Jewish art has never been just decorative. At the core of all quality Judaica, is a Jewish message. This is expressed with imagery drawn from our religious tradition, history and sense of common destiny. Understanding Jewish symbolism, requires basic familiarity with Judaism and the classic Hebrew texts. To use that symbolism creatively and meaningfully, the artist must have a much more profound knowledge.
After all, we are the "People of the Book" - and the artist is a kind of educator. Heavy.
Yet, I love color, pattern, decoration.
I love historical trivia, telling stories.
I love playing with paint & wearing the paint stains on my fingers like trophies.
I love sophisticated "art", but I also love prettiness.
I love the poetic Hebrew language of the Torah, also on a purely aesthetic level.
I love philosophy, but it puts me to sleep.
I also love bringing people pleasure (especially those who view my artwork!) Contradictions?
I hope not. I hope to create Jewish art that is inventive. Even when choosing a well-worked theme, I try to explore it in a new way, creating a piece relevant to today's taste and intelligence.
I try never to be hoity-toity or to sell hype.
But I do try to enlighten my viewers, to what I find so fascinating and inspiring in Jewish civilization.
Chanan Mazal Please read my Art Blog
www.mazalart.blogspot.com Designed and Made in Israel! | 
