In conversation with Aygul Caner: In my country many are struggling to have access to art
Aygul spent many years in New York, whether bringing back memories or giving work to her hometown fine jewelry artisans, she always stayed connected to her roots. One artist and the willingness to tell a story, her fascination with “these little things” how she calls them, started at a very young age, which proved useful later on.
FF: How did you become an artist?
Aygul: I graduated from Conservatory of Music in Turkey in opera, and then I got a scholarship from Maryland University, actually, first Catholic University. I mean, I always loved classical music, but then when I was going to elementary school, everybody would go eat food and I would go to the antique shops and buy these little things, and I cracked my teeth, actually doing jewelry without a tool.
FF: So after you've studied opera, you've actually traveled a lot.
Aygul: Well, I had four years in Turkey and 5 years in the US, a total of 9 years of education in Opera. But then I went into something completely different and my family were so mad. “ we wanted you to be an opera singer!” I love music and I play the piano and it will always be a part of my life, but I love the jewelry business as it has many layers.
FF: So you went for it.
Aygul: Exactly. You have to have your horizons open and follow the road you see.
FF: Where are you located right now?
Aygul: I am in Bodrum, Turkey. I found my way back home as they say, it is a lovely village in Aegean.
FF: Do you think there is something missing from art today? What do you think is missing?
Aygul: I am very lucky to live in two worlds, where one world might be looking for the next inspiration in art but on the other hand in my country many are struggling to even have access and the independence to create art.
FF: Do you think fashion can be art?
Aygul: I think it is art, I think it is exactly that. And there's no ending to it. I think that fashion is absolutely art.
FF: You also look at what other artists do?
Aygul: I saw Kusama while I was in NYC, I go from one exhibition to another, it is like an addictive chain, planning your next art exhibition visit. I am looking for the stories that an artist has to say, how he has become.
FF: If you wouldn't be a jewelry designer, what would you be?
Aygul: I love classical music, I would probably not perform as it was never my real passion. I would probably do something that would make me listen to a lot of people.
VOLARE ACCESSORIES will be exhibiting at HOMI FASHION&JEWELS EXHIBITION
15 - 18 September 2023
A dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, design and manufacturing with the ultimate accuracy. HOMI FASHION&JEWELS EXHIBITION explores a cultural challenge, is sustainability an utopian fantasy or a possibility?