Spot the Designer - Ebru Yüksel/ Turkey
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
Quitting professional life in 2015 at age 41 as being an export marketing manager with 15 years of experience, I attended workshops of traditional silversmithing, filigree, wax modeling and lost wax techniques. After a long formal life in everyday rush and consumption in huge amounts, being creative and productive was a freedom of feelings. During the production of one-of-a-kind handmade pieces, time stands still in the presence of flame and patience is a must. You just have to stop in the rush and watch the metal flowing as if it is dancing with the flame. It was like such therapy at the beginning. In the process of time, I realized that I love to play with the flame and create unique free forms, integrating my soul into what I have been making. In the last 2 years, I have been more involved in contemporary jewelry, because I feel completely free and satisfied while creating and producing. With the aim of designing preferable, pleasurably worn, sleek and unique pieces in contemporary style, I work mainly with silver and raw gemstones.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
In the first days of my training, I found myself playing with a long silver plate, resulted in a design of posh silver bracelet connected with a ring, as in the attached picture. It was the first sign indicating that I would never design standard/usual pieces.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
Istanbul is a great city with different cultures of centuries. The narrow streets in the old city hide small ateliers, cafes, design shops, in which I just love to get lost and inspired. Having a nice coffee break in one of those, just watching the people around, inspires me much. Visiting flea & antique markets in Europe has the same effect. Old French music makes me really cool and creative while making. I love web surfing on designs and improve my perspectives by catching the details. A short meditation also works great on me. I am not very good at saving time on this but the ritual never fails and refreshes me in every try.
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
My motto is: if a piece is not necessarily made by hand, then do not make it. This means that I love the unusual, handmade, modern pieces. That is why I am using a combination of different techniques to obtain porous, irregular surfaces on the metal with asymmetrical shapes. I love such free forms and each time I am so excited to see a unique piece sculpted but still with surprises. For the same reason I have been using raw gemstones; irregular and asymmetrical.
Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?
My very first collection 'beauty in imperfection' is designed in parallel to the approach I explained above and I may define the line as the first self-portrait. Against the idea of pumping perfectionism in every manner of life, Japanese 'wabi-sabi' philosophy says that beauty is hidden in imperfections, carrying every frustration we may come across in our lives. In my line, it is about the imperfections in the shape and texture of each piece that gives the line its unique character, beauty and style in a balance.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
Titanium! Maybe. I want to color my silver works. By resin? enamel? any other?
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
The approach of contemporary jewelry gives the maker freedom of creativity by using different materials and techniques, which is never boring. Creative process of art making feeds the concept. In contrast to the chain stores' usual designs, the people nowadays are more looking for arty handmade unique pieces that reflect their taste and soul in life. Contemporary jewelry would give them what they want in a stylish way.
Find more about the designer Ebru Yüksel