Twelve Tribes Art: A Legacy Project
A Collection of Digital Art Illustrations Inspired by Ancestral Symbols and Modern Minimalism
The Twelve Tribes: A Modern Heraldry (Complete Series)
About The Project
This collection represents a deep exploration of the ancestral symbols of the 12 Tribes of Israel. Developed as a series of digital illustrations for print, these works bridge the gap between ancestral symbolism and modern graphic interpretation.
This collection represents an inner creative conversation—a personal journey into cultural identity. My aim was to move beyond traditional depictions of symbols of tribes, experimenting instead with geometric shapes, symmetry, and visual aesthetics to create a series that feels both ancient and modern.
The work explores how minimalism can evoke profound cultural memory. While this theme has been explored by iconic artists—such as Marc Chagall (The Twelve Tribes of Israel, Stained Glass Windows) and Salvador Dalí (The Tribes of Israel, Etchings)—my focus is on the harmony of balance and the power of modern symbolic storytelling.
The development of each symbol involved deep research into ancestral texts, bridging the gap between historical allegory and the digital space. To bring a sense of organic life to the series, I developed a custom pattern library from my own photography—capturing textures like brick, water, and wood—to add depth and detail to the designs.
Each symbol was developed with a focus on symmetry and a balanced visual rhythm. This approach ensures that while each piece stands alone as a unique interpretation, the entire series remains a cohesive and aesthetically unified collective.
Colors & Covenant: The Visual Identity of the Twelve Tribes
Reuben
Symbol: The Mandrake Flower
Color: Red
Zebulun
Symbol: The Sailing Ship
Color: White
Asher
Symbol: The Olive Tree
Color: Olive Green
Simeon
Symbol: The City of Schechem
Color: Green
Issachar
Symbol: The Donkey with Burden
Color: Grey
Naphtali
Symbol: The Stag
Color: Red
Levi
Symbol: The Breastplate
Color: Red, White & Black
Dan
Symbol: The Balance & Viper
Color: Saphir
Joseph
Symbol: The Wheat
Color: Black
Judah
Symbol: The Lion
Color: Red
Gad
Symbol: The Military Camp
Color: Grey
Benjamin
Symbol: The Wolf
Color: All Colors of the Tribes
Collaborations & Exhibitions
Two finished segments of the stitched Torah. The Tribes designs in the Book of Numbers on the top.
Torah Stitch by Stitch: Tapestry of Spirit
In Memory of Temma Gentles (1946–2023)
I am deeply honored that my digital designs were invited to be part of Torah Stitch by Stitch, a monumental project founded by my late friend and award-winning textile artist Temma Gentles. After discovering my work online, Temma reached out to integrate these symbols into the tapestry, and I am proud to see them take on new life in thread.
Temma began this project in what she called a "moment of inspired lunacy," with a vision to engage people with sacred text through textile art. What started with a few souls grew into a global phenomenon, attracting over 1,500 diverse stitchers. Over 10 years, this community created a 100-yard-long rendering of the Torah, reminiscent of ancient illuminated manuscripts.
Within this grand vision, my symbols were transformed into physical cross-stitch illuminations. Although Temma passed away shortly after the final columns were assembled in 2023, her dream of "stitching Torah" stands as an extraordinary legacy of unity, craft, and spirit.
Explore the full scope of the project at Torah Stitch by Stitch.
Installation View: Close-up of Benjamin and Joseph in the background. Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery, Vancouver.
The Tribes: A Solo Exhibition
Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery, Vancouver, BC | 2023
Exhibition Statement
Symbols are powerful conveyors of meaning; however, in current times we are absorbed daily by an endless flow of visual content, most of which does not bring anything substantial to our lives. The objective is to emphasize that symbols are simple, yet meaningful and eternal, and can evoke profound emotions and memories.
This body of work represents my inner creative conversations and a personal journey in search of my ancestry. As a result, my designs explore the power of symbols within a cultural context and offer the possibility to access different aspects of the human experience. My artwork was created with great attention to detail and aesthetics, with the aim to create minimalist yet meaningful design. Overall, the series is an invitation to an individual journey in search of purpose and fulfillment—to reflect on emotions, values, and aesthetics, and to consider whether what we need is less.
" Although this version is an entirely modern take, it involves ancient symbolism.. The artist conducted deep research for this project, and the end results are simultaneously stunningly simple and visually compelling."
— 'Designing the 12 Tribes' — Feature Interview Jewish Independent Magazine
Limited Edition Archival Prints
I am pleased to offer this legacy series as high-quality, limited-edition prints.
What My Collectors Are Saying
“This is a beautiful, meaningful, piece. The colors are amazing. Stunning. We had trouble locating the delivered package & the owner was very helpful in helping us locate it. Turns out the housekeeper moved it after all. Thank you!!!.”
— Dawna on 'Tribe on Benjamin' Print
“Completely happy with the art I purchased as a gift.”
— Mary on 'Twelve Tribes - English Names' Print
