Exclusive Interview: Gülistan Ertik – Crafting Ceramic Art Across Borders

In our ongoing series spotlighting Turkish creatives making waves in London, we sat down with Gülistan Ertik, a celebrated ceramic artist who has seamlessly integrated traditional Turkish motifs with contemporary design in her works. This interview is part of our broader feature on Turkish creative professionals in the UK, exploring their unique journeys and contributions to the vibrant arts scene. For more insights, check out our earlier piece on Turkish Creatives in the Vibrant Fabric of London.

TB Magazine: Gülistan, can you briefly introduce yourself?

Gülistan Ertik: I am a ceramic artist celebrating my 21st year in the art world. I moved from Istanbul to London five years ago. My works have been showcased internationally, including exhibitions in Argentina, France, Austria, China, and the UK. I’m also a member of the UNESCO International Plastic Arts Association and currently serve as the cultural editor for Kültür Sanat Haritası Magazine.

Gülistan Ertik shares her journey of establishing a ceramic studio in London, blending traditional Turkish motifs with contemporary design, and the importance of community in her creative process.

TB Magazine: What was it like opening and running a ceramic studio in London? How does the UK art scene differ from Turkey’s?

Gülistan Ertik: It was an exciting journey filled with constant learning. Starting from scratch in a foreign country is a challenge—figuring out where to source materials, finding the right artisans, and adapting to new techniques. In the UK, there’s a deep appreciation for ceramic art, which has been very motivating. Here, people respect you as an artist, unlike in Turkey, where clients often see you as providing a paid service. This respect makes a huge difference in the creative process.

TB Magazine: How do you incorporate Turkish cultural aesthetics into your ceramic works? Do you blend traditional motifs with modern designs?

Gülistan Ertik: Absolutely! I enjoy merging modern designs with traditional Turkish motifs, which has been very well received. Unlike many ceramic artists, I create my own vibrant and unique glazes. Most artists tend to use muted colors like beige, white, or pastel shades, but my pieces are colorful and full of energy, making them stand out.

TB Magazine: Is “Guli Ceramic London” just a business, or do you aim to build a community as well?

Gülistan Ertik: My studio is much more than a place for classes and production; it’s a lively hub where friends gather, listen to music, drink wine, and chat. It’s always been more than just a studio—both in Istanbul and now in London. Creating a living space where people can connect and share experiences has always been important to me.

TB Magazine: How do you evaluate the interest in ceramic art and craft in the UK? What are your future goals in this field?

Gülistan Ertik: There’s a surprising amount of interest in ceramics here. Two key elements are education and production. “Handmade” is highly valued, and people have a deep respect for the artist’s work. The advantage of being in London is the access to a global network of ceramic artists. For example, I could easily connect with a Japanese master ceramicist here.

Initially, my smooth, polished pieces didn’t sell well because they didn’t appear handmade. It was only when I started showing less refined, slightly imperfect pieces that they sold out quickly. This experience taught me that people value the authentic, handmade quality of the work here. My goal is to continue learning and growing, exploring design fairs and exhibitions in London. I want to travel the world and bring back new techniques and inspiration.