STUDIO VISITS: SEVERJ STUDIO

How would you describe your perspective on art?

It's hard for me to define, it's purely a feeling.

How did the idea to open Severj Studio come about and how did this process go?

I wanted to have a playground of my own for a long time, but I did not have such an opportunity or production. It started with my interest in architecture, furniture and objects. I knew that I wanted to produce something with my hands, but it took me a while to figure out how to do it. I started learning ceramics by going to the first glassblowing course and then taking lathe training. There was a building where I used to go back and forth, where my friends' studios were, and when a room was vacant, I took it and everything developed very quickly. This room was a living space where I collected all my collected objects and furniture for a while. It was here that I understood the mud, learned the process and started to love it. My aim was to produce functional objects that I would be happy to see and use in daily life, for myself. At some point, it's not just for me anymore; I started to produce for people and their fields who take pleasure from the things they see and use and value handmade works.

You use unusual forms, organic and geometric textures, and unexpected shapes. What inspires you in the creative process?

I spend a lot of time at the lathe, it happens spontaneously most of the time, I don't know. I take the molds of some of the forms I like and start to produce them in multiple quantities, sometimes I separate the parts and put them back together in different ways, I produce my works by trial and error. I've been trying to learn 3D modeling lately. It is possible to produce only round-based works on the lathe, sometimes I can't get enough of it. It excites me to print the forms that I like to sketch and then to produce and use them from ceramics.

Your studio is in Tophane, at the intersection of authentic culture and the pursuit of modern art. How does being here and living in Istanbul affect your work?

The building we are in is like a liberated zone. I wouldn't say Istanbul. I also love Tophane a lot, oddly enough, it is very easy to reach everywhere I go, especially to Persembe Market and Eminonu. There are also sweet people and shopkeepers in the neighborhood who help me carry things upstairs and greet me every morning.

What can you say about being an artist in Turkey?

It's hard to be a happy and carefree person under these conditions in Turkey, especially if you're trying to make a living by starting your own small business. I am very lucky because my family always supports me no matter what I do. I am very much in love with the city I live in, especially my workshop. I'm trying to see the good sides of life for now, I'm just trying to continue producing without losing my childlike spirit and giving up playing games.

Who are the people who have had a place in your life and have deeply influenced your career?

The Memphis team that came together in the 80s. Eren, who introduced me to these works and shared his knowledge and books, is one of the oldest in our building, a very dear friend of mine. And Jim Walrod with his collection. He was an interior designer and design guru, passed away suddenly last year, I don't know what it would be like but I really wanted to meet him. He found and collected pieces that no one had even looked at. Some liked it, some hated it. Memphis is kind of like that. His collection, all the artists he loves and supports, almost all of the pieces he loves and loves are iconic designs and designers and architects. I'm a fan of people who can see it and enjoy it before the trends become popular, and then we attack whatever is popular. In an interview he said “Time is the only real critic that matters”, I totally agree, I wait and I continue to collect everything that looks good to me as much as possible.

What about the works that you can't take your eyes off of?

There are many… The first ones that come to my mind are Marcel Breuer, Wassily Chair. All the works of Sottsass. As ceramics, Eric Roinestad's ceramics and everything Cody Hoyt created. Aldo Rossi's Alessi collection. My count is endless.

What has changed for you from your first ceramic to your last?

I have changed, my taste has changed. I get used to losing the things I value, as my works break and crack, there can be a lot of loss in ceramics during the production process. However, I continue to work carefully on each piece with the same care. I'm very impatient normally, I get demoralized easily. I started to be a more patient person. I am rasping and growing over time, and this is reflected in my work. Over time, I developed an obsession with symmetry that I tried to get rid of but also loved. Although I like organic forms a lot, I enjoy producing works with sharp lines and symmetrical shapes that will not disturb my eyes. Probably due to working on a lathe, I have become intolerant of what is asymmetrical and crooked. I guess I'll find the middle way in time.

You establish a special, far from ordinary connection between form and aesthetics. What were the repercussions of your talent on your personal practice?

I think it has nothing to do with being talented, you only improve by doing and learning more.

How do you feel while making ceramics?

I feel the way I was feeling that day.

Can you describe your own utopia?

I am not far from my utopia, I love the life I live a lot. I want to continue my work more mobile. It's okay if I'm away from anxiety and in touch with nature a little more.

Can you tell us a little about your coffee routine?

I usually brew my coffee at home in the morning, put it in my flask and walk down to the workshop.

Are there must-have features you look for in the coffee you drink while working?

Easy to drink is my first choice. I don't like milk. I usually drink plain filter coffee.

How do you associate quality coffee with your studio life?

Coffee is a very good kick to start the day energetically, I tend to be lazy and I am very fond of my enjoyment. I didn't have the habit of drinking coffee 1-2 years ago, I just understand and love it.

Finally, let your period find its place, what is your biggest dream that you want to realize?

Increasing my collection and living together in my dream house.