Arzu Arslan

The Owl in the Bowl

Ceramicist

Ceramic inscriptions of history

Arzu studied under Iznik ceramic masters before starting her own career as an artisan
She actively preserves the traditional Iznik style whilst also adding her own modern touches
She uses underglaze and sgraffito, as well as paint and etching to produce her pieces

Arzu Arslan came to ceramics after an initial career in business and banking. She had always had a strong desire to create and eventually followed her true passion. After studying ceramics under various Iznik ceramic masters, Arzu began her career in 2013 creating works from her home workshop in Ankara. “My artisan career began with Iznik ceramics from the very first day. My aim has always been to make this traditional art known, visible and recognisable in the whole world,” says Arzu. Her ceramic objects blends traditional Iznik motifs with modern elements, presenting a strong visual connection to Turkish mythology and symbolism. Through her inscribed ceramic vessels, Arzu explores an artform that investigates Turkish history, but also the culture of its present.

Interview

In what way is your craft linked to Türkiye?: Iznik ceramics are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is our culture and our heritage. As an artist, my aim is to promote and to preserve this heritage. In time, I created my own style and sometimes pushed boundaries and created revolutions! In recent years, I have created my own ornaments and added our cultural, historical figures and symbols in my work.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: The most important thing is how I interact with the viewer. To impart passion and feeling is what I have been trying to do for years. Presenting colour, ornamentation, style and techniques to the viewer is very important. This is a process of transferring emotions, which can sometimes take a year. When there is not enough clay on hand, I end up using other materials.
How would you define what you do?: I am a creator. A bridge connecting the past and the future. I tell stories in my works but not fairytales. Sometimes painful, sometimes joyful. Through my craft, I am preserving a 600-year-old heritage and adapting it to the 21st century in my own way.
What do you love most about your practising your craft?: I never give up or lose hope. Failures are never disappointments, they are experiences. I always strive to keep searching for opportunities and to keep learning. The process of learning never ends.

Arzu Arslan is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2013