Therapeutic creative expression
'Art is a conversation, and if my work can spark reflection or comfort, then it's done its job'
With so much antisemitism around, Claudia Abrahams finds creating art with Jewish and Israeli themes quite therapeutic. Her latest collection, she said, is good for her soul.
“This collection was born out of a personal and communal need for hope. With so much heaviness surrounding Israel in the media, I wanted to offer a counterbalance – an exploration of light, joy and the enduring pulse of life,” she told The AJN.
“It’s not about ignoring pain, but about reclaiming our ability to celebrate, rebuild and look forward. My artworks are meant to honour resilience and spark joy.”
The artist, who is originally from South Africa, has been living in Sydney for 24 years building her cake business, SmashCakes. Recently, she explained, she sold SmashCakes which has allowed her to work on her art once again.
“I have always been creative. I am a graphic designer by trade and did art a few years ago, selling through exhibitions and an art dealer in Melbourne,” she explained. “I started Sydney SmashCakes eight years ago and stopped doing art to focus on creating delicious treats for people. Now that I have sold the business, I’m excited and inspired to be creating works of art again.”
While Abrahams loves abstract and minimalist art, her medium of choice is mixed media.
“I’m drawn to texture, colour and symbolism. But there’s usually a thread of emotion, identity and movement running through all my artworks,” she said.
The artist has had previous exhibitions including one at Sydney Children’s Hospital where she ended up donating some of the artworks.
Explaining that she is incredibly grateful to be part of a community where art and identity can meet in meaningful ways, she hopes people feel connected to her artworks.
“I hope people feel uplifted, grounded and connected. My goal is to stir something deep – whether it’s nostalgia, pride, joy or even curiosity. Art is a conversation, and if my work can spark reflection or comfort, then it’s done its job,” she said. “There’s so much beauty in the everyday moments of Jewish life, and I hope my work continues to reflect that – and give people something to hold onto in both hard and hopeful times.”
Follow Claudia Abrahams on Instagram, @artstudio_22_