“From the time I was in second grade, I dreamed of moving to Israel…”
In 1983, Ellen Miller Braun fulfilled that childhood dream, making aliyah with her husband and children from Chicago to the Biblical heartland of Israel. Today, she creates her unique micro calligraphy art from her home in Samaria, surrounded by the landscapes and heritage that have inspired her since childhood.
Ellen studied fine arts at Northeastern Illinois University, but it is her religious Jewish education and observant lifestyle that have truly shaped her creative journey. Her deep love of Torah and Jewish tradition shines through each piece, transforming sacred texts into living, breathing art.
Look closely at Ellen’s beautiful work, and you will see that every line, curve, and shape is made entirely of words. Each creation is crafted letter by letter, word by word, using the original Hebrew texts of the Bible and Scripture. With a fine-tipped calligraphy pen dipped into watercolor paints, Ellen patiently builds intricate images, a process that can take months or even a year to complete. Ellen says this talent is a true gift and blessing from G-d.
Her artistic, unique process blends careful planning, patience and faith, often along with gematria (Jewish numerology), using the numerical values of Hebrew letters to guide the repetition of verses within many of the designs. This brings an added layer of spiritual depth to her artwork, allowing the sacred energy of the words to flow into the form itself.
Ellen has expanded her repertoire to include papercuts, which incorporate her trademark micro calligraphy style of layered, intricate, elegant designs.
Ellen’s unique biblical micro calligraphy artwork brings inspiration, hope, and joy to people of all backgrounds, gracing homes, synagogues, and institutions around the world. Her pieces are owned by prime ministers, ambassadors, museums and private collectors. Her art has been featured in public exhibitions, prayer books, and educational materials, including the Women’s Prayer Book: Ani Le’Dodi V’Dodi Li and Jewish textbooks as a teaching tool.
Ellen is also a passionate speaker, lecturing on the development and history of micro calligraphy and the story of Israel through the lens of this ancient yet living art form. Her work is more than art—it is a prayer, a blessing, and a testament to the beauty of faith brought to life in color and form.
