Art of the Red River – Ceramics from Avanos

Avanos lies along the Red River in Turkey that contains a unique red clay that is wonderful for ceramics. And so over the decades or centuries, the preferred medium of art  is quite naturally, ceramics.

Family-run potteries in the small town of Avanos offer not just souvenirs but some artworks by master potters valued sometimes at thousands of dollars. Below are a few pictures of the works by students of the master – photography of the master-potter’s artworks was not allowed.

Note also the beautiful restored stone house structure that is characteristic of the area.

A few pictures:

The Production:

A mini oven:

A demo plate with all processes shown on the plate.

Pieces waiting for the next step in the production process.

Demonstration of Strength:

A cup is dropped but does not even crack.

A visitor is invited to step on the cup – again – it does not even crack!

The Final Artistic Products:

The art lies in the shaping, the painting, the embossing and the glazing of the ceramic.

An air vent in the old house:

The Tree of Life

Art with ‘scenes’ painted:

And finally the unique wine jar – meant to be worn on the shoulder for easy pouring without any accidents:

Wine being poured out from this unique jug by the lady:

All lovely pieces but the prices and the idea of transporting these back to Istanbul & then to Singapore was a bit daunting. So while many of these found a place in my heart, there is unfortunately no possibility of them finding a place on my walls.

jm

June 2015

Art of the Red River – Ceramics from Avanos