Hoshen, 2014

“You shall make a breastplate of decision, worked into a design, make it in the style of the ephod (the garment worn by the High Priest): make it of gold, of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen….Set in it mounted stones, in four rows of stones….They shall be framed with gold in their mountings. The stones shall correspond to the names of Israel: twelve, corresponding to their names. They shall be engraved like seals, each with its name, for the twelve tribes.”
Exodus 28:15-21.

The book of Exodus in the bible details how the Jewish people were liberated from slavery in Egypt and wandered in the desert for 40 years. During that time they had a temporary temple, which is described in minute detail the furnishings, fabrics, colors, even size of eyeholes holding things together. The vestments of the High Priest are also described in detail, and have always fascinated me. The breastplate (Hoshen) worn by the High Priest is of particular interest. The twelve gems described have been an endless source of discussion through the ages since they are named but not identified according to contemporary gemstones. As an artist I have found it particularly intriguing that color, texture, pattern, and origin of such things can be so open to interpretation. It’s just the kind of challenge I like to give myself when working with color, pattern, and texture.