I have always been fascinated by hands and the work they can do, so I was so excited by this week’s WordPress photography challenge. As I searched through my work, I found a collection of photographs that focused on hands and creating.I shot them in Israel , in Jerusalem, at an organization called Yad Lakashish which means Lifeline for the Old.
Everyday 300 seniors come to LaKashish to create. There is a bookbindery, pottery, art studio, paper and metal-working shops. Each of the people is trained if necessary and creates and explain their pieces to visitors as they are working. Their artwork is sold at the shop and online all over the world.The website is http://www.lifeline.org.
In return, the participants receive a monthly stipend, any medical or dental care, meals while they are there as well as friendship, a sense of purpose , dignity, and a place to create.
The impact of my visit has resonated with me more than I can describe. The studios form a community. Flowers bloom everywhere and there is a sense of peace. I left trying to figure out how this model could be used at home to benefit our senior citizens. Having the opportunity to create, to feel useful, and connected while benefitting financially would be a great gift.
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