Children of Shoah

This project is a memorial to all children of the Holocaust. Frances Cuttler Hahn’s mother was killed at Auschwitz during the Holocaust. It was her wish to honor her parents and her husband with a memorial to all children effected by this tragedy. The composition was to show two siblings in flight. Even though most children involved were ultimately killed, Mrs. Hahn wanted this memorial to be hopeful.

Originally it was suggested that the children be shown stepping through rubble of bricks of destroyed buildings. I placed the children on an ascending base of hexagons, which represent the center of the Jewish Star, showing that these children were supported by their faith. The older sister is looking back at her brother, the suitcase she’s caring, flung back as she turns to him, urging him to hurry.

This suitcase is based on the original one that Frances Hahn and other Jewish children were given to hold their few possessions when they were given passaged to the United States to escape. She still has this small cardboard suitcase.

The process begins with a signed contract and approval of a rough sketch which is then further refined in working with the client. After a mutually agreed upon concept, the artist creates 3-D sketch and maquette and then works with the client to refine the process and reach a design agreement. Then a waste mold is made of the clay maquette and wax is poured. From this a digital enlargement is made and milled out of foam. This is a scaled and exact enlargement of the original maquette. Next, the artist sands into the foam to add and refine details. An oil-based clay is applied in several layers as the artist carves and sculpts again. After final approval by the client, a mold is made and shipped to the foundry for the bronze casting. The sculptor visits the foundry for approval of the work and will return again to proof the patina. After completion, the bronze is shipped to the client for installation.