The work of Harvey Paris begins with a single knife, natural materials, and a search for meaning. His original designs draw inspiration from the rich Abrahamic traditions that share a common visual language for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It is the artist's hope that his work invites the viewer to not only discover the wisdom of these traditions, but also to explore spiritual and ethical concerns of contemporary life. The carvings reflect universal truths and commonalities presented in an artistically beautiful and unique way that are too often lost in a world dominated by Insta, Tic Toc and AI.

This exhibit features large wood and leather carvings that range from the largest at 20 feet long to the smallest at 2 feet by 3 feet. Carving such large pieces provides the opportunity for the viewer to easily dig into the many meanings of each piece and to come away with their own inspiration and interpretation as to what they see. These carvings, as part of my practice as a therapist to men, are also used to visually portray values that reflect those human behaviors that can, more often than not, lead to individual growth and positive human relations. Just as every carving is made beautiful by removing what does not belong, the same is true of the human character.

This is the essence of chip carving. Traditionally, pieces of wood are removed from a flat surface to create beautiful images. Harvey used his skills to adapt to carving leather as well as wood, which allowed him to create large pieces of art such as Abraham’s Gift which is on display. He has moved away from solely creating works of beauty to both beautiful and spiritually moving pieces of art.

Harvey was able to accomplish the above thanks to two important people in his life. First, his loving wife Rabbi Barbara Paris. When she decided to go to Rabbinical school 20 years ago, she told him that he needed to find a quiet, 20 hour a week hobby. No bongo drums. After ruling out glass blowing for fear that he'd burn down the house as well as his hands, he discovered chip carving. Luckily, every article and book he read on chip carving referenced Wayne Barton, acclaimed and undisputed as the "Father of Chip Carving in North America." Harvey found Wayne, and six months later when he taught a class in Philadelphia, Harvey was on his way to mastering the art. The influence of being married to a Rabbi moved him in a direction away from only carving for purely artistic reasons. What began as carving to beautify Jewish Ritual objects ultimately expanded to works that reflect universal religious and ethical motifs that apply to all people.

Harvey hopes that you not only appreciate the beauty of the work but that you may also take away 
some meaning and awe. Additional pieces can be found on my web site: http://jewishcarving.com.