A memoir of the life and creations of Rajie Cook
Rajie Cook, born a Palestinian Christian, son of immigrant parents in America in 1930, died at the age of 90 in 2020.
His father, in spite of having lost his sight in an accident, had faith in Rajie’s artistic talent and supported his education as a graphic designer. This faith was justified as Rajie proceeded to have a long and successful career, eventually being awarded the Presidential Award for Design Excellence by President Ronald Reagan in 1985.
Rajie had already designed the international symbols familiar to world travelers indicating restrooms, non-smoking areas, water fountains, etc., as well as an infinite number of company logos and commercial advertisements, when he turned to his great passion: art as advocacy. Just like his father, Rajie had developed a deep love for his homeland, nourishing a fervent desire for peace in the Middle East and freedom and justice for Palestinians.
Written in the last years of his life, A Vision for My Father is an eloquent expression of Rajie’s personal experiences. This memoir exudes his humility, honesty, humor, creativity, and his love of his family and homeland, as well as pages and pages of perfectly printed photos of his family, trips, and artistic creations. He refused to cut any corners when choosing a publisher and then the paper it was to be printed on.
You will be enlightened by his words and selections of pithy quotations and by his repurposing of found objects (e.g. discarded dolls for body parts of bombed children) in his shadow boxes. His studio was always filled with “junk” which reflected in his head, always stimulating new creations.
Rajie was a devoted advocate for freedom and justice for the Palestinians and donated a limited number of copies of this extraordinary memoir to Christian Jewish Allies to sell as his contribution to our work. He insisted on setting the price at $35. so it would be affordable but also a source of income. I can assure you that the content and quality of this production are worth much more; perusing A Vision for My Father is a mind- and heart-broadening experience.
Mary Allen
To purchase your copy, contact Mary Allen:
<marydallen@gmail.com> or 215-473-0665.
Make payment to Christian Jewish Allies
