The Continuation of the 10Thousand Souls:
The artist Daniel Elias Balter painted 2,665 paintings before his passing, the last ~1,665 in the last year of his life, the time following brain surgery and a terminal diagnosis. It was his wish and hope that artists and writers around the world would join him and come together to continue his prayers and his paintings as well as share their thoughts.
Writers: If there is a Soul Portrait or more that speak to you and has touched you in some way, we would love to hear about it, and if you’re open to it feature it on our website. Just contact info@10thousandsouls.com
Artists: We are looking for Soul Portrait 2667 and beyond… if you like to join, please view the details below.
How do you paint a Soul Portrait?
From Daniel’s own words:
“I would call it prayer-art. One borrows my hand and literally moves things around, often gently, adding color, where to use the paint and how to do things. And then it is done, painted with the unseen someone.
The souls paint more when I don’t and I paint more when the souls don’t (a different sensation for sure).”
For Daniel the Soul Portraits literally appeared out of his paintbrush, often 5 a day in the last year. Some took only minutes while others he had to work on for a few days. Here are some guidelines on how to approach the continuation of the painting.
Preparation before the painting of Soul Portraits:
1. The intention behind the painting.
Before you pick up the paintbrush (pen, charcoal or other material) try to just be still and listen and connect yourself to the truth of the moment, and from there send out the prayer that your soul portrait as well will contribute to peace and understanding between people, that ‘there are no enemies in the land of Israel’, or the rest of the world.
As shows in his writing, the artist had a deep love for all his Jewish brothers and sisters as well as for his Arab brothers and sisters. In our conversations he often mentioned that although his main prayers for peace and joy are for Jews, Arabs and the land of Israel, this naturally extends to the rest of the world, and his deep love extends to all people. Ideally some of this love and care should find its way into all of the Soul Portraits.
It might help also to think of the souls of our teachers, Rebbes, guides and ancestors who have paved the way for us, who are rooting for us to keep going, to find joy and confidence in the nature of our own Divine soul.
2. Trust in the creative, intuitive process and let your intention and prayer guide you. Be YOU, it’s alright if the style and outcome is very different from Daniel’s soul portraits.
3. Do not:
- try to paint someone specific, not others or yourself. ( if the soul portrait ends up reminding you of someone after it has been painted that is alright).
- try to make a face that looks ‘perfect’ in a physical sense. Feel in to a soul quality – which can still come through in eyes, mouth, expressions etc.
- paint anything that is obscene, dark, destructive. Also from painting anything else like objects, animals or nature although it is alright if they show up somewhere in the painting.
Practical steps to the Painting itself:
- Take a paper bag, a piece of recycled paper, cardboard or reused cloth or canvas, anything light and recycled, roughly in the dimensions of 12′ x 16.5′ (32 x 42 cm) within an inch (2 cm) or so bigger or smaller.
- Choose a material that speaks to you and gives you joy. Acrylic, oil (careful about it’s interaction with recycled materials), pastels, ink, cut up pieces of cloth or old paper, markers, squished up berries, pieces of coal – whatever you can find or come up with.
- Take a picture of the artwork and email it to Emunah Arts: info@10Thousandsouls.com together with the following form. (until it is ready, ask me for it through the email)
- For the artwork to become part of the 10ThousandSouls, the inner and outer processes have to align with the artist’s vision and intention. Emunah Arts will make the final decision for the artworks inclusion. Not to be included as part of the project is not a judgement of your artistic ability, just on whether it fits.
5. Once accepted you will be emailed a document stating that you are donating the artwork to Emunah Arts for the “10ThousandSouls”, and you can then mail the artwork to the address provided. The document will attest that your artwork will always be displayed with your name (and biography when applicable) on the website, in exhibits, videos, print etc. and included in the final exhibition in Jerusalem and/or other countries as well. All the proceeds from prints/postcards, books etc. including the Soul Portraits will be used to further the project itself, to help finance the last exhibition and all activities in connection with it.
All contributing artists will become part of the “10ThousandSouls Community” and will have free access to all exhibits they are a part of, as well as receive a discount on all physical products.
Emunah Arts is not liable for damage or loss of the artwork but will do it’s best to store them safely.
6. Emunah Arts is focused on the essence of all of our soul’s connection, to bring light instead of fighting the darkness.
All exhibitions, events etc. in connection to the 10ThousandSouls will be in accordance with Jewish law (Halacha), such as not exhibiting or selling things on Shabbat, having kosher food at events if applicable etc.
7. Remember: The essence of this site is joy.
“The answer is Love not Fear”. I lived these words before knowing why.
Thank you for the time. Let’s enjoy. The inner beauty of 10,000 souls will be with us.”
Many aspects of this page are still being worked on. For any questions, suggestions and details, please contact Hadassah of Emunah Arts at info@10Thousandsouls.com.
10 Thousand Souls 