Birthdate: June 3, 1941 URS: March 7, 2016
“O body swayed to music, O brightening glance,
How can we know the dancer from the dance?”
“Among School Children”
William Butler Yeats
Zehra Linda Solomon
June 3, 1941 – March 7, 2016
“Painting is my prayer”
“Art is an integral part of me, like breathing, exercising, or dreaming, I have always done it with full body, mind, and spirit. I dance my paintings ecstatically in the act of their creation. My art evokes a sense of mystery and surprise as I play upon my interest in mysticism, dance, relationship and love. The umbrella theme of love, harmony and beauty embraces my art. Various mediums grace my paintings with a painting style loose and free. As an abstract expressionist, I’m unique and fearless in the way I handle a palette knife, paint brush or wild flowing hand. Only after learning the laws of the paintbrush can I break them, and do so joyously. My dad was a visionary artist, and my mother, a dancer. As a painter I use this creative process to reach out and gain a sense of oneness with the world, connecting with those who turn their eyes towards my work.“
Zehra Linda Solomon, 74, united with the Beloved on March 7, 2016 at her Palm Coast, FL home surrounded by longtime life partner Ruhaniat mureed Sh’mal Ahmed Ellenberg, her five still-living children (one of whom arrived from New York only moments before her passing), and three grandchildren. She was a life-long student of the inner path, Ruhaniat mureed, Service of Universal Peace cheraga, interfaith minister and Dancer of Universal Peace for decades.
Born in Manhattan to Ida and Frank Shore, the New York area was home for most of Zehra’s life where for decades after college she was an art educator, teaching children and adults. Moving to Florida (2000), with three years in Seattle (2011-13), she became a well-known artist and mentor to many local developing artists.
Dance was a central painting theme, particularly Dances of Universal Peace, Whirling Dervishes, and folkdances. Zehra was named Flagler County, FL Artist of the Year (2004); extensive exhibits included Hollingsworth Gallery, Flagler Fine Arts Festival, Daytona Beach Community College permanent collection, Palm Coast Library, Le Cose Belle and Salvo Art Project, Bunnell, FL, the gallery home of her final studio. Memorial services were held in Florida and New York.
