IMAGE Mag

IRAS RELIGIOUS ART STUDIOC hicagoan artist, Ira Saltzman is the second generation born in America in the arts field. From his grandfather’s writings and his Father’s craftsmanship, Ira is keeping the family art tradition alive with his Judaica art. Combining his knowledge and unique craftsmanship of art with his religious upbringing, Ira has created interesting strong Judaica art that can be displayed and or used. His Menorahs, trays, wall art, and jewelry, will make you think and reflect about our Jewish heritage. Menorahs are now a main-stay in works. On a visit to Israel, upon viewing the "BRIDGE of STRINGS" in Jerusalem, Ira was inspired to create the HANGING MENORAH. "If you can hang a bridge, you can certainly hang a Menorah", says Ira. Creating Ner Tamids to hang from a bar or from the crafted shape of the Dreidel, Ira is continually expanding and creating new and interesting works of art. While his children were young Ira made an electric out door menorah and dreidel to hang in front of their home. One day I would like to make a large hanging menorah for a court yard. Some of Ira’s unique Menorahs include those that span the generations such as, “LOVE”, “The Beatles" and now “Bat ‘n Ball” in honor of the Chicago CUBS. THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME for Ira as he is constantly coming up with new and innovative designs that he is eager to share with the world. “New ideas and designs are continually coming into my head.” While Ira’s designs are fine-art, individually crafted and custom-made to one-of-a-kind specifications, they are in fact extremely usable. It is very rare that art can be personalized or made to work with your decor, according to size, color, and specific area where it will be used whether it be home, shul or office. Ira’s designs are carefully crafted out of stone and metal, combining that ancient feel, with a modern look. What are some of Ira’s favorites? “Cesarea inspired by the ancient aqueduct ruins in Cesarea, the brass hanging Menorah that hangs in his Congregation all year long adorning the Aron Kodesh and is lite up on Chanukah. THE KOTEL has actual moss attached to give you that “being there feel.” Ira was elected into the American Jewish Artist Club for his "Strong Judaica Art" and 1st place winner for new artist category from Midwest Jewish Art Consortium. "The ideas and designs are still filling my head." Eventually Ira would like to make aliyah to Israel where presently 3 children and 3 grandchildren live. Current art can be viewed at ira147.wix.com/menorahs.