Forged in persistence
- Azizbala crafts dynamic scenes out of metal
- He is a versatile ornamentalist
- Each composition carries a piece of him
Azizbala Dadashov’s introduction to metal occurred in his childhood, when he met his neighbour, a Greek master craftsman specialised in painting and iron forging. Under his guidance, Azizbala made his first metal object, a steel gazelle figure for his bicycle. Despite his affinity for working with metal, along the way Azizbala experimented with calligraphy, ceramics and carpet weaving. And yet, following in the footsteps of his mentor, he always came back to metalwork, often modernising it by combining it with certain painting techniques. “People can tell who you are by looking at your art”, he says. Azizbala’s metal creations certainly are individual and showcase the versatility of his skillset as an ornamentalist.
Interview
- What was the moment when you chose this craft?
- It was when I made gazelle figures for my bike as a child. Later, I studied metal forging and engraving at a technical school, and carpet weaving at university. I worked in ceramics and miniature art, too. I am a professional ornamentalist and combine as many crafts as I can.
- What are your sources of inspiration?
- I don't wait for inspiration to come. I work every day and, little by little, my art is formed. But you can't do this without love.
- How would you define what you do?
- Man expresses himself through art. You show your strength, your will, and what you are capable of. People can tell who you are by looking at your work. I don’t want to give a specific definition of my metal works because, in my opinion, they define me.
- What does well made mean to you?
- First, I look at the artist's painting skills and then at their technique. Surface works are easy to create, yet fundamental to a piece, and relief carving, like 3D, is more complex. I use both. If both features are in a piece, then I conclude that it was made with great craftsmanship.
Azizbala Dadashov is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1987
