AATONAU Interview

Can you introduce yourself, share your background, and explain how it influences your artistic creations?

I was born in 1964 in Bartın. And I spent my childhood in this small city located on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. I grew up in a modest house with a garden surrounded by the nature. I have experienced all the natural splendors of soil, plants, flowers, clear streams, and bright blues and greens, in contrast to city life. Also, I recall that my twin sister and I, who also painted watercolors, painted on every available surface. My love of painting, which began in those days, became the focal point of my education, career, and eventually my whole life. The natural environment I experienced during my childhood inspired my artistic creations. I graduated from Gazi University, Faculty of Vocational Education, Department of Painting. I retired after twenty years of teaching painting in several cities and schools. In 2014, after working with all painting techniques, I switched to watercolor. I have participated in over 70 jury-selection international exhibits, biennials, and festivals in several countries. I am a signature member of the American Watercolor Society (AWS) and a member of the International Masters of Watercolour Alliance (IMWA).

What kind of works do you create?

I use the classic transparent watercolor technique. Even though my style may be regarded as realistic or hyper realistic at first glance, it is not bound to depict the visible in the most accurate manner possible. It is essential for me to effectively convey emotions. There should be a sense of connection between myself and the themes. What I transfer to paper may become a different story based on the spontaneous alterations and contributions I make in line with my feelings about the subject from the beginning to the end. Being free, unique and transparent are the elements that I care about in my watercolor technique and style. Every detail, in my opinion, matters in creating a good art language that is self-explanatory. The textures, organic crowds, and other characteristics that I primarily employ in my paintings are reflections of how beings interact with one another and change and transform through time. My primary subjects, water, and reflections allow us to comprehend the cycle and reality of life. Transparency has the same meaning as the transparency prerequisite which is essential for understanding all other being that we interact. Reminding the fertile past of air, water, and soil is the foundation of my artworks. The primary inspiring subjects that I created series are: "Rocky Stream", "Lonely Willow", "Goldseed", "Autumn Reflections", "Sea-Waves", "Portraits", "Still Life", "Rusty Series", "Fish-Fishermen" and a limited number of my figural works.

Can you describe your ideal working environment?

I can work outdoors with scenery or in the studio. I generally prefer the studio since it is more comfortable for me to work by myself and with music. My preferred time is between 1 and 5 p.m., which is the time for myself after completing my daily routine and family responsibilities. The ideal environment for me is in my clean and organized studio, where I can work alone and isolate from the outer world.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find my inspiration in my surroundings, in the people I care about, love, and would like to see. During my everyday life and travels, I photograph the outlooks that affect me. These become resources for me for the future. Occasionally, I capture photographs of the subject I wish to paint by immersing myself in nature. I prepare emotionally by observing the light, the shadow, and the textures in all details. Sometimes, I return to places that have made an impression on me in the past and nourish my soul. I reflect what I imagine in my compositions. I am inspired by all the subjects and appearances that spark my memories and provide me with positive energy so that I may enhance my dreams.

How has your style changed over time?

The appearances and objects that have attracted me from childhood and inspired my paintings have not changed at all. My realistic depiction of them has not changed, but it has evolved. My proficiency with the application has grown since I first began using watercolors, and this has strengthened my dominance over the material. My realistic style became even more realistic.

Which of your works or series of works are you most proud of or satisfied with?

There are several paintings that I am proud of and very satisfied with while I was creating. Some of the paintings that I made with excitement and affected me emotionally most are: "Stony Creek", "Lonely Willow", "Rusty Rail", "Fishermen", "Rusty Ring" and "Embroidery".

Do you have a dream project (a project that you'd love to create)?

Every painting that I start to create makes me excited for the next one. I imagine the next one in my mind, and I imagine that one to be my greatest work yet. The goal of creating always better is also a tool for me. I wake up every day with that motivation. I don't have a specific project dream, but when I first started working with watercolors, I used to dream about seeing the water I painted on the paper move. Who knows, maybe one day I can achieve it.

Does art help you in other areas of your life?

Since I began working with watercolors in 2014, I've attempted to do it in addition to my routine daily activities. The time I devoted to painting limited my availability in other areas and required me to establish priorities. The time I spent painting was so productive and satisfying that it had a positive effect on other aspects of my life. In particular, the pandemic period that lasted for two years and affected the entire world served as a treatment to heal my soul thanks to my paintings. The devastation caused by the earthquake, which has affected millions of people in our country, saddens me. I hope that the healing power of art can be there for all humanity. It is pleasant to meet on a journey via art, to move on together, and to get along.