Gülşah Taşkın

Chloris Ceramic

Ceramicist

©Gülşah Taşkın

In celebration of Istanbul

Gülşah's desire to create something with her hands led her to ceramics
The forms and drawings of her pottery are inspired by the plates of her childhood
She is deeply inspired by Istanbul in her work

After completing degrees in visual arts and in interior design in Türkiye and Italy respectively, Gülşah Taşkın turned to ceramics with a strong desire to create something with her hands. What began as an amateur effort soon bloomed into her setting up her workshop, Chloris Ceramic, in 2017. Her studio is named after the goddess of flowers in Greek mythology. “The forms of my pottery pieces and the drawings I create are inspired by the plates of various sizes and colours that adorned the tables during my childhood,” says Gülşah. “My personal stories, the diverse cultural influences I have experienced over the years, and the vibrant essence of my city, Istanbul, also feature prominently in my work.” Focused on creating traditional forms of pottery, while also experimenting with a glazing technique that she developed herself, Gülşah specialises in wheel throwing and slip casting techniques, with glazing applied and all patterns drawn individually by hand.

Interview

©Gülşah Taşkın

©Gülşah Taşkın

What was a memorable moment in your professional life?: I created small pots for a company that has been in Istabul for 250 years. When I opened my studio, I dreamed of creating a brand that is both based in and inspired by Istanbul. Over the years, I have created with this intention and emotion. So, this collaboration strengthened the connection between my work, the ideas behind it, and my city.
What is your view on the value of craft today?: Just as we see fast consumption in our daily lives, it is a phenomenon that has also started to creep into the field of art and craft. Being a ceramic artisan and creating a piece of pottery may seem easy nowadays, but I believe it requires great effort and a clear vision to work with the material and understand it, learn its limits, to add emotions and tell stories through it.
What does 'well made' mean to you?: To me, it means a piece of pottery that is thoughtfully designed in terms of form and proportions. Whether glazed or unglazed, if it is crafted with careful attention and reflects a unique style.
How would you define what you do?: I am a ceramic artisan. For me, ceramics are not just an art or craft. It is a medium that I love and feel allows me to express myself in the most genuine way. But more than anything, it is a story of existence that accompanies my heart and soul.

Gülşah Taşkın is a rising star: she began her career in 2017