Dalya Baruh

Ceramicist

The rudimentary beauty of clay

Dalya studied in Paris before opening her studio in Istanbul in 1989
She uses ancient methods and materials such as engobes, burnishing and terra sigillata
The main inspiration for her work is nature and giving clay its due

After completing her education at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Plastiques and École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Appliqués Dupperé in Paris, Dalya Anter Baruh opened her own studio in Istanbul in 1989. “My life in art began with the study of patterns and engravings, but soon changed through my discovery of ancient earthenware pots, history’s first examples of artistic expression,” she says. Deeply inspired by the simplicity of these relics – formed by deft fingers and enhanced through colours and decorative finishes – Dalya wanted to understand clay further. Her potter’s wheel has not stopped turning since she embarked on this journey. Her works are inspired by nature: vessel forms thrown and finished with engobes or terra sigillata. “Ceramic art allows me to connect with nature, especially through materials such as organic ashes, sand, clay, granite or limestone. It is a unique art form because it gives us the chance to create something through the purposeful integration of the soil,” says Dalya.

Interview

How does your native country shape your work?: History, culture, geography are an inseparable trinity. I love this idea very much and believe that art is the mirror of the geography and culture we inhabit. I have been working with different clay types derived from many parts of Turkey. I have examined the colours and textures of the soils and have used them in my decorations.
Are there any special techniques that you employ?: I apply both traditional and new approaches to clay. After shaping my pots on the lathe, I focus on decorating them with different linings, polishing, and applying a hardened lining of terra sigillata on top. I constantly examine these techniques, trying to give the most beautiful appearance. Clay is a material that is part of nature and as such, I produce my works mostly inspired by nature.
What do you love most about your craft?: Working on the potter's wheel is one of my favourite activities. It is a tool where my feet, hands and thoughts work in total harmony.
What makes your work unique?: There are many similarities across ceramic art, the same materials and techniques employed with small nuances. However, real differences appear thanks to the identity of the artist. From my point of view, if we can give our personality and soul to a work, the work also turns out quite differently to any other. There is also an abundance of materials in ceramics, which I have eliminated as much as possible. There are only two things I work with: clay and water. I play with their densimeters and try to make the simplest forms possible. The beauty of the clay is in the foreground for me, giving the material its due is my main purpose.

Dalya Baruh is an expert artisan she began her career in 1980