Today we’d like to introduce you to Mutlu Ozturk.
Hi Mutlu, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My interest in visual arts started at around the age of ten with my parents’ VHS camera. My older brother and I shot several short films on that. None of them should be seen, of course. I studied Graphic Design and Photography in high school, but it was not until I met with the darkroom that I decided to become a photographer. I spent a lot of time in the darkroom, developing films, prints… Seeing the organic journey of a picture was truly mesmerizing. After witnessing that, I don’t think I had any other choice.
During my studies at Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts in İstanbul, I’ve connected with artists from various disciplines such as sculpture, painting, graphic design and the likes. After graduating and a series of events, I’ve decided to move to New York and I continue to work here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The thinking part of the production process has always been the most challenging part of the whole ordeal. To me, trying to think simply, to strip an idea down to its essentials is one of the hardest things. Most of my time goes into gathering my thoughts and writing them down. The rest is easier. It’s like building a house. You need a good blueprint you can rely on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I situate myself right in the cross-section of portrait and fashion photography. I also do product photography from time to time. I try my best to stay sharp as an observer.
Apart from taking note of the current trends, I constantly try to evaluate the future of visual art around the world. I try to I consider myself more of a visual artist rather than just a photographer. The camera, is a means, an extension for me to funnel my life experience and the beauty around me into my art.
Even though it was not a project, I am quite proud that I walked half of the Lycian Way in Turkey back in 2020. Living in the tent all alone and waking up to great scenery every morning for 13 days gave me much-needed creative space and inspired my future work.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Think. Don’t overthink. Don’t hide your mistakes. Don’t be afraid of getting criticized. Learn how to gaze at a photograph. Focus on what you want to create. Keep yourself up to date. Stay connected to nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: iamutlu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamutlu/
