The Research/ Design Process
The Research Process
I strongly believe that behind a great design there is always extensive and systematic research. I have always been intact with my past but with this assignment, I had a chance to dig deep into my roots. I came from a family that has always been so engaged with their rich culture, as a result of that I am most familiar with all the legends and myths about my land. The first time I got assigned with this work immediately lots of forgotten legends old symbols popped through my mind. So I started my assignment by shifting my inspirations to 5 main ideas. Then, I researched all 5 ideas to gather more in-depth information about their stories. As a result of these steps, I selected 5 main images that will help me to give shape to my mask design. Most importantly, I documented all this journey via my sketchbook. I took important notes and made some quick sketches for each idea in order to make the design process more smooth.
Inspirational Images
The Sketchbook
Throughout this journey, I used my sketchbook as a tool to record, document all that information that I have gathered. Also, made some quick sketches that were so helpful for the final designs.
Design #1 ( The Stag Statuette )
For this idea, I dig deep into the past of Anatolia where now my home town locates. The most famous civilization that used to locate here was Hittite. They inherited this spectacular statue named “The Stag”. The Stag symbolizes a male Hittite god who is known as Tarhunt, the lord/conqueror of Hatti and the chief among the storm gods. The Stag and the rich history of Anatolia gave me great inspiration which I can use for my mask, so I ended up with adding it to the final 5.
From a more artistic point of view, for these masks overall shape, I basically inspired by the horn structure of the stag. I placed two main large horns on both sides of the mask and then repeated them with various sizes all over the mask. This mask does not cover the mouth area however, it completely blocks the sight. As a result of that, I decided to cut out some slits. I came up with slits inspired by the pattern I have found from the neck of the statute.
Design #2 ( Shahmaran )
In this design, I inspired by the legend that my parents used to read me every night before bed. This legend includes this spectacular and mysterious creature named Shahmaran. It mostly depicted as a half-woman, half-snake creature. This story of this legendary creature considered as a national treasure in Turkey. I got inspired by her headpiece and wanted to recreate it with my mask.
For this mask design, I mainly inspired by the headpiece that Shahmaran wears. I created this kind of complex 3-D mask by a combination of different forms and sizes of horns. Also, I used the pattern of snake scales to cover the visible parts of the mask which refers to the half-snake part of Shahmaran. In addition, I cut out two holes to enable sight.
Design #3 ( The Hamsa )
For this idea, I inspired by the sign Hamsa. I grow up with this sign all over my family home. For Muslims, it is believed that this sign provides some kind of protection against the evil eye and dark magic. In addition, this symbol represents fertility. In Turkey, people hang these from their home entrance to avoid demonic powers and protect all members of the family. This kind of hand illustration caught my attention and inspired me to use it for my mask.
With this mask, I wanted to recreate the anatomy of a human hand. Here I illustrated basic prints which are highly used in Turkish motifs. The palm of the hand covers the eyes so it prevents sight. Fingers shape a crown around the head.
Design #4 ( Buraq )
For this design, I wanted to search for the origin of my name. My name Burak or Buraq according to Muslims symbolizes a mythical creature. This creature has ahead of humans, a body of a horse, and blessed with a set of angel wings. Buraq carried the Islamic prophet, Muhammed, from Mecca to Jerusalem and in the heavens and back by night. Its anatomy inspired me to recreate its wings with my mask.
From a more artistic point of view, For the general shape of the mask, I got inspired by the wing structure of Burak. Here I wanted to keep the design minimalist as possible by simplifying the shape of wings. I portrayed their shape as a new moon. Then I recreated the pattern of wings by adding 3-D feathers to it. This mask exposes the mouth area but completely blocks sight.
Design #5 ( The Mosque )
For this idea, I inspired by a recent tragic act in Turkey. Several weeks ago the Turkish government decided to reopen The Sultan Ahmed Mosque back to worship which will damage this very important heritage. As a country full of priceless artwork and monuments the Turkish government really should learn how to protect them. The spectacular architecture of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque inspired me to came up with this type of mask design. In this mask, I wanted to use a slogan in order to draw attention to this problem.
For this mask, my main inspiration was the interior of the mosque. All these windows and columns inspired me to recreate this panoramic vision of it. After creating this crown-like shape I added this quotation to attract attention to this horrible issue.
The Presentation
This is the presentation that I have prepared for the class on Sept 8…
