Artist Interviews
WORK SILISTRE
Can you introduce yourself a little bit?
I am a graduate of Marmara University Graphics and Painting Department. I have worked in the field of advertising graphics for many years. I taught art for a short time. After my working life ended, painting entered my life completely.
Are you open to criticism?
It is certain that positive reviews motivate people. I am open to good or bad criticism that will contribute to my development. But sometimes there are criticisms made just to hurt, you feel it. What is the nature of man called?
How do you decide on the content of your work?
It's not me, it's my current mood that decides. Sometimes planned, sometimes sudden idea, inspiration.
What do you think the picture tells?
Each picture tells a look. I think painting has a language too. Words, sentences, paragraphs, phrase. The messages he gives with colors, lines and forms, the mood of the painter, the story of the painter and the painting...
How would you define the art of painting?
The art of painting is both a well-known and a very unknown situation. People can express their emotions, thoughts, dreams, excitement and mood through the art of painting. He expresses this sometimes by following the rules and sometimes not.
What do you think about painting by order?
In the past centuries, painters painted by order. I think it is a situation that limits the artist. Of course, it's a matter of preference, I'm not against those who do it. I'm not very welcoming.
What do you think about those who say that I can do this painting too?
Let them do it, I think there is nothing wrong with it.
What advice do you have for those who want to improve themselves in painting?
It's not too late for anything, anyone can paint. First we have to learn, study, research, read, travel and start with the right person. We must pursue our dreams with passion.
When did you start painting?
Due to my profession, I was always in the picture. Seriously, I started at the workshop of my university friend, artist Mustafa Özel. I think it was 2015. Good thing I started with it. Right person, wrong time I wish I had started earlier.
What kind of paintings do you do?
I don't fit myself into a mold, it's been a while since I started painting intensively. I can attack any subject with that hunger. Portrait, figure, landscape... Recently, I've been working mainly on portraits. Actually, my mood decides it, then I start painting.
The one you love, you take as an example Who are the painters?
Paul Gauguin, Georgio O'Keeffe, PaulaModersohn-Becker, KaetheKollwitz, André Derain, Mustafa Özel, Klimt all and my disciplines are different, but they are all guiding.
What is your favorite picture, why?
I don't have a specific picture. They all have their own place. I also love my first paintings, especially when I compare them with my last paintings, it makes me happy to apply what I learned and see that development.
Does painting require skill?
If you are talented, you are one step ahead. I don't think it's enough on its own. Education is reading a lot, traveling a lot, working a lot, knowing the history and philosophy of art and wanting it very much. Talent accelerates us, opens our perception, and develops our creativity. Our vision increases with education and learning.
Why buy an original painting?
Receiving an original painting by an artist I love makes both me and the artist happy. Maybe it will sound like selfishness, but it is a good feeling that that work belongs only to me.
From which channels do you promote your pictures?
Before the pandemic, I was participating in solo and group exhibitions. Now available only on FovArt's site. Altamira Art and on social media.
What is your mood when producing your pictures?
For once, I'm very excited. Sometimes I catch myself talking to the canvas. When you go into labor pains, my mood is like that. It is a sweet excitement until you are born, that is, a state of high adrenaline. Birth, that is, eternal happiness after the painting is finished. Music is indispensable when painting.
What materials do you use to paint?
Actually, I first started using watercolor. I used acrylic. Now I mainly work in oil painting on canvas and paper. I like to experiment with different materials.
Which painters did you work with in your education?
I started with Mustafa Özel and continue with him and I'm glad I did.
What is your favorite color to use? Why?
I guess I'm a color freak. Yellow is a must in my pictures.
What do you think about the prices of original and original paintings?
The name is also original. It seems normal to me that the price goes up if it's original.
Who should take your pictures?
Those who can connect with my pictures.
During your painting education, is there an event that you cannot forget and that left an impression on you?
I was in university, I think we started our painting class with drawing. My teacher was Vural Yıldırım. We are drawing the first lesson, he looked at me and said, "You have to work hard, Gülay," I said, "Okay, teacher, I'm in". He always gave homework. If the good ones draw one, I am ten. A month passed, my teacher Vural shared my progress with the whole class. Thank you.
I also want to talk about something general. Feelings that are far from empathy come between beautiful feelings such as art, and people's egos are defeated and hurt.
We are very pleased to know you.
Thank you very much for your time.