Chai Spy

Recently, I was asked about the story behind Chai Spy®, the book and brand. Chai Spy® has become such a part of my professional life that it has really become my own story,at least for the time being. In 2006 I created a piece of Jewish art entitled,“From Generation to Generation”,a 3-D collage assemblage depicting various facets of Jewish Life and the Jewish Home. As viewers engaged with this particular piece I kept hearing the same comment over and over,“Each time I look at your work,I see something I didn't see before.” Eventually I had my “light bulb” moment.I needed to create art based on the childhood game that many of us used to play on family road trips,“I spy with my little eye”,and you had to find it as well. The twist is that in Chai Spy® there are no lists of objects to find.You look.You see.You find.You share.You talk. I have always loved dollhouse miniatures, collage, and multi-dimensional works of art.Most of my art incorporates all of these whether the piece is Jewish or secular. Most assume that Chai Spy® is for young children.While young children will certainly enjoy my creations,children of all ages and stages will do so as well.My art is saturated with color.The high quality of of my products is immediately apparent.There is no perfect age or level of Jewish observance that is necessary to enjoy anything Chai Spy®.The less you know, the more you’ll learn.The more you know,the more you’ll be able to “connect the dots.” There is a high correlation between art and memory.In particular it is my hope that the elderly with or without cognitive impairment will enjoy and benefit from our products.Chai Spy® is a conversation starter for those memories.Art can be the key to unlocking those memories.Valuable partnerships can be formed with those who work in art therapy.That’s the beauty of art. That’s the beauty of memory.When you put the two together it’s a powerful thing.Please note,the book is available for purchase on my website.