A Ginger Journey

One of the biggest surprises in Israel has been discovering its solid creative base.  I met and became inspired by so many artists, creators, entrepreneurs, and fashionable people throughout.  

Although there are many more to mention, I want to highlight these three forms of art that I stumbled upon while visiting.  

1) Jerusalem Pottery - A Ceramics Studio

Like I mentioned, I’ve grown up admiring pieces from these artists in Ayelet’s home, but it was a real treat to visit the actual studio tucked away in the streets of Old Jerusalem.  Her grandmother led us to their favorite ceramic artists.  

Each piece of ceramic is hand painted using old, traditional Armenian design.  Two talented brothers now make these pieces one by one.  Interestingly enough, the family first came to Jerusalem from Turkey in 1919 with the task of repairing tiles at the Dome of the Rock.  Enjoying some relief from Armenian persecution in Turkey, they stayed and continued to create in Israel, establishing a name among the community.  If you visit Old Jerusalem now, you can see their tiles used as street signs.

Inside the studio, I was overwhelmed.  If you visit make sure not to wear a backpack, the studio is tiny!

Bright colors.  Imagery.  Incredible detail.  Continuous design flow - so easy on the eye.  

 This studio has established a name for itself in the community, but its future is more uncertain.  The younger generations in the family are leaving Israel and it’s hard to find replacements dedicated to the craft.  The artists themselves are getting older - Rachel said that one is nearly blind.  But they are still creating.  

To see more of their work, visit their site here: www.jerusalempottery.biz

This brings me to my next source of inspiration in Israeli Art….

2) Ototo Design - Functional products with a sense of humor

I found this “tea sub” at The Isreal Museum and fell in love with Ototo.  They’re two fun designers who met at design school in Tel Aviv.  Their first project together, Poing (below), solidified their desire to start a company.  

Now they’ve grown to develop a fun range of functional products with a talented team going strong since 2004.  Their product design conveys their humor and appeals to a broad audience around the world.  Ototo means “any minute now” in Hebrew and signifies that new and exciting possibilities are right around the corner.

At first, the founders at Ototo made their products by hand out of a ceramics factory in Tel Aviv.  However, as their popularity grew, their team expanded and they turned to mass-production to satisfy the increasing global demand.  Business looks good.  

To see more of their fabulous designs, visit their site here: http://www.ototodesign.com/PRODUCTS.aspx

And this brings me to my last source of inspiration in Israel…

3) Ishaor - Leather Art

I stopped at this stand wandering through a craft / art market in Tel Aviv and was captivated by the interesting use of color and creative designs for each leather product.  Items ranging from bracelets to belts to bags all share the trademark unique coloring and most show off the beautiful design below.  

Ishaor’s creator, designer, and artist, Ishai, began focussing on leather art roughly ten years ago during a career switch from the Navy.  He followed an internal desire to create.  Proud of each design, he showed me his first two belts, which he has on hand but does not sell.  

His brand image means “complete” in Hebrew and can be paired symmetrically with itself to create a heart shape.  Two become one.  

I love that his work is handmade.  He even creates pieces using different tools he finds: ravioli cutters, knives, electronic parts, tire repair tools.  Another signature touch is the painting on leather to create a unique, rustic touch.   

What sticks out the most about Ishai is his optimism, dedication, forward thinking, diversification (he sells online and then at the market two days where he has the best sidewalk real estate), creative use of items around him, and his very specific focus.  He’s constantly working to evolve his designs, but keeps his brand front and center.  

And although life as an artist is not easy, he’s working to build his brand and a following through social media.  When I exclaimed that that was smart, he made me promise to “Like” him on facebook.  If you feel the same, support this talented artist!  It’s that easy… http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ishaor/152000361498730

To see the complete line of Ishaor products, check them out on Etsy here:  http://www.etsy.com/search?search_submit=&q=ishaor&noautofacet=1