
TIN CANS have sharp edges.
PROCESS and technique demos are available by arrangement.
By appointment only.

Lots of interesting things to see!