Dynamism in Design
Finding fluidity in life and her work, Turkish-born designer Bilge Nur Saltik posits on the shared experiences she creates
Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Bilge Nur Saltik has always been on the move. Initially pursuing her studies in the sphere of science, she has made a conscious decision to move on to the world of design, eventually embarking on her postgraduate studies in Design Products at the Royal College of Art in London.
“Going to London was a good decision. It completely changed my way of thinking. I got to know so many interesting people and different cultures, but most importantly I have discovered what is special about my own culture and myself. Since than I have kept on traveling. I truly believe that designers should always be on the move”.
As with her personal endeavour, embracing different perspectives and dialogues appears to be a central pillar of Saltik’s work. In the OP-Vase series, a single flower is turned into an illusion of multiples, reciprocating with the facets of the vase.
After extensive experiments with materials in her studio in Istanbul, Saltik opens up her practice to local craftsmen, who collaboratively realise her vision. “Over time, we develop a common language around the designs and it becomes easier to work together. If the tools they use lead to changes in the process or in design itself, we then experiment and experience the results together”.
Share.Food, one of her foremost pieces of tableware, celebrates the joy of dining with company through cleverly formed plates and bowls. Tilting elegantly for a purpose of sharing, a delightful colour at the base of tableware is exposed as diners around the table reposition them. This body of work plays with the notion of coexisting, while cunningly hinting how cultures are shaped-feeding into one another. Undoubtedly it is in harmonious fluidity that Saltik’s work shines.