Christian Masters Sacred Jewish Artform

Hebrew calligraphy by Michel D'anastasio

FRANCE - Michel D’anastasio creates Hebrew calligraphy photographs. Michael was born Catholic and raised in France where he developed an early love for the art of calligraphy. One little problem – he is left handed, a major obstacle for a calligrapher. As a Christian creating art with the Hebrew letters, Michael has deep respect for G-D and the Torah. He approaches this work with great reverence, as he looks to enhance and expand his dialogue with the letters and their meanings. Michael seeks out meaningful phrases from the holy text to convey through his work. The traditional Torah calligraphy is a starting point which Michael seeks to transcend. In contrast to the work of a Sofer, Michael is not bound by any set of rules or the continuance of a sacred tradition. Rather, he is able to take the letters into a more modern realm, while paying full respect to the letters and their holiness. The Jewish community has responded very positively to his work; Rabbis and community members have congratulated him on his innovative narrative of the Hebrew letters and finding new expression for the Torah’s letters. But Michael is still waiting to meet a scribe who will share a personal thought regarding this unique approach. [Source: Algemiener]