A delicate and precise procedure is taking place on a cutting board. The hand guiding the knife is sure and exact. With a swift movement, excess is pulled away, and a beautiful work of art rests in place. Micol Bayer stands back, lifts the paper cut off the board and places it on a colorful background. The collaboration between Micol, the artist, and the person who commissioned this particular piece is in process.
Micol Bayer, creator of Micol Designs, is a self-taught artist, hailing originally from Seattle, Washington and currently celebrating the tenth anniversary of Aliyah to Eretz Yisroel with her husband Aaron, and their three young adult progeny. Settled in Efrat in the Judean hills close to Jerusalem, Micol has successfully transferred her artistic passion for letters and shapes into a viable international business.
Micol’s interest in papercut design started in high school, continued through college as she successfully designed ketubot, the traditional Jewish prenuptial agreements that delineate the rights and responsibilities of the groom in relation to the bride. Elevating this legal and holy document with imaginative design renders the Ketubah the unique possession of the bride throughout the couple’s marriage and can then be framed and displayed as a work of art as well.
Micol is inspired by nature and as a true artist can then translate what her eyes see into forms and shapes for the rest of us to appreciate. Micol is an interesting name. Apparently, it is Italian in origin, but this writer interpreted it from the Hebrew word “מכל”, from everything– seeing the surroundings, from the general to the particular and transforming it into high caliber artistry.
Micol learned calligraphy from a sofer stam in the Pardes Institute in Israel, so that she can fabricate all her artwork from start to finish. ketubot, artwork with blessings or Biblical quotations, and art in general are part and parcel of her imaginative output. Micol is a collegial partner, not only with her customers as they hold conversations about a particular work to be commissioned, but with other artists in her field. She shares and learns new techniques to bring her expertise to higher levels and is happy to share her passion and skills with others.
When you purchase artwork from Micol, (https://achi613.org/achi-vendors/micol-designs/ ) you will find many different options offered, from semi- custom to custom pieces. Her website is clear and of course, beautifully designed. Her work, seen by attendees at award dinners and other venues or in clients’ homes generates word of mouth referrals, and ACHI is proud to host her. As one of the vendors in the ACHI Market at www.achi613.org/market, Micol adds an elegant choice of art, exclusive and truly to be enjoyed forever. Three of Micol’s beautiful designs are featured in ACHI’s Shabbat Shalom/Chag Sameach cards which can be purchased on the ACHI website at www.achi613.org/shop .
As always, we pray for the wellbeing of the people of Israel, the return of the hostages and peace for our nation.