As many of my readers may see, I will step out of the typical IT column when I stumble on something that is IT related or someone who has used the Internet and social media to chase their dream.
Enon was an old Shabbos guest of mine who schooled me on Sephardic Shabbos songs. While perusing Enon’s Facebook page I saw his sculpture, which is very unique.
I got to sit with Enon Avital from SpicyType and learned of his passion for sculpture and Hebrew.
Enon created a series called SpicyType where he uses spices to create an image of their Hebrew name in a unique way. The products are prints of the SpicyType collection, which is also available in book form, and the main focus is going to be on custom commissions of Hebrew type artwork, as well as hopefully doing workshops where people can have a fun evening learning how to do it themselves.
The inspiration for this project was simply that Enon wanted to explore a unique creative outlet. Flourishes are more difficult to integrate into Hebrew letters, and the rigid shapes of Hebrew letters are much more challenging. The bigger the challenge, the more fun it is for Enon to create.
He started posting artistic interpretations of phrases from Shir Hashirim on Instagram, Facebook and Tumblr, and they received a really enthusiastic response. On Pesach, he had the urge to create something, but since it was Chol Hamoed, he found himself unable to write. This forced him to create ephemeral artwork made of unusual substances—in this case, matzah and potato starch. Realizing the potential of unusual materials, he decided to go into our spice cabinet and turn it all into art. After each piece is created, Enon photographs it, and then, poof, it’s gone. For Enon, this is a reminder of the ephemeral nature of everything in the world. He creates beautiful things, and then lets them go. They live on in the photographs.
All the photos are taken on an iPhone and processed using VSCO cam for effects, and are all shared directly to social media—everything happens on an iPhone. The role of social networking in this project can’t be overstated. Enon has made connections with designers, artists and art lovers all around the world, from all walks of life. Their enthusiasm and love for his artwork has, in return, inspired him in creating new pieces. He has also begun to mentor several young designers just starting out, and has received many commissions via social media from people who were enchanted by SpicyType.
SpicyType can be purchased at shop.hebrewtype.land and commissions and workshops can be arranged via email: [email protected]. Readers of the Jewish Link can get a 10% off coupon with code JLINK.
Shneur Garb is the CEO of The Garb Consulting IT Group LLC. Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected].
By Shneur Garb
