Light, color, joy, and depth define the work of Tzfat artist, Sheva Chaya Shaiman.  Sheva Chaya grew up in Denver, Colorado where wide open skies and the majestic Rocky Mountains inspired her to begin her career as an artist.  She studied at Princeton University, majoring in visual art and art history, with a concentration in painting.  After graduating from Princeton in 1997, Sheva Chaya immigrated to Israel.  There, the land, the people, and a rich tradition of spiritual teachings brought a new, deeper dimension to her work.  Sheva Chaya now loves living in the Old City of Tzfat, Israel, with her husband and three children.

Sheva Chaya is happy to speak to groups and individuals visiting Tzfat. Among Sheva Chaya's presentation themes are Jewish women's expression, landscapes of Eretz Yisrael, and Hasidic teachings.  She would be happy to speak on such subjects, as well as relate her fascinating story of an artist coming back to Judaism and the Land of Israel.

Sheva Chaya has learned and worked with incredible artists, spiritual mentors, and teachers.  Here is what some of them say:

Her approach to the canvas and colors is invested with an exuberant investigation of the potential in the media.

Power Boothe
Former professor of painting, Princeton University
Present Dean of Hartford Art School, University of Hartford

Sheva Chaya's paintings are filled with light and color and joy and depth.  They have a poignant beauty that goes right to the heart.  They also work as prints, and make lovely adornments for books and invitations and the like.  I am a real fan of Sheva Chaya's work.

Sarah Yehudit (Susie) Schneider
Director, A Still Small Voice, Center for Jewish Studies Jerusalem, Israel

I find Sheva Chaya’s artwork to be an ideal representation of the feminine in how it is elegant, simple, beautiful, powerful and empowering. As the editor of The Jewish Woman I chose to work with Sheva Chaya to create the icons for our homepage for her art spoke to women of all ages, backgrounds and occupations. From the powerhouse CEO to the stay at home mother, young and old alike, her drawings made these women feel proud of their womanhood and their potential.

Sara Esther Crispe
Editor, The Jewish Woman

Working with Sheva Chaya is an absolute pleasure. She is a gifted and original artist, and at the same time she has been open to my input and ideas- a rare combination! The cover she made for my book Expecting Miracles is exquisite, and I have received many comments on its beauty.

Chana Weisberg
Author of Expecting Miracles

I wanted a cover for my new CD that reflected the spiritual nature of the music. Sheva Chaya was able to interpret from my words and from listening to the music,  came up with artwork that beautifully matched the essence of the CD.

Alan Goldberg
Musician, Chasing Stray Flames CD