THE FINE CERAMIC JUDAICA OF DANNY AZOULAY

Danny Azoulay is a Jerusalem artist who has combined both traditional and contemporary media to create finely crafted ceramic judaica.

Drawing his inspiration from the wellsprings of Jewish traditional symbolism, Danny spends months of research and experimentation in the studio before producing ritual objects that combine themes from art, architecture and nature with the spiritual elements inherent in Jewish customs and folklore. "I think, plan, and then create," he says. He produces only five to eight new designs a year.

Azoulay's intricate designs are inspired by both the Orient and West, hence the integration of the vibrant blues and reds of the Mediterranean with a palette of more delicate pastel shades indigenous to Europe. Influences from Europe, the Far East and Jerusalem can be found in his menorahs, spice boxes, wine goblets and other ritual objects, lending his work a flavor that is as universal as it is Jewish.  

RETURN TO ROOTS  

Danny Azoulay was born in Morroco in 1955 and came to Israel with his family when he was three months old. He was raised in a traditional home, in an atmosphere of "generosity and hospitality", one of eight brothers and sisters. He specialized in abstract sculpture at Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem and was honored with the Rosenthal Prize for sculpture.

During his childhood years Danny's family lived in both the north and south of Israel. He finally settled in Jerusalem. and works in the picturesque, renovated artists neighborhood of Nahlaot Zion. With this background, the lush green of the north, the pure white clarity of the south and the etherealness that is Jerusalem all find their way into his work.  

THE PROCESS  

Azoulay uses only the highest quality material, including faience - the whitest European porcelain that can be obtained in Israel. He has developed a painstakingly delicate procedure in which he fires his pieces of art three times. After the first bisque firing, they are exquisitely hand-painted with the finest paints and sable brushes, and then glazed. After the second firing he weaves delicate strands of silver, brass or gold luster paint as highlights into their precisely detailed patterns. Finally after the third firing he adds individual silver and brass pieces to some of the items, such as tiny silver dove on a mezuza, or a silver swivel door on a turrets spice-box.  

Just as the porcelain is fired, so is Danny's imagination. He is fascinated by the element of mystery in his art: in the hush of the quiet, creative atmosphere of his studio, he shares his ideas with a few carefully chosen apprentices. "I try to open many windows of the imagination, "Danny says, "and those who join me in the creative process are as moved as I am when we open the the kiln and see the results of many months of work."  

THE HALLMARK OF AZOULAY  

Danny Azoulay has exhibited in Washington, D.C.., in Europe and in Israel. He is the first artist to combine porcelain with silver and brass in Judaica. Each design is unique and each item personally signed by the artist. His creations are intended to be displayed and used lovingly in the homes of both collectors and laymen. This fidelity to both elegance and function is his hallmark.  

The rich ceramic Judaica of Danny Azoulay glows with warmth and celebration, reflecting the tradition, history and universality of Jewish spirit.