עין הוד ו AnaLia

It was a good thing for me that the jewelers and the clothing design shops were all closed. I would have been way too tempted. We visited a couple glass galleries – a stained glass workshop owned by a Russian immigrant who combines ancient Classical motifs into modern stained glass; a glass-blowing gallery which was exquisite. Another favorite part of this special day was meeting up with AnaLia Magen, a very talented sculptor. She led us through her studio, so much fun!!! AnaLia’s grandparents were among the original settlers/pioneers of modern day Tel Aviv. Her latest creations are a series of ceramic towers with sculpted figures adorning the structures. My absolute favorite piece is part of her own private collection and is a tribute to her ancestors and their role in the founding of Israel. She has taken photographs (her grandmother posing with Sigmund Freud; her grandfather as  part of Jabotinsky’s early band of Zionists; her grandfather with Theodore Herzl) and incorporated them into the tower. Each picture includes a hand written note or penciled-in explanation. Typical to Magen’s work are cut-out windows and doors to enable the viewer to see all the detail inside each tower. There are her figures whimsically perched on the ladders and ledges of the sculpture. Very imaginative!! Her incorporation of personal history (as well as the history of Israel) is innovative and fun. She is a most delightful lady, and we can’t wait to visit her again soon.

http://israeldreams.com/2016/01/17/1164/