Page 37 - Studio International - November 1965

Anchored Axis ivory towers, separated from every-day life'.
Bronze His ceramic work had been seen by Henry Rothschild
12½ in. High
of Primavera who suggested he should come to
London to prepare for an exhibition. In 1954 he worked
in a pottery in Brampton Road, which he later managed.
'It was the practical experience I needed for my Israel
plans'. And indeed two years later, a master potter and
designer, he opened the Harsa plant in Beersheba,
which still exists. Based on pre-industrial concepts,
with six separate ateliers each occupied by an artist
working in his individual style and at the same time
training a group of apprentices, within 3} years it
employed forty-five persons. 'I gave myself five years to
prove it could be done, commercially and artistically';
he still retains an interest in the concern, and designs for
it, although now it is managed by the Histadrut-the
Israel Trade Union movement. During this period Azaz
was maturing as an artist. He had become an expert
jeweller and silversmith and helped set up Maskit, a
body employing the skills of emigrant craftsmen from
North Africa. He carried out commissions in a variety of
techniques-stained-glass set in concrete, mosaic,
ceramic murals, wood, and held exhibitions in the major
cities. 'I think I matured as an artist in about 1958 when
my concept of working in architecture crystallised. The
pottery experiment did not entirely satisfy me because
the vessels we made for functional purposes were

Head
Sandstone
9 in. High
Right
Counterpoint II
Bronze
16½ in. High

Study for Wall Ill
Bronze
8 in. High

199