The mezuzah is a visible sign of Jewishness and observance. It is an item of Judaica which is fixed, is constantly in use and always on display at the entrance to the home. It is also an item which most Jewish people, even those who are less orthodox, will have. This was an opportunity to design a contemporary, colourful piece which I would be happy to have at my own front door. The choice of material was a deliberate one. I wanted to make something which was bright, and colourful, a way of celebrating observance and difference. The design is based on the pod, a shape which represents renewal and continuity. This mezuzah is optimistic, positive, and perhaps futuristic.

Brenda Factor holds an Associate Diploma of Jewellery Design from Sydney Institute of Technology Design Centre, as well as a Master of Letters (History), and a Graduate Diploma of Museum Studies. Since 1985 she has worked as a curator, arts administrator and museum consultant. She was Director of Museums Australia (NSW) from 1993 to 1997 and had a one-year residency at Object Studios in Sydney in 2000. She is currently pursuing a career as a designer/jeweller.