This Ketubah celebrates a water colour painted still life comprising of iconic Australian flora (Waratahs, bottle brushes, banksias and wattles, eucalyptus leaves and gum nuts) together with the 7 species of Israel (figs, dates, pomegranates, grapes, olives, wheat and barley).
This visual harvest of significant Israeli species and Australian flora symbolises the ‘marriage’ of the bride and groom’s heritages and identities – past and present as they embark upon their future and into forever. In showcasing the beauty of nature- the 7 species of Israel reflect Israel’s perpetual importance to the Jewish people as their homeland, garden of wonder and acknowledge our biblical origins.
Furthermore the Ketubah background is created and painted through iterations and layers of water colour paint and pigment which are washed and carried into each other, analogous to the love which carries two souls and blends them into harmony.
The initials are rendered in a water colours with echoes of the floral details to cohere the composition and to visually synthesise it together. The hymn “אני לדודי ודודי לי” translating as “ I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine” is the most celebrated sentence from Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs 6:3), written by King Solomon as a romantic declaration between husband and wife.
Wrapping around the initials, echoing the shape of an enclosure / dome to foreshadow the future home that will be created by the union of these two souls becoming one. Furthermore this psalm evokes the intrinsic commitment, care and responsibility mutually undertaken by husband and wife in their journey through life’s waters.
The elegant deep navy background underlying the artwork sings of the ocean and is a suitable colour to echo and reinforce the vitality of the fruit and flora – populating the foreground of the composition.
