Bria: Where were you born and raised?
Ali: I was born in Eskisehir, Turkey. However, I have spent the majority of my life in the city of Istanbul, where I live today.
B: What piqued your interest in design?
A: When I was a kid, I used to create imaginary places and characters with my Lego blocks and furniture at home. Ever since I could remember, I have been drawing pictures and sketches. This led me to look at even the most ordinary things from different perspectives, thereby discovering the beauty in these forms of ordinariness.
B: Where do you gain inspiration for your artwork?
A: For the most part, I get inspired by the places I live in, or the places I have been. I want to create something about the things that influence me in some way.
B: You reference skeletons, skulls, and animals, quite a bit, how do those things tie into the overall message of your work?
A: I try seeing things the way that others don’t see them. I see in the skulls, which many of us believe to be terrifying, a sense of oppositeness and humour. I love animals very much and I believe that each one of them has a distinct character. I love to combine this affection with my imagination and ultimately come up with works that surprise people. Although I believe that each one of my works contains a peculiar message, I am both surprised and delighted by how people can make their own inferences, when they look at my works.
B: How much of your life is depicted through your designs?
A: Although my works contain traces from various stages of my life; I try to reflect, in my works, every memory that has left a mark on me as much as I can.
B: Is there any adversity that you had to overcome on your path of being an artist?
A: Only some types of adversity, regarding my own experience. I was either going to be an engineer, or be an artist and create something. Luckily, I have chosen the right path and received valuable support from my loved ones.
B: What is more significant to you, being the greatest artist or the most creative artist?
A: I think it is more important to be creative. Distinctness comes from creativity. I truly hope that people don’t find me ordinary.
B: Did you ever dream of being as successful as you are now?
A: I had dreams about becoming a very good soccer player, but honestly I didn’t have dreams about what I am doing now. I think this is much better.
B: When people think of Ali Gulec, what is the one thing you want them to always say?
A: They might say anything they wish, but I truly don’t wish to be called “ordinary”.
B: Any last words you would like to mention?
A: On a regular basis, I keep receiving new project offers, new suggestions and I always try to lean towards every project that gets me excited. I start every new day with the excitement of creating something, and I hope that this excitement will always continue.
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All Images © Copyright Ali Gulec
For more on the AMAZING artist, Ali Gulec, visit his website here and follow him on Twitter: @AliGulec