Four decades of crafting Judaica

Melbourne jeweller and artist Mordecai Esakoff will showcase more than 40 years of handcrafted Judaica and art in his largest exhibition to date in October.

From Earth to Soul, an exhibition of art and Judaica, brings together Esakoff’s body of work in silver, gold, semi-precious stones and, more recently, native Australian woods. Largely self-taught, Esakoff creates pieces that are both functional and decorative, drawing on his love of nature, Jewish life and storytelling.

His repertoire spans candlesticks and bowls to boxes, miniature gardens, prayer books, jewellery and landscapes. Each piece, he says, carries its own narrative.

“I am driven to create beautiful things with materials I’ve collected on my journey,” Esakoff said. “I can’t wait to sit down in my workshop each day and see where the materials and my imagination take me.”

While Esakoff has held private exhibitions and been represented by stores in Melbourne over the years, this show will be his most ambitious. It incorporates many newer works that blend native timbers with stone and metal, reflecting an evolving creative practice that roots traditional Judaica in the Australian landscape.

The exhibition adds to Melbourne’s rich tradition of handcrafted Jewish ritual art, where local makers continue to shape objects of beauty and meaning for homes and synagogues across the community.

When the exhibition opens, Esakoff will speak about his creative journey and the inspirations behind his work. The artist will be in attendance throughout the exhibition, meaning visitors will have the opportunity to meet the maker and hear the stories behind individual pieces.

From Earth to Soul runs from October 11-15. To register, visit events.humanitix.com/from-earth-to-soul-an-exhibition-of-art-and-judaica-by-mordecai