Artist proud of Turkish heritage

HUNTSVILLE, AL. – Turkish-inspired ceramic sculptures are not an ordinary find in Huntsville.

But Lowe Mill artist and Istanbul native Gökden Alpman-Matthews is not in the business of just selling her exquisite and meticulously detailed creations.

Her vision is to educate and share with people the rich history and culture of Turkey, a country that’s often misinterpreted.

“I want people to learn of Turkey’s culture,” said 39-year-old Matthews. “It’s not east and not west. It’s a bridge with a strong history where Jews, Christians and Muslims live together.

“The culture is mixed, and I want people to understand and understand other people.”

At 19, Alpman-Matthews enrolled at Anadolu University in Istanbul to be a ceramic artist. She completed her undergraduate studies in 1993 and completed her master’s degree thesis “Egyptian Paste and Samples in Our Time” in 1998.

Since the ’90s, the artist has done nothing but excel, including her upcoming New York exhibition Jan. 17, following her reception as the artist of the month this Friday at Lowe Mill.

Expect colorfully glazed figures showing caftans representative of the Ottoman and Byzantium empires along with various mixed-media artwork such as cathedral-style pieces that incorporate tin roof shingles from her husband’s childhood home in Scottsboro.

Also, pay attention to the smallest features of Alpman-Matthews’ artwork. In some pieces she uses a mosaic technique on clay, which she jokingly notes “it takes forever to do,” and the cintamani motif, a signature design element of the Ottoman court that can be found on textiles, rugs and ceramics, among others. The artist also uses Ottoman calligraphy to embellish some of her artwork, and the tulip can be seen on the majority of her work.

“The tulip is a very important Ottoman symbol,” said Alpman-Matthews. “The Netherlands are now famous for the tulip, but it’s originally native to Turkey.”

The artist reception is Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. on the third floor of Lowe Mill. It’s free and open to the public.

Check it out

Artist Reception for Godken Matthews

When: Friday, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Third floor of Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive

How much: Free

Information: Visit lowemill.net

via Artist proud of Turkish heritage | al.com.