Picture:
Behind her desk, Mehveş Demiren forgets all the trouble.

Before the coastline in Kücükyali was landfilled, the two story houses along the seaside were just little marvels. Until five years ago, swimming in front of the houses seemed very natural. Then the coastal road was built and the houses were pushed into the background. But nothing can wipe out the charming view of the Princes Islands. Why do I become nostalgic about the Kücükyali coast? Because the house where I will meet ceramic artist Mehveş Demiren today in the morning hours before lunch time is exactly such a cozy place.

Mehveş Demiren’s school years were characterized by the influence of the French schools she visited. During her childhood years she had no strong feelings for art. Her primary school teacher disliked her drawings, which had a long lasting impact on her attitude towards art. Later, instead of studying fine arts, she decided to become a student of sociology at the university in Strasbourg. Before returning to Istanbul, Demiren studied languages in London for another year. Back in Istanbul, she worked in a private sector company for about two years. During this time, she realized she was developing stronger desires for art. Mehveş Demiren became acquainted with the art of ceramics. Demiren says: “In 1985, I started working in Ayfer Karamani’s ceramic workshop. I want to emphasize that this name has a special importance for me.

She ‘molded’ me, she supported and guided me. It started as a hobby, but I got my ceramic training in the workshop of Ayfer and Sabit Karamani, in other words, without studying at the academy, I learned ceramics form the scratch. I am a product of this workshop.” Demiren did a lot of research on old Istanbul houses and mansions along the Bosphorus (yalıs). These were the objects of her first exhibition in 1989, shortly after giving birth to her daughter Mina. In her latest exhibition Mehveş Demiren presents, together with her former works, functional objects like mirrors, small tables and candlesticks. The artist is a little disappointed by architects and decorators: “I am disappointed not only on my behalf, but also on behalf of many of my colleagues. When decorating a place, they totally disregard our work. A ceramic artist, however, may decorate a wall or a chimney façade will great skill and elegance. The goal of our exhibitions is to carry our artistic work into the interior.”

Feeling the clay with your hands is important. At times when she is stressed or angry, flinging clay on the ground again and again to press out the bubbles of air is a source of great relief to her. Every morning from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm in the evening, Demiren is working relentlessly in her ceramic workshop overlooking the sea. But art is not the only source of motivation for Demiren. For Demiren her six-years old daughter Mina is above everything. “Sometimes we work together. Mina prefers to draw pictures, because she wants to have the result at once. We visit museums and exhibitions. I want her to grow up with arts”, Demiren explains and adds: “I have divided my life into two, my daughter and my ceramics. Both are so time consuming that I really have no time for a third job”. The ceramic artist considers working with coffee tables in the future. If one day you find yourself on the Anatolian side at this lovely place, don’t hesitate if you read the sign “DOGS”, but just feel free to enter. Maybe, sipping a cup of coffee and looking at the wonderful scenery, you may enjoy breathing in an artist’s world. We did…

Sibel Yagci

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Ceramic mirrors from Demiren’s latest exhibition…The artist will continue to create functional objects of art.