Özgür Canbaz, who explores the contrast between biomorphic forms and geometric shapes, blending various traditional, cultural, and formal reference points to allow for multiple meanings, graduated from the Sculpture Department of Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts in 2017. The artist, whose works have been featured in numerous national and international exhibitions, draws inspiration from the dynamic relationship between organic and geometric forms, particularly using stone, especially marble. Özgür Canbaz, who places great importance on his artistic endeavors, continues his work in Çanakkale today. We had the opportunity to talk to Özgür Canbaz about his inclination towards sculpture art, his creative processes, the meticulous work he puts into his pieces, and the sources of inspiration he finds in natural materials.
..
How did you become interested in sculpture?
Like many other artists, my inclination for drawing from a young age persisted into my later years, eventually leading me to join an art studio. I can attribute a significant part of my orientation toward this discipline to the contributions of my teachers in the workshop that I attended while preparing for the Faculty of Fine Arts.
.
.
How does the idea and design processes of the work progress for you?
Every design first comes to life with quick doodles and sketches. Every idea to be dimensioned can manifest itself anywhere and anytime. For example, a pleasant sound to my ear, an effective word, phrase, or visual object can be a spark for the journey to begin.
.
Which sources of inspiration feed your creativity?
There are no specific sources that I turn to for inspiration, but as I mentioned before, the coincidental stops I make in the cycle draw a route that leads me to my work.
.
.
Can you tell us about your perspective on the natural stone material you prefer to use in your works?
When we look at the historical process, the way that stone reflects light is extremely attractive to me, as well as being a material that has played a major role in the development of humanity, giving its name to the period in which it was used extensively; as well as being a material that has shaped both tool making, architectural structures, and cultural sculptures. Being able to touch and shape the combination of all these phenomena is an indescribable pleasure for me.
.

.
Which natural stone types do you prefer for your sculptures?
I had the opportunity to work mostly with Marmara Marble. I also experienced travertine, Kandıra stone, Muğla, and Afyon marbles.
.
Do you have easy access to Turkish natural stones? Are there any particular quarries you prefer?
I can usually obtain pieces from smaller businesses without having to contact the quarries directly, so I have easy access to Turkish natural stones and can produce my work.
.
.
Can you talk about the advantages and disadvantages of stone as an artist?
The permanence, aesthetics and nobility of stonework, despite all the difficulties in creating it, is the material that satisfies me the most at the end of the day. The disadvantages are quite high compared to many other materials; difficulty in transportation, dust, noise, fragility and financial accessibility.
.
.
Are there any specific forms and figures that you include in your works?
In my works, I work on the forms of biomorphic forms that explore the relationship of opposition between geometric forms and biomorphic forms, and that emerge from the dynamic relationship between organic forms and geometric forms.
.
.
What would you say about your current works? Is there a new exhibition project in the near future?
I am in the process of designing my new work. When I reach the diversity I have planned, I would like to realize my solo exhibition project.
.
..
Editor: Simay Sevimbige M.Sc. Interior Architect | PhD Candidate