Ellen Miller Braun: Biblical Micro Calligraphy Art
“From the time I was in second grade, I dreamed of moving to Israel…”
Ellen, born in 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, was privileged to fulfill her dream, along with her husband and children in 1983. They live in Samaria, the Biblical Heartland of Israel.
Ellen studied fine arts at Northeastern Illinois University, but feels her religious Jewish education and lifestyle have guided and enhanced her inspiring creativity, reflecting her values and love of her heritage.
Look closely and you will see a beautiful design formed word by word, letter by letter – complexities and layers of Biblical text in the original Hebrew, transformed into exquisite artwork. – A talent that Ellen says is a true gift, a blessing from G-d.
Ellen creates her works from the stories and verses of the Torah and Scriptures. Ellen’s unique style is executed through careful planning and logistics, which are integral elements in her creations. Using a fine point calligraphy pen dipped in water color paints, Ellen creates fabulous pictures in full color, entirely from Biblical texts. The use of “gematria” often guides the number of repetitions of verses used to create a design.
Papercuts are a recent addition to Ellen’s repertoire. These intricate, sophisticated pieces also include her trademark micro calligraphy.
Ellen’s unique Biblcal micro calligraphy art brings inspiration, hope and joy to people from all backgrounds. Her work is featured in both public and private venues, owned by prime ministers, ambassadors, and private citizens around the world. Ellen is honored that one of her designs is featured in the Women’s Prayer Book: Ani Le’Dodi V’Dodi Li. Her work is also used as a teaching tool in a Jewish text book. Ellen lectures on the development of this fascinating art form, bringing another layer of understanding and insight to the history of Israel from Biblical times to today.