Umut Demirgüç Thurman
My other influence is pocket watches and little containers. I chose to make lockets because they allow me to combine simple geometrical shapes and pierced traditional motifs. Lockets have been a favorite kind of jewelry for all times. People use them as containers for their loved ones’ pictures and carry them on their body. Most people believe that lockets are secret keepers. Similarly, my lockets keep my cultural history and my personality as their secrets. I use the pierced motif in different ways; either on the surface of the lid or inside the locket. In my work, visual aspects are as important as the concept. For this reason, besides being conceptually strong, I make my lockets well crafted. In this way, I hope to invoke the viewers’ sense of surprise and curiosity in terms of the design and the technique.
Education:
MFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry – University of North Texas, USA
BFA in Textile and Fashion Design – Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Istanbul, Turkey