Israeli Art at the Knesset: An Unforgettable Visit and One Creation That Became an Ambassador

Israeli Art at the Knesset: An Unforgettable Visit and One Creation That Became an Ambassador

Sometimes, life surprises you in unexpected ways.

One bright day, I received a phone call I never anticipated—from the Knesset. They were looking for Israeli art and asked me to create a custom sculptured book to be presented as an official gift to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy.

Wait, what?!

I needed a moment to process, and then it hit me—this wasn’t just a personal honor, it was recognition of my art at the highest level. And with recognition like that comes a significant challenge.

So How Do You Approach a Gift That Represents a Nation?

The process began about two months before the event, with one central question: which book could carry the weight of such a momentous occasion?

Usually, when I receive an order, I pull an appropriate book from my private collection, but this time it was clear I needed to find the exact right book.

After searching secondhand bookstores and going through dozens of volumes, the choice fell on “The World of Jabotinsky”—a book that symbolizes grand ideas, leadership, and nationalism.

Once the book was selected, there was an additional requirement: to add a unique embossing with the Knesset logo on the cover. The embossing was a complex stage in itself—and since we’re talking about an old book that’s hard to replace, I decided to send two books. One was the chosen book, and the other was a backup that had been agreed upon in advance, in case something went wrong in the process. After all, when it comes to handcraft work, it’s always good to have a backup. Only after the books returned to me with the perfect embossing could I begin the actual creation.

ספר מפוסל של ז'בוטינסקי עם הטבעה עבור ספר מפוסל לכנסת ישראל

Israeli Art with Meaning

From there, the most essential part began—creating the design itself. It was a dynamic process of thought, experimentation, and message refinement, where every detail received its proper place. After brainstorming, repeated sketches, feedback, and adjustments, we arrived at a design that told the story of this moment in the most precise way:

  • Two flags—Israel and the USA, symbolizing the connection between the nations.
  • A handshake, illustrating the partnership and diplomatic relations.
  • The number 75, marking the year the gift was presented, celebrating Israel’s 75th anniversary.

It was a process of deep thinking, where every small change required hours of work. I didn’t compromise on anything. I wanted it to be perfect.

ספר מפוסל - אמנות ישראלית כמתנה ליושב ראש בית הנבחרים של ארצות הברית בכנסת

When My Art Met the Israeli Knesset

And then the big day arrived. Armed with the sculptured book, I arrived at the Knesset.

An official display table awaited me there. I planned to finish sculpting the book on it, and beside it, I arranged additional works of mine so that guests, who didn’t know what to expect, could be impressed by finished pieces. During the event, cameras focused on me, broadcasting my work process live on large screens on both sides of the hall. A truly magical moment.
בזמן פיסול הספר בכנסת ישראל במהלך כנס לכבוד יו"ר בית הנבחרים של ארה"ב

אמנות ישראלית בכנסת - אמיר אוחנה וקווין מקארתי יו"ר בית הנבחרים של ארה"ב מחזיקים ספר מפוסל

Among distinguished guests and official speeches, I—with my hands, with my art—completed the final details of the creation, preparing for the moment of presentation. And then, at the end of the event, the big moment arrived. With excitement, I presented the sculptured book to McCarthy. My hands had created something that would remain forever in a meaningful place in the world—the White House.

Just before I finished the day and packed up the creations, the secretary to the Director General of the Knesset approached me and asked on his behalf to purchase the “Menorah of Israel”—another creation I had brought with me, and he simply fell in love with it on the spot.

I had the privilege of taking part in this experience, and I’m grateful to the Israeli Knesset for the recognition and support of Israeli art.

Why Sculptured Books?

I believe that books are so much more than pages and ink. They are history, identity, ideas. I take something familiar—a book that each of us has at home—and transform it into something completely different, moving, one-of-a-kind. The work requires concentration, precision, infinite patience, and attention to the smallest details, which is why this is a premium gift, an artistic creation that takes time, thought, and cannot be replicated.

*For further reading about the significance of working with books and my creative process, you’re invited to visit the About page, where I explain the way I create my works and what drives me to use books as a central component in my creations.

אמנות ישראלית בכנסת - ספרים מפוסלים שהוצגו במהלך כנס לכבוד יו"ר בית הנבחרים של ארה"ב בכנסת ישראל

A Gift Everyone Will Talk About

If you’re also looking for a gift that is art, one that tells a story, represents values of sustainability, and makes people stop and marvel—I’m here.

Talk to me, and I’ll create a custom work for you that’s unlike anything else.

ספר מפוסל ניתן במתנה לבית הלבן כאומנות ישראלית בכנסת ישראל

Want to talk to me? Leave your details and I'll get back to you

FAQ

Out of a commitment to sustainability and recycling, I make a point of working exclusively with unwanted books that are destined for disposal.

Due to the nature of how they are collected, the books vary greatly in content, language, and size, and the inventory is constantly changing. To learn more about the selection process and the philosophy behind using these books, you are invited to read our "About" section.

I believe that books carry deep personal meaning, so I do my best to accommodate such requests.

However, there are technical considerations that influence the choice of the right book, such as page count, paper tone, and thickness. If you would like to check the suitability of a specific book in advance, please contact me or leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Absolutely! I am open to bringing any idea you can imagine to life.

As an artist, I strive to weave your personal vision and message into the work, so that when you receive the final piece, you feel a deep connection to it—almost as if you had created it yourself. Please send me your idea along with your contact details using this form, and I will get back to you within three business days with a price quote.

No, a stand is not necessary at all! Once the book is finished, it will stand independently and remain stable on any flat surface you place it on.

However, if you would like to display the book tilted at a slight upward angle, a special stand is available to order. Please note – the stand is not listed on the website, so if you are interested, please contact me directly to place an order.

To ensure your piece remains at its best for years to come, it should be placed in a dry, shaded area, away from extreme temperatures.

For dusting, a gentle pass with a feather duster is all it takes—and your book will look as fresh as the day you received it.

Absolutely! A book sculpture makes the perfect gift.

All you need to do is check the "Gift Wrapping" box on the product page. The cost is 40 NIS for home delivery, or free of charge if you choose to pick it up yourself from my studio in Herzliya.

To ensure your piece arrives in perfect condition, we offer door-to-door delivery. Alternatively, you can choose local pickup from my studio in Herzliya. For more details, you are welcome to read our full shipping policy here.

שאלות נפוצות

מתוך מחויבות לערכי הקיימות והמיחזור, אני מקפידה לעבוד אך ורק עם ספרים ללא דורש, המיועדים להשלכה. בהתאם לאופי האיסוף שלהם, הספרים מגוונים מאוד בתוכן, בשפה ובגודל והמלאי משתנה כל הזמן. למידע נוסף על הבחירה בספרים ועל הרעיון שמאחורי השימוש בהם, תוכלו לקרוא ב"אודות".

אני מאמינה שלספרים יש משמעות אישית עמוקה, ולכן אשתדל לענות על בקשה זו בחיוב. עם זאת, ישנם שיקולים טכניים שיכולים להשפיע על בחירת הספר המתאים, כמו מספר העמודים, גוון הדפים, ועוביים. אם תרצו לבדוק איתי מראש את אפשרות השימוש בספר מסוים, אנא צרו קשר או השאירו הודעה, ואחזור אליכם בהקדם.

בהחלט! אני פתוחה ליצירת כל רעיון שתדמיינו. כיוצרת אני שואפת לשלב את המסרים והחזון האישיים שלכם ביצירה, כך שכשתקבלו את היצירה תרגישו חיבור עמוק אליה, קצת כאילו יצרתם אותה בעצמכם. שלחו לי את הרעיון שלכם ופרטים ליצירת קשר בטופס הזה, ואחזור אליכם תוך שלושה ימי עסקים עם הצעת מחיר.

לא, אין צורך במעמד כלל! כשהספר מוכן הוא יעמוד באופן עצמאי ויציב על כל משטח ישר עליו תניחו אותו.
עם זאת, אם תרצו להציג את הספר כך שיוטה בזווית קלה כלפי מעלה, ניתן להזמין מעמד מיוחד. שימו לב – המעמד אינו מופיע באתר, אז במקרה כזה אנא צרו איתי קשר ישירות להזמנה.

כדי להבטיח שהיצירה תישאר במיטבה לשנים רבות יש למקם אותה באזור יבש ומוצל, הרחק מטמפרטורות קיצוניות. לניקוי מאבק מספיק לעבור בעדינות עם מוט נוצות – והספר ייראה רענן כמו ביום שבו קיבלתם אותו.

בהחלט! ספר מפוסל הוא המתנה המושלמת. כל שעלייך לעשות הוא לסמן את תיבת הבחירה "אריזת מתנה" בעמוד המוצר. העלות היא 40 ₪ למשלוח עד הבית, או בחינם אם תבחרו באיסוף עצמי מהסטודיו בהרצליה.

המשלוח מתבצע בשירות מדלת אל דלת, כדי להבטיח שהיצירה תגיע אליכם במצב מושלם. ניתן גם לבחור באיסוף עצמי מהסטודיו שבהרצליה. למידע נוסף, אתם מוזמנים לקרוא על מדיניות המשלוחים שלנו כאן.

FAQ

Out of a commitment to sustainability and recycling, I make a point of working exclusively with unwanted books that are destined for disposal.

Due to the nature of how they are collected, the books vary greatly in content, language, and size, and the inventory is constantly changing. To learn more about the selection process and the philosophy behind using these books, you are invited to read our "About" section.

I believe that books carry deep personal meaning, so I do my best to accommodate such requests.

However, there are technical considerations that influence the choice of the right book, such as page count, paper tone, and thickness. If you would like to check the suitability of a specific book in advance, please contact me or leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Absolutely! I am open to bringing any idea you can imagine to life.

As an artist, I strive to weave your personal vision and message into the work, so that when you receive the final piece, you feel a deep connection to it—almost as if you had created it yourself. Please send me your idea along with your contact details using this form, and I will get back to you within three business days with a price quote.

No, a stand is not necessary at all! Once the book is finished, it will stand independently and remain stable on any flat surface you place it on.

However, if you would like to display the book tilted at a slight upward angle, a special stand is available to order. Please note – the stand is not listed on the website, so if you are interested, please contact me directly to place an order.

To ensure your piece remains at its best for years to come, it should be placed in a dry, shaded area, away from extreme temperatures.

For dusting, a gentle pass with a feather duster is all it takes—and your book will look as fresh as the day you received it.

Absolutely! A book sculpture makes the perfect gift.

All you need to do is check the "Gift Wrapping" box on the product page. The cost is 40 NIS for home delivery, or free of charge if you choose to pick it up yourself from my studio in Herzliya.

To ensure your piece arrives in perfect condition, we offer door-to-door delivery. Alternatively, you can choose local pickup from my studio in Herzliya. For more details, you are welcome to read our full shipping policy here.