Gift Boxes
Zubeyde Arda
Our darling designer Zubeyde Arda, based in Toronto, Canada, brings you unique craftswomanship through a playful palette of bright, bold colors. Her inspiration is drawn from the feminine moments of both motion and stillness.
To her, art is the playing field where emotions, memories, and experiences surface as the artist sifts through. The way she allows herself 'happy accidents' while she works is what makes her work one-of-a-kind. We are ever so proud of working with her for her vigorous take on femininity bursting with colors.
We hope you enjoy her courageous use of color as she transforms the most mundane moments into unforgettable adventures in art.
4 things you didn't know about Zubeyde:
Her story:
I was born in Athens in 1981. I grew up in Ankara, where I went to a French school called Lycée Charles de Gaulles. I was influenced by the historical paintings of 18th and 19th-century artists who were introduced to us in our history books. As a little girl, I started drawing horses, portraits, and at the age of 7, I declared my wish to be a painter. I ended up attending Ecole Superieur des Art Modernes in Paris, where I received a degree in Visual Communication.
After completing my studies, I worked as a graphic designer and as an art director in advertising agencies. Eventually, I took the leap forward to work as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. In 2012, I opened my first exclusive exhibition in Istanbul.
The process of her unique technique:
I start with a rough pencil sketch, which guides me in the composition. If I am using watercolors, then I prefer heavy papers because they can absorb more water, and they rarely need stretching. After the sketch, I start painting roughly by allowing myself to make mistakes or so-called "happy accidents" with my brush. The final step is finishing the line works with a black marker. I paint portraits, still life, and I love playing with patterns and textures.
What she thinks about the difference between commercial and artisan work:
The fine line is the difference between a designer and an artist. A designer uses creativity for a specific purpose: When their client asks them to do something, they have to do it for them. Designers are basically crowd-pleasers and problem solvers. They have limitations, and they have to remain objective. On the other hand, artists use creativity for self-expression. An artist does not really have to care if you approve of her/his work. Art is subjective; you will find emotions, memories, and experiences buried in. Designers do not have this liberty. Art can be interpreted, but the design must be understood. If it needs any interpretation, then it is a bad design.
From where she is inspired:
From Rolling Stones.
"She comes in colors everywhere
She combs her hair
She's like a rainbow
Coming, colors in the air"