Art Deco Ketubah
A few weeks ago, my dear childhood friend, Naomi, tied the knot with her partner-in-crime, Ben. They might have just about the cutest how-we-met story in the world. They were each others’ first kiss, when they were both around 12-years-old at Camp Ramah. Their relationship went the way of many a camp romance– Naomi dumped him the next day– but they were destined to reunite years later, when Ben was on business in Miami. He didn’t know anyone there, and decided to contact the only person he “knew”–his old camp flame (thanks Facebook!). Neither was expecting much, but the rest is history!
Their relationship began in Miami and developed in New York, where Ben returned soon after they met, and where they currently live. It may seem that these two places have nothing in common architecturally, but that’s not true: they both have a significant relationship to Art Deco. That was Naomi and Ben’s request from me: an art deco ketubah that featured New York-style deco and Miami-style deco.
I chose the Chrysler building for New York (much prettier than the blocky Empire State), and Miami’s New Yorker Hotel, which was actually demolished in the 80s, but I thought it would be a cute sign to highlight the Miami-New York connection.
Art Deco Ketubah by Arielle Angel
15″ x 16″, Micron pen, acrylic paint and gold leaf on paper, 2012
This is me with the finished ketubah, right before the signing. This was a special experience for me, because not only did I create the ketubah, but I was one of the witnesses as well. This was the first time I got to sign a ketubah that I made. It was very emotional. The groom blessed the bride at this point as well, and there was not a dry eye in the room.
The second witness, Michael, signing the ketubah.
I didn’t get a chance to document the ketubah before the wedding, but thankfully the wedding photographers from Glenmar Studios helped me out. If there was a detail shot, you’d be able to see my best attempt at an “Art Deco” Hebrew font.
Until next time…