My Sources of Inspiration…

 

I like projects that enable me to try new things. Coming forth with a different idea or doing something extraordinary requires courage. As challenging as it is, this project which I started twelve years ago makes me feel very excited.

 

I immensely enjoyed designing jewelry and objects by drawing inspiration from my journeys and everyday life. 

By writing down my new and different ideas, I drew on my designs that turned into photographs; 

this path I have taken will never cease.

 

Fortunately, my spouse Faruk Sile, a graphic designer and professional fine art photographer, stood by me with his forty-five-year-long professional experience. The synergy we have created is reflected on these pages. It will not be difficult for you to picture how many times each of the venues were needed for the project and how our home was a mess while shooting. It is a good thing that the book's production spanned an extended period since it demanded detailed work.

 

The book progressed over time and created its own identity. "NATURE" and "MEMORIES" were mainly the source of my designs. They complement one another. I have always enjoyed the presence of seashells, dried plants, dead insects, and bird nests. I collected them passionately and enjoyed having this organized mess around me. For some pages, I used objects from which I drew inspiration and placed the picture I made or the jewelry I designed. Do not look for logic in some compositions as they were created by bringing together colors, forms, or topics associated with one another; 

you can look at them as still life poster drawings. On a single page, I placed images that go along well with one another next to the narrative I created compositions so that double-sided pages would be in harmony with one another in terms of topic and aesthetic. Despite having completed a series of pages, I was not satisfied, at times, with the composition of even one of the pages.

 

When Mehmet Aksoy, an esteemed sculptor, and a close friend of mine, was asked when the statue on which 

he had been working on would be complete, he said, "That's for the statue to know." 

I worked without setting a deadline and with great pleasure; the book took shape and my thoughts matured with time. When replying to inquiries on when the book would be complete, I responded, "It will be over when it is over." 

I had to restrain myself at points, as it could have been a never- ending production as ideas sprang to my mind, 

I yearned to incorporate them all without end. I could only rein in my creative side by convincing myself of 

the prospect of another book.

 

When I take up a topic, I like to cover all aspects with different designs. This process often leads to unplanned 

transitions from one art form to another. This is precisely how my engraving work involving the figure of a 

dragonfly led to the design of a piece of jewelry.

 

Many famous people shared ideas on what creativity means and how one can be creative. 

Albert Einstein once said that "Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought." 

Creativity is inventing, trying, growing, risking, breaking the rules, making mistakes, and having fun. As a result, 

the creative process can be complicated, entertaining, and at times chaotic.

 

Even the most creative minds need motivation. It is a great feeling when a person one highly values reaches 

out to express his or her faith in one's own work and confirms that it can have merit or provide value. 

The resulting feeling encourages one to persist and strengthens one’s belief in oneself.

 

I hope to reach out to you with my book and be that person for you.

 

Start and do not be afraid!