Tamara Baskin was one of those larger-than-life people whose personality could fill up a room the moment she stepped inside. She knew no strangers – only friends she hadn’t met. And she created beautiful art – especially fused-glass art – that brought countless people into her life to experience her lively spirit and creativity.
Born and raised in Israel, Tamara came to the United States, where she launched her career. Being a self-taught artist she worked for twenty years in media as varied as ceramics, wood, and dried flowers. She started out selling her work at art and craft shows, where she was an instant hit. Some of her more popular items (some cookie jars with whimsical designs come to mind) would sell out within the first hour!
Tamara poured her heart and soul into her business and got her whole family involved, too. Her son Ilan told me he was always fascinated by her work and can remember spending hours in the garage cutting and staining wood for her projects.
In the mid-1990s, Tamara discovered her gift for working with handmade fused glass. It quickly became her medium of choice, and she became the first-ever to create a fused-glass mezuzah. This made her a hallmark in the world of Judaica.
With its color, clarity, and beauty, glass allowed Tamara to create art that was both elegant and functional. It defined who she had become as an artist.
My family and I were among the many, many people greatly saddened by Tamara’s death after a brief illness five years ago. But thanks to Ilan, her legacy lives on. He took over the Tamara Baskin Art Glass and remains committed to his mother’s vision of creating unique and functional Judaica art. He also lives up to her quality standards: Every piece is individually crafted, and nothing leaves the studio before he has personally inspected it.
At Traditions Jewish Gifts, we are proud and pleased to carry a large array of Judaica from Tamara Baskin Art Glass. Our online catalog features everything from menorahs and candlesticks to Tzedakah boxes and Jewish-themed home decor. And right now, you can take advantage of our special discount. I know you won’t be disappointed.
“Each piece is an extension of our family name,” Ilan says. I think that says it all.