Mosaic, 2024
Crayon rubbing on paper, with iridescent and stamped papers, embroidery floss, and beads.
21 x 21 in / 53.34 x 53/34 cm
$1,200 USD

I made Mosaic for a fundraiser on behalf of a family in Gaza, the Safi’s, that I’ve been keeping up with for over a year. As of this posting in April 2025, the Safi’s continue to suffer extreme deprivation due not only to the obvious bombings, but blockades and resulting inflation. ($60 USD for a bag of rice.) 40% OF THE SALE OF THIS ARTWORK WILL BE DONATED to this family of 6 that has, against all odds, stayed alive and stayed together. This fundraiser was co-organized by a friend who connected with the Safi’s via two nonprofits, verifying their legitimacy. Learn more and donate via GoFundMe .

You can also keep up with the Safi’s via eldest son Hashem Safi’s Instagram stories @hashem_safi125.
Hashem was a medical student before the war. His stories are heartbreaking and occasionally graphic, but have given me a sense of life in Gaza in a way that news sources and nonprofits have not. Yesterday, for instance, he posted how he rigged a stove from electronics parts, due to the scarcity of wood and the blockade against any means of fire right down to cigarette lighters. It’s worth noting that I’ve never seen him express antisemitism or even malice toward Israeli citizens. His stories are a humanitarian reality check.