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Bentzion Zucker, 14, of Pleasant Ridge created paintings of the ushpizin,
the seven visitors to the sukkah, and the hanging ceramic mobile.

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Many pieces have a Jewish ritual purpose, like this washing cup and bowl.

hen Bentzion Zucker was young, he mixed glue and cheap paints
together in an effort to make oil paint. He couldn't talk yet, but he
knew what he wanted — art.
A talented savant, he says art is in his mind, head and heart.
"I feel close to God in many different ways, especially when I make art,” says
Benny, 14, who sits in his basement crowded with art supplies, most notably a pro-
fessional pottery wheel and kiln. His drawing board is a study in controlled clutter
— watercolors and containers filled with paint brushes, including a few made from
his own light brown hair lashed to a stick like Native Americans used to do.
An only child, Benny is home schooled by his mother, Rivka. His father, Yitzchok
Zucker, is a baker. Three days a week, Benny studies at Yeshivah Gedolah, Oak
Park. Otherwise, he can be found most often in his basement studio in Pleasant
Ridge, making pottery, paintings . or handmade paper and listening to his favorite
music.

•

— Keri Guten Cohen, story development editor

— Staff photos by Angie Baan

Top left: Benny is hard at work

at the pottery wheel. He uses a

sponge to smooth edges.

Top right: Controlled clutter at

Benny's drawing board.

Bottom: Benny begins a

watercolor painting.

50

October 26 • 2006