Author: Dov Elboim
Client: Am-Oved pub. 2011
This book presented a unique challenge. It is based on ancient Jewish philosophy. The author asked me not to use the obvious iconography related to Kabbalah, Sorcery, Alchemy or any known religion. I had to create my own iconography, that is to describe visually the ancient history of eagles.
Since I was not allowed to use the visual ideas I originally wanted to use, I went elsewhere for inspiration. I dove into the world of body art. I learnt a little bit about the criminal symbolism of Russian tattoos, the ancient wisdom of Chinese tattoos. I was struck by the vividness and complexity of Japanese body art. I really liked the way the black and white blend softly into the skin, and the way colored parts accentuate the black and white parts.
I used Archetypes like "Mother Earth" – and created the big mother eagle holding her nest, with a halo designed like the medieval clock in Prague. I didn't care if most of it doesn't mean anything really. I know that the vast use of symbols in our culture will make people think that there is a meaning to it all, especiallyimaginative children.
Some of these images were too criptic for both the editor and author of the book, and I was asked to replace them with more friendly images. I, however, prefer my mysteries.