"I am currently working on a series of paintings entitled ‘Finding Home.’ In this work I raise questions about what and where is ‘home,’ while evoking issues such as identity, immigration, motherhood, and the role of art in social change. 

"I am a Sephardic Jew from India, a predominantly Hindu and Muslim country, and I was educated in Catholic and Zoroastrian schools. I am now also an American. With such a background, the desire to ‘find home,’ spiritually and literally, has always preoccupied me—a concern I feel many Americans can relate to.

"My paintings also explore female energy and power, as I am inspired by the tantric art of ancient India. The work is informed as well by Indian miniature paintings, Byzantine icons, and Jewish religious art from my childhood.

"During the past few years I have been involved in teaching multiculturalism in schools and communities through the Illinois Arts Council Arts-in-Education program. Working on cross-cultural projects with students suggested to me how I might delve into the essence of my own history—my hybrid background and experiences. This has become a cyclical process, with my research and paintings stimulating my teaching, which in turn returns energy and inspiration to my own art."

Ed.—Siona Benjamin, formerly a lecturer with the School of Art and Design, taught classes on Asian art for the University Honors Program. Her work has been exhibited across the United States and abroad, and she has had several solo shows, including one in Fall 2000 at St. Louis University’s MacLennan Gallery of Asian Art. "Finding Home" will eventually comprise 60 paintings, which will remain together as a traveling exhibition.

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