He Sculpted in Silver, But He Was Made of Gold

I dare to turn my tears for my father into words here, hoping they will shine like crystals, casting light on the man he was for those who knew him, and for those who wish they had. His artistic legacy remains, but his vast and generous heart, his tenderness, and even his idealism — as his close friend, Rafi Muntz, often reminds me — are forever etched in the hearts of those who loved him. It is only right that the admirers of his art come to know this side of him too.

This website, dedicated to his memory, offers just a glimpse of his immense work. Carmel was a humble man; he rarely bothered to document his own art — recording dimensions, weights, or cataloguing his creations. It was all kept in his head. Though he was repeatedly asked, both by clients and by me, to document his work, he would simply wave his hands in dismissal. On rare occasions he did turn to a professional photographer — around exhibitions, or when a particular piece struck even him as truly exceptional — but these were few. He was the epitome of modesty, always flowing with life, always happiest to send his creations out into the world to brighten hearts and bring sanctity to Shabbat and Yom Tov.

Years before Carmel passed away in 2009, I managed to convince him to build a website. I smile to myself now, remembering the modest conditions under which I photographed some of his pieces for the site — which was his only condition for agreeing to the project in the first place. It was in my tiny student apartment in the heart of Tel Aviv, long before the explosion of social media. He would surely look at today's digital revolutions with utter amazement. He was, in every sense, a man of traditional craftsmanship.

Carmel was always aware of his worth as an artist and a master craftsman. When others rose to imitate his style, he never once sent a lawyer. He would just laugh at me when I got upset and say, "Let them be, let them try." And yet, in his memory, it feels important to me that his work is treated with the care and respect it deserves. All rights to Carmel Shabi's designs and works are lovingly reserved by his estate. If you'd like to know more, you're warmly welcome to read our copyright notice.

This blog will tell the story of the artist and the story of his creations, through the eyes of his only, loving daughter — who will never stop missing her sweet, nurturing, and gentle-hearted father.