Emigrating from the Soviet Union as Jewish refugees, my parents came to America empty-handed and ready to start a new life at the age of 23. Religious oppression was the push that my parents needed to immigrate to America to attain a better life. Not being accepted into college programs, having to celebrate Jewish holidays in secret, and lying about their identity were some of the many religious oppressions they escaped. Gaining cultural and religious acceptance, freedom of speech, and opportunities for travel and education is the American Dream that my parents achieved for themselves and their family. I am eternally grateful for their sacrifices that led them to provide a life filled with the freedoms they never had for my sister and I.

As a first generation American I have the freedom of travel. Growing up in the Soviet Union as Jewish citizens, my parents never were granted the opportunity to travel and see the world due to the economic and religious struggles. For this reason, travel has become a very important aspect of my family’s life. Through travel, I have had the opportunity to experience different countries, cultures, and traditions. The most impactful places I have visited include Vitebsk, Belarus, my mother’s home country; St. Petersburg, Russia where my father was born; and Israel where many family members live. My American Dream is a series of paintings that depicts personally significant geographical areas in Colorado, Belarus, Russia, and Israel. 

Because being Jewish is an essential part of who I am, it is important for me to acknowledge my roots and honor the traditions of my Russian heritage and ancestors. This can be seen in the large hamsa that connects each canvas to one another. In Judaism the hamsa represents protection. For me the hamsa portrays protection along with the notion that I am freely able to express my Jewish pride for which my parents fought so hard. The hamsa is created out of red thread that gradually flows to the ground. The kabbalah red thread is worn by many people of Jewish culture as a reminder for good luck and wishes. In order to wear the kabbalah red string, one must make a wish. This wish becomes embedded into the red string bracelet to become a reality. The red thread in this artwork serves as a reminder that everything I have and anything I wish for I am able to attain due to my parents. These sacrifices and the hard work of my family have allowed me to live my version of an American Dream.