Zeynep Boyan Explores the Boundaries of Creativity
Luminaire Authentik’s 2024 artist-in-residence talks creative process and inaugural lighting collection
Zeynep Boyan kicked off the new year with more than a sense of renewal. For the Montreal-based artist and designer, January marked the beginning of a three-month concentration as Luminaire Authentik’s 2024 artist-in-residence. Centred around clay, Boyan’s preferred medium, the residency invited her into the brand’s fabrication workshop and material library to collaborate on a collection of exclusive lamps.
In anticipation of the collection’s spring launch, we caught up with Zeynep Boyan to discuss her artistic journey, inspirations and aspirations for the year ahead.
What inspired your pursuit of sculpture and design?
Clay entered my life in an unconventional way. I found myself drawn to creating sculptures, which might seem unorthodox since many begin their journey in ceramics with smaller items like plates and cups. However, I naturally gravitated towards sculptures and simply followed this path. As I grew more comfortable, I expanded into creating larger-scale pieces, including furniture, all sculpted from clay. My inspiration stems from the freedom clay offers and the evolving relationship I’ve developed with it.
You described 2023 as a year of focus on designing collectible pieces. What makes a piece collectible?
Collectible units are sculpted entirely by hand and produced in limited quantities upon request— giving each its own unique character. Despite the labour-intensive process, this focus was driven by my commitment to building an intimate connection with both clay and every individual creation.
Do you have an artistic resolution for 2024?
I don’t believe in resolutions, but I care about building a routine and a consistent relationship with my material of choice.
Congratulations on your appointment as Luminaire Authentik’s artist-in-residence. How has the experience been for you?
The experience was an exciting and informative journey. It’s my first residency where I’ve had the opportunity to build a collection in collaboration with a company and I’m looking forward to sharing it with the world.
What can we expect from the lighting collection?
I hold a profound fascination with nature and the historical and architectural artifacts that surround us in our daily lives. The inspiration behind the collection is rooted in this fascination, to build links in a timeless way.
