Feyza Kemahlioglu

Exhibited at DESIGN MIAMI. 2023 In the creation of my new lighting collection, Dream in Calligraphy, I drew deep inspiration from the rich legacy of Ottoman calligraphy, a ubiquitous presence while growing up in the enchanting city of Istanbul, Turkey. This art form permeated diverse aspects of daily life and culture, from its prominent display in the realms of painting, architecture, literature, book arts and antique craftsmanship such as textiles, carpets and ceramic tiles. The flourishing of Ottoman calligraphy in Istanbul, from the 15th century and extending through the empire's reign, developed into a beautiful and traditional means of artistic expression. Each brush stroke, in its meticulous design and placement, exudes a sense of intention and poetry. This form of calligraphy encompasses deliberate choices of color and gilding, intricate symbolic elements and thoughtfully arranged patterns and motifs. For our new chandelier design, we meticulously shaped the brass structure of our chandelier, forming it into a three-dimensional representation reminiscent of calligraphy's graceful flow and movement. The structure is adorned with hand-carved Meerschaum, crafted by Turkish artisans, serving as embellishments. Completing the ensemble, hand-blown glass delicately diffuses light, creating a mesmerizing interplay between form and illumination. This collection, borne of reverence for Ottoman calligraphy and the unmatched craftsmanship that still exists in Istanbul, celebrates the harmony of tradition, creativity, and light. Materials: meerschaum, blown glass, metal, LED