Behind the scenes with Mark Yudell

 “Let’s go for it,” exclaimed Jane Krivine, who heads our Caesarea/Zichron ESRA group, “It’s your baby!”

That was the decision and I was left holding this "baby" – to organize a monthly get-together to swing, jive, and dance to the music of the 60s and 70s, which has again become popular. The possible profits would increase funding for our vocational training grants for disadvantaged youth. After obtaining the generous support of Caesarea Golf Club and the Albatross Restaurant to use their premises on the first Sunday of each month, I was faced with a number one essential to find a disc jockey who would be prepared not only to make the music flow but to take into account that the evenings were for a charitable cause.

And now I am going to take you, my readers, behind the scenes to meet our remarkable and talented disc jockey Mark Yudell, whose true vocation is working as a ceramicist. A uniquecraftsman and artist, Mark lives in Pardes Hanna where he has his studio.  His simple country home is remarkable, with his highly creative works of art everywhere. His ceramic works are not just bowls, jugs, and plates – they are inventive art pieces. Mark is a multimedia artist who does not always work in clay; he treated me to the sounds of music from colorfully designed creations such as a unique music box and a small street organ with flutes.

Mark, born in Syracuse, New York, told me with pride of his Israeli ancestry dating back to 18^th century Jerusalem. However, his father, a microbiologist, was born in the Bronx, New York. Eventually their roots in Judaism called his family back to Israel.  The flame was ignited one summer as they had accompanied a Young Judea youth group on a visit. So when he was 16 hisfamily decided to move back to live in Israel. Unsure of his ability to continue his schooling in Hebrew, he was sent to the American School in Kfar Shmaryahu. It was there that he began realizing his artistic abilities and was supported by his art teachers. Barely out of high school, he did a spell as a set designer particularly for children’s programs at the Herzliya television studio.

Looking to further his artistic talents, he began studying in the Industrial Design department at the Technological Institute in Holon  He soon realized that this field was not for him and decided to follow his heart and fulfil his artistic longings. He was accepted to  the Free Academy of Visual Art in The Hague, Holland, where he developed and widened his artistic talents and was profoundly drawn to art through ceramics. There he found fulfilment. After two years of study and apprenticeship in the field of pottery, he returned to Israel and continued his studies at the Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. However, he told me with a smile, he got into trouble on a number of occasions for his overzealous freedom of expression.

Walking slowly around the main area of his home and his garden studio, I was able to see many examples of his imagination and freedom of expression and that he is very much a free spirit. Over the past three decades, Mark has exhibited both in Israel and across the world and has been awarded a number of prizes for achievement.

After giving me a taste of music on his inventive instruments, he told me that since he has always been drawn to the sound of music, he decided to use his extensive collection of recorded music by offering his services as a DJ, first for friends and then, on recommendations, for private events. He too loves and specializes in music of the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Mark also takes pleasure in arranging ceramic workshops for a minimum of five persons. He runs an open studio where anyone who wants to get the feel of working with clay can come and experiment. He is an expert in a Japanese technique called Raku and has the special kiln which it requires.

Having enjoyed seeing Mark’s artistic creativity, I now look forward to the music he will give us to get our feet and bodies moving at our dancing evenings.

Mark loves visitors and invites anyone to stop by his studio. Just call him beforehand – 04 627 2089 or 050 594 7698. For more information visit www.yudell.com.