Chala Toprak
Sculpture
b. Istanbul, Turkey
Lives and works in Brooklyn, NY
Starting out as a fashion designer in her hometown of Istanbul, Chala Toprak, swapped out one metropolis for another and found a home in Brooklyn in 2019, where she first started working with clay. Toprak soon found solace at the pottery wheel and what began as a hobby quickly developed into a full-time pursuit.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“I work exclusively with the highest-quality porcelain because it allows me to experiment with the creative process and shape exquisite and fragile flowers. My pieces are a testament to the celebration of life, represented by the blooms we share with loved ones. Flowers remind us how we also can uniquely grow and blossom, just as each piece is handcrafted and glazed. Walking with my young son through Brooklyn, I find inspiration everywhere — from neighbors’ gardens to the local park — then research the shapes and petals that catch my eye. Pieces in the “Dear You” collection are meant to be used and enjoyed every day, and are purposefully beautiful to both see and touch. Like life, they are a gift, created with love and kindness from my hand to yours.”
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2024, Small Favors, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2022, Exploring Vessels, Antler Gallery, Portland, OR
2021, 1000 Vases, Milan, Italy
In the Journal
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