Want to understand more about Aimee’s artistic journey? Watch the recent LiveStream by Art and Scroll Studio and the American Guild of Judaic Art.
Or watch this quick video….
Forging Peace in Metal: An Artist’s Legacy of Light
I am the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors on my mother’s side and a sixth-generation metal artist. My grandfather was a precision tool and die maker—he built the machines that candle companies used to make light. That image resonates with me: even in dark times, my family was creating the very tools to bring light into the world.
When I was a student at San Francisco State University, I discovered metalsmithing for the first time. I didn’t know then that I was stepping into a lineage, not just of craftsmanship, but of meaning-making. It felt natural, even sacred. Since then, for more than 30 years, I’ve created hundreds of mezuzahs—small ritual cases that hold the klaf, a sacred scroll that goes on the doorpost of Jewish homes. These pieces are among the most special and essential objects in Jewish life. They embody everything I believe in: memory, beauty, protection, values, and continuity.
But since October 7th, it feels like the wounds of the world have been torn open all over again. Antisemitism is surging, not in dark corners, but out in the open—normalized, justified, even celebrated. I see Jews being hated, misconstrued, dehumanized. Our symbols, our values, our very humanity are under assault. This time, we are alive and vocal, but the silence of allies has been deafening.
And yet, my response—like my ancestors’—is to create.
Judaism, at its heart, is a love letter to life. We are taught to uphold compassion, justice, truth, beauty, and the dignity of every living soul. The mezuzah is a reminder of those values—not just for Jews, but for anyone who passes through a doorway with intention. The verse inside tells us to carry these teachings with us “as we come and as we go.” Though only Jews are commanded to place mezuzahs on their doors, anyone can benefit from what it stands for: living a life of awareness, care, and sacred responsibility.
I often ask myself:
How are we to be a light among nations if we’re not allowed to share our teachings?
And how can we be a light if we are hated across the world?
What would happen if, instead of hating the Jews, people chose to trust us? To love us? To learn from us?
Hating Jews has never helped humanity. But loving Jews—and hearing what we have to offer—just might. Judaism teaches love of neighbor, care for the earth, sanctity of time, and reverence for the stranger. Would the world be better off if more people embraced those teachings? I think the answer is yes. These questions live inside me, and they live in my art.
Right now, I’m working on two deeply meaningful sculptures—both collaborative, both rooted in love and legacy.
The first is a monumental Tree of Life sculpture, six feet by seven feet, created in copper for Hospice of the Valley. It’s a collaboration with artist Lisa Rauchwerger, a calligrapher, paper-cutter, and chef. We hope this Tree of Life will offer comfort and hope in times of grief—a living testament to memory, healing, and connection.
The second is a sculptural gift for Debbie Artz-Mor, in honor of her retirement from the Brandeis School of San Francisco. My husband and artistic partner, David Casella, and I have designed a book that opens into the shape of a heart, with hand-formed silver covers and a quote from Hillel inscribed inside. Lisa will again contribute her calligraphy to bring the words to life. It is a piece about education, love, and the soul of a community.
Both of these sculptures, like all of my work, are rooted in collaboration, intention, and a fierce belief in the possibility of peace. They are not made in response to hate—they are made in devotion to love.
Art, for me, is not decorative. It is declarative. It says: We are here. We have survived. We love life. We will build a future with our hands and hearts and tools of meaning. My metalwork is a practice of Jewish memory, but also a prayer for the world. A prayer that we stop turning away from one another—and begin to turn toward.
Testimonials:
His Holiness The Dalai Lama (via Tenzin Sherab – Special Assistant)
His Holiness is very pleased to know your idea for an art installation known as ‘Art for Prayer and Peace: A Bridge to Oneness.’ His Holiness felt that it has potential for contributing to religious harmony and peace and offers his prayers for its success.
His Holiness Pope Francis (via Monsignor Peter B. Wells Assesor)
He appreciates the devoted sentiments which prompted this thoughtful presentation. [For Art for Prayer and Peace A Bridge to Oneness] The Holy Father gives the assurance of a remembrance in his prayers and sends his blessing.
Rabbi Judy Shanks – Temple Isaiah, Lafayette, CA
Aimee is an extremely talented, visionary artist, who uses her creativity to build bridges between people and between faith communities. Aimee’s work is both exquisite and provocative in the best sense of the word, leading to discussions and new ways of perceiving our own and others’ symbols. Aimee herself is passionate and articulate about her work and its potential to bring unity where there is division. My synagogue community responded with great enthusiasm both to Aimee’s presentation on the Prayer and Peace project and to the ritual objects and jewelry available for sale that highlight Aimee’s metalwork artistry.
Jason Wingard-Executive Chairman, The Education Board, Inc. & Distinguished Visiting Professor Harvard University
Aimee Golant’s work is outstanding and unparalleled in the metal arts arena. The level of detail and craftsmanship she delivers with each piece is both masterful and innovative–evoking a cathartic experience that only special art can generate. She is the consummate professional–focussed on the needs of the customer, appropriately injecting creative brilliance throughout the process, and providing best-in-class service for customized, commissioned work. I highly recommend Aimee for project work, teaching, or creative consulting.
Rev. Maggie Oman Shannon- Unity Spiritual Center, San Francisco, CA
Aimee is very professional and offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about her Jewish heritage through the lens of her current pasion, which is interfaith outreach– seeing what we have in common and how we can appreciate the faith tradition we come from while bridging our differences. If you are looking for a presenter who can speak both to the creative process as a spiritual impulse and to the possibilites of interfaith understanding, Aimee will fulfill those roles beautifully.
Rabbi Danny Gottlieb- Rabbi Emeritus Congregation Beth Israel Judea, San Francisco, CA
I recommend Aimee Golant on her latest artistic work, ‘Art for Prayer and Peace: A Bridge to Oneness.’ It successfully bridges the teachings of the Jewish faith with that of other religions. The work is thought provoking and revealing of ideas which support the advancement of Jewish thought and understanding. In addition, I feel her project has the potential to create a deeper spiritual understanding and a sense of peace among a diverse audience. Aimee is an effective and dynamic teacher and presenter, while remaining a dedicated student.
Michael Sturtz – Sculptor, teacher, designer and facilitator of creative thinking. He is the founder of The Crucible, a nonprofit industrial arts school in Oakland, California, United States.
Aimee is an amazing artist and teacher, her work in both fields is truly inspiring. I have no doubt she can accomplish anything she puts her effort into.
Abby Porth – Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council
Thank you to the extraordinary Aimee Golant, teacher and artist. If you are looking for a unique hand-made or DIY’ish gift of metal work, Aimee is your go-to artist for guidance and art wizardry.
Adam Clark – Owner, Scintillant Studio
Enthusiasm…. is the key word when describing Aimee. Enthusiasm coupled with an active and creative mind. She could motivate a stone to do backflips.
if you are considering hiring her for ANYTHING don’t hesitate. because she wont!
Claire Axelrad – Formerly of JFCS, Principal at Clairification
Aimee is a creative artist whose inspired work comes straight from the heart and will light up your life.
Laurie Rosenwasser – Former Executive Director, Hadassah- Upper Midwest Region
Aimee designed and executed a Chai – pewter/bronze/silver – for our Hadassah Region as a fundraising incentive. The chai is beautiful and coveted by our members (as we desired), and Aimee is an absolute pleasure to work with and totally honorable and dependable. I would be happy to hire and work with Aimee any time.
Mara Langer – Speaker – Breast Cancer Advocacy – California’s 19th Assembly District Woman of the Year for 2012
Aimee is a fantastic artist, constantly creating new and exciting products reflecting life and living. I have purchased several pieces for myself as well as for gifts – they are always well received and adored by their recipients.
Emiko oye – owner, emiko-o, presiden Metal Arts Guild
Aimee is one of the most hard-working, self-motivated metal artists that I know who is truly making it in the field and inspiring others to follow their calling. She is a dedicated and generous teacher, and approaches her business from a place of spirituality.
Jerri Lynn Firstenberg – Satsified Customer
I have purchased three pieces of artwork from Aimee, and am so happy with them. One is the Shalom Bayit necklace, an organization that was there for me when I needed them, the second is the shaddai necklace, and the third is the Shine mezuzah to be given as a wedding gift. I am more impressed which each item I receive. They are truly works of art. Plus Aimee is such a pleasure to talk to and is a true artisan…. Thank you Aimee.
