Isin Sezgi Avci
Interview
I’m originally from Istanbul, Turkey, and that’s where I grew up – surrounded by the energy of the city and the beauty of the Bosphorus. But, you know, life takes unexpected turns. In June 2023, I made a big change and moved to the quiet countryside in Izmir. Now, I’m all about enjoying the slow pace of life.
When I was around 4 or 5, I discovered a pencil drawing my mom had created of my dad – it was truly impressive and detailed. That moment left a lasting ‘wow’ impression on me. However, my most profound art experience happened when I was selected to join the State Symphony Children’s Orchestra. During lecture breaks, I’d dash to the back curtain of grand performances like ‘The Nutcracker.’ There, with wide-open amazement, I’d watch the incredible ballerinas. That, for me, was the true, overwhelming moment of art appreciation.
Yes, I have always worked in art and design. I studied interior architecture, and right after graduating, I worked as an architect for more than 10 years, mostly in hotels and residences. After 2018, I got into furniture design. While working for big companies during the day, I also took sculpture classes at night to create my own artistic shapes. Eventually, I took the plunge, and I decided to start my own business.
Well, it’s more about what I couldn’t resist – the magnetic pull of design. Even though I was good at math and science and I initially planned to be a mechanical engineer, my heart was always in art, music, and theater. In the last week of my university application, I decided to follow my passion and switched to studying interior architecture. The cool thing is, with interior architecture, I get to blend science and design together!
My creative process is inspired by nature, especially organisms. I’ve studied biology, and I love using biomimicry in my designs, which is about taking ideas from how things work in nature. When I create something, I always explore how organisms function, adapting their features to my designs while considering both form and function.
Typically, I start early, handling paperwork, emails, and laptop-based marketing tasks, along with meetings from the comfort of my home. Around noon, I make my way to the workshop. There, I kick off by preparing my clay, tidying up the workspace, and then dedicating the rest of the day to working on my pieces. When I’m working on a specific piece, I often need to let it dry after adding a few layers of clay, so I utilize that time to either work on another piece or organize the workshop. Some days take me out of the office entirely—I might drive to the industrial part of the city to gather materials or visit other suppliers for my projects.
I first got into ceramics during a weekend sculpture workshop. While I was doing architecture, I mostly used wood and fabric. I tried ceramics just to see how it felt to shape something in 3D with my hands. It’s delicate when you’re working with it and firing it, and it’s a bit tricky for furniture, but ceramics really captured the expressions I wanted in my designs, even more than I expected. The texture, natural feel, and eco-friendly nature of ceramics fit perfectly with what I aim for in my designs. I initially aimed to work with recycled plastic before ceramics, and it’s still on my schedule. I believe that creating furniture and art from recycled plastic is a meaningful way to contribute to saving the world by recycling it in a useful and purposeful manner.
My creations involve a detailed process. I mainly use ceramics, which require precision in shaping and firing. Each piece is carefully crafted, with intricate layers and forms. I also put real effort into using the right accessories, ensuring that every detail complements the overall design.
For those starting in sculptural design, my advice is simple: be patient and take action. Don’t let procrastination take over. There will be moments of doubt, but if your heart is set on this path, go for it. According to Dr. Phil Stutz, there are three aspects of reality: pain, uncertainty, and constant work. Remember, in life, these are certain. It’s crucial to choose the path you’re ready to walk and commit to it.
Some quick names that come to mind are Mies van der Rohe, Alexander Girard, Rachael Armstrong, Neri Oxman, Henry Moore, Isamu Noguchi, and Iris Van Herpen.
If I had to pick a design movement for my works, I’d say they align with Organic Design. I take a lot of inspiration from nature, and my pieces reflect the beauty and flow found in the natural world. It’s about blending functionality with artistic expression, creating designs that feel harmonious with nature.
Names that stand out to me in quick thinking are Jasper Morrison, Chris Wolston, and The New Raw. I’m sure I’ll remember many more after this interview – the design world is full of inspiring talents!
I get inspiration from things like music, nature, and ballet. One artist I really admire is Iris Van Herpen. Her dresses always amaze and surprise me.
Organic elegance.
“Be patient and take action. There will be moments of doubt, but if your heart is set on this path, go for it.”
The Questions
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)
Embracing peaceful moments.
The loss of loved ones.
Holding myself back.
Hatred and the act of separating people.
Not one person, but all people with a good heart and a desire to contribute to the world.
Gifts for friends.
Excited.
Righteousness.
A heartfelt laughter.
Intelligence.
Absolutely!
Mastery in all sports.
I would love and appreciate myself more.
Building my own business and fostering great family and friends.
The ocean.
By the sea and forest with friends.
My family.
Harming others in the name of self-interest.
Playing games with friends.
Dedication.
Trust and compassion.
Alain de Botton, William Golding, Viktor Frankl, Haruki Murakami.
Xena.
I guess I don’t have one.
My husband.
Aurora.
Selfishness and Lies.
I have none.
Without knowing that I am dying.
Try to make the best of this life.
“Ceramics really captured the expressions I wanted in my designs, even more than I expected.”
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