Although I always knew from childhood, that I wanted to be an artist, poetry & literature came in as a close second choice. I subsequently studied Textile Design & Fine Art first, at Hornsey & then at Camberwell School of Art, receiving my B.A. hons. in 1975.

After marrying & giving birth to our first child, we made Aliyah in 1976 & settled in Gush Etzion, where I have designed needlepoints & embroidery, & taught art, sewing & design to every age group. About 20 years ago, my interest in poetry became reawakened. I began writing again, joined VOICES ISRAEL & since then, have had many poems published, mainly in the VOICES Anthology, but also in SEVEN GATES, THE DERONDA REVUE & online publications. I have won prizes & hon. mentions in the Annual Reuben Rose Poetry Competion & the Miriam Lindberg Peace Prize. 

About 4 years ago, I took a creative writing course in Hebrew, and since then, have been an active member  of a poetry translation workshop. I have translated some of my poetry to Hebrew and these too, have appeared in online publications.

Currently, I teach silk painting & doll making to the elderly, paint, sew, embroider & write & am actively involved in helping out with our 10 grandchildren [not necessarily in that order].

Much of my work is rooted in our Jewish heritage, with motifs inspired by the Bible, the landscape of the unique land in which we live, and how it impacts our lives today.

My dream is to publish my own book, preferably with illustrations taken from my own sketches & paintings,  & to continue to both paint & create meaningful works of art, using a wide range of materials & techniques.

Esther lixenberg-Bloch