Contrasting Ceramics in Jordan

摘要

During a recent visit to Jordan I spoke to Hazem Al Zubi and Mahmud Tana, two of Jordan's leading ceramists, both living and working in Amman. Despite similar aspects to their work in terms of format and content, it soon became clear that their starting points were different. The fact that Taha was born in Jaffa in some ways explains his use of imagery that relates to the Palestinian/Israeli issue. Through displacement, forced or otherwise, this topic was touched on in his work. Conversely, Al Zubi was born in Jordan in a small village (Harima), about fifty miles from the capital. Growing up in this small village Al Zubi's senses were subject to the colours, aromas, and decoration that permeates Arab life. In each, personal experience has manifested itself in the ceramic art produced. Al Zubi has a workshop and studio separated by a piece of open ground. The workshop employs about three people, throwing, carving and preparing greenware for bisque firing. His studio is more a display-cum-ideas area where he spends time planning his next piece. Completed pieces exist next to work in progress and there is a sense of the artisan producing one-off items. From the bustling workshop come sounds assuring us that orders are safely dispatched.