(Jewish Group) Artist Beth Bourland chronicles conversion to Judaism in watercolors and collages

Artist Beth Bourland chronicles her conversion to Judaism in striking watercolors and collages


"Joyful Shabbat" is one of 17 pieces in Beth Bourland's "Journey to Judaism" exhibit.

Beth Bourland’s path to becoming a Jew began in earnest three years ago, when she started working with Rabbi Yonatan Regev toward her conversion. Regev, then of Oakland’s Temple Sinai, mentioned that some people keep a journal of their conversion experience, and Bourland took his words to heart.

Rather than record her feelings in writing, the Alameda resident expressed them through art. Many of the watercolors and hand-cut paper assemblages she produced form part of a 17-piece exhibit called “Journey to Judaism.” The exhibit is currently on view in the social hall of the Reform synagogue and will be up through the High Holidays.

An exhibiting artist who has had both solo and regional shows in the area, Bourland said “Journey to Judaism” stands apart from the others. “This series is the most emotional project I’ve ever done,” she explained. “It really was a project that came from the heart.”

Bourland, 60, grew up in a Methodist but secular family in Michigan. “As a young woman, I looked for some kind of spiritual path and didn’t really find anything,” she recalled. Years later, she found Judaism.

more...