The Art of Metal Sculpting
Zekeriya Kurtoğlu’s journey into metal sculpting began as a hobby, but it soon evolved into a full-fledged career. His passion for metalwork started when he was a child, watching his father work in the family blacksmith shop. As he grew older, Kurtoğlu became increasingly fascinated with the art of metal sculpting, and he began to experiment with different techniques and materials.
The Process of Creating a Metal Sculpture
Kurtoğlu’s creative process begins with selecting the right metal pieces. He sources his materials from local suppliers and often incorporates recycled metal into his work. Once he has chosen his materials, he begins to shape and mold them into the desired form. This process can be time-consuming and requires great patience and attention to detail. Key steps in Kurtoğlu’s creative process: + Selecting the right metal pieces + Shaping and molding the metal + Adding textures and patterns + Finishing and polishing the sculpture
Inspiration and Influences
Kurtoğlu’s inspiration for his metal sculptures comes from a variety of sources.
Simple yet powerful, Kurtoğlu’s art is a masterclass in elegance and restraint.
Kurtoğlu’s work is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, with a focus on the human form.
Kurtoğlu’s Early Life and Inspiration
Kurtoğlu was born in 1926 in a small village in Turkey. Growing up in a rural area, he was exposed to the natural world and developed a deep appreciation for its beauty. This early exposure to nature would later influence his artistic style.
Early Influences
Kurtoğlu’s early influences were shaped by his surroundings and the people around him. He was particularly drawn to the works of Turkish artists such as Ömer Halisdemir and Fazıl Koçyiğit. These artists’ use of simple, yet powerful forms and colors inspired Kurtoğlu to explore similar themes in his own work. Kurtoğlu’s early work was heavily influenced by the Turkish folk art tradition, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. He was also inspired by the works of Western artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, who were known for their innovative and expressive use of form and color.*
Kurtoğlu’s Artistic Style
Kurtoğlu’s artistic style is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. He often used simple shapes and forms to convey complex emotions and ideas. His work is also notable for its focus on the human form, which he depicted in a variety of poses and expressions.
Key Features of Kurtoğlu’s Style
Each piece is unique and reflects the art of recycling and upcycling.
The Evolution of a Passion
Kurtoğlu’s journey into sculpture began as a casual hobby, but it quickly transformed into a full-fledged passion. He attributes this transformation to his unique approach to sourcing materials.
We no”t have a system of training young people in the craft. We no”t have a system of training young people in the trade.