We caught up with the brilliant and insightful MUSZ Studio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
MUSZ, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Salih Zeki Sayar and Murat Sener, dba MUSZ, is a collaborative brand where two artists have come together. We believe that creativity isn’t just a gift, it’s a journey of exploration, curiosity, and resilience. Our creative process springs from a multitude of sources: sometimes it is a story, a book, a piece of music, a movie. Yet some other times it is a moment, a word, a fragrance, a texture…they all may spark our creativity. We believe keeping an open mind, embracing diversity in art, and finding inspiration from all aspects of life and other art forms help us create our art.
Our journey involves trying to find a delicate balance between ideas and materials we use to create. We each design and create our own work, yet we constantly engage in constructive dialogue, helping, criticizing, guiding each other’s work. We each find our individual voice and style through these discussions and challenge our thinking and creative processes. We find this type of collaborative dynamic environment motivating and enriching.
New beginnings taught us to be resilient. Setbacks weren’t roadblocks but stepping-stones to innovation. During our journey, we’ve discovered new materials to work with, experimented with colors, and got to know how to work in harmony with clay, sometimes being able to mold it as we envisioned, and many times giving in to its nature. Curiosity ignites the spark that fuels the creative flame, turning an idea to a three-dimensional object.
MUSZ’s story is one of resilience, collaboration, openness, consistency, and unyielding curiosity: a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of experiences, setbacks, and triumphs, all contributing to our passion to continuously expand our imagination and reinvent our work.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
MUSZ is a creative collaboration founded with the synergy of two imaginative minds, Salih Zeki Sayar and Murat Sener. After two decades of experience in business and advertising, both decided to pursue their passions in art: Salih Zeki for sculpture leading to his solo exhibition in Istanbul in 2021; and Murat’s journey into the world of ceramics began at a pottery class, guiding him into various aspects of the art form through extensive training.
The duo established MUSZ Studio in Hyattsville, Maryland in 2022 and most recently, they have created MUSZ Sculpture Flames Series. In this fantastic world, earth, fire, water, and air intertwine creating a harmonious order. There, water doesn’t extinguish fire; fire doesn’t suffocate air. Air and earth complement each other, and all four are both solid and changeable at the same time.
Birds are flying into the night of flames; horses’ mane catches fire then turn into flippers under water. Rabbits with giant ears seem to tune into the secrets of the universe. Fish gracefully navigate in the depths of oceans through coral reefs, then soaring to the sky.
In this imagined world of MUSZ, every being goes through a metamorphosis, breaking free from conventional molds, thus embracing transformation.
MUSZ work is rooted in a deep reverence for the natural world. Inspired by its intricate patterns, gentle asymmetry, and profound tranquility, MUSZ seeks to transfer these elements into ceramics that evoke emotions and narratives. Nature is both their muse and mentor, guiding them to find authenticity in their artistic expression.
MUSZ is scheduled to showcase their latest works at the American Craft Council Baltimore Show, in Baltimore, MD between 15-17 March 2024. It’s an opportunity for art enthusiasts to engage with the artists and witness their latest work firsthand.
The creative scope of Salih Zeki and Murat’s extends beyond ceramics. In 2023, they also established MUSZ Fashion, a brand redefining women’s fashion. MUSZ believes fashion is another art form, and their designs are crafted with the same passion and attention to details. Each garment tells a story of grace and allure, inviting you to express your unique personality through every stitch and fabric.
MUSZ Fashion is a young brand where elegance meets sophistication, and style embraces individuality. The brand is a celebration of empowered femininity, weaving timeless classics with modern trends. From chic essentials to statement pieces, they curate collections that inspire confidence and reflect the multifaceted beauty of every woman.
MUSZ Fashion will debut its latest collection at the Coterie New York Show from February 20th to 22nd, 2024.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One of the most important factors that constantly motivates us in our creative journey and enables us to overcome the difficulties we encounter is to never give up and work hard. We may face challenges while turning our ideas into reality. Things may not work out the way we planned. When we create a form from a design, the struggle with clay does not always yield the results we want. At times, it is necessary to use different methods and materials, not to be discouraged in the face of repeated failures; to try to understand what does not work and why; find a way to make it work, and to try as many times as necessary to succeed.
At MUSZ, we are fully committed to what we do. Even when we’re not working, the work of art we’re creating is constantly in the back of our mind. There are no hours for this job. We live with our work 24 hours a day. We focus in our work but also other art forms. This helps us express our creativity in different mediums.
We find it necessary to consider the relationship of the works we produce with the environment and nature. This principle is ingrained in the DNA of our creativity and take priority in our entire business plan. Although art may be perceived an individual process, we feel the responsibility to society at large for its results. In addition to the ceramic material being sustainable and recyclable, we also take great care to produce our fashion products using natural materials. MUSZ Fashion collaborates with women empowered small business partners. We implement our creativity with great care in every field, with an understanding that is sensitive to both the environment and society.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Promoting creativity extends far beyond mere creating a piece of art; it’s about making your works visible and engaging with the artist community in your area. Establishing close ties with local artists, preparing presentations for art juries, participating in competitions, and selectively reaching out to galleries with your portfolio are essential. However, this task is anything but simple and requires considerable time commitment.
At MUSZ Studio, while investing long hours in design and creating art pieces, we also looked for ways to exhibit our art and share it with the public. Our efforts led us to be selected as official artists by the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VA, a prominent hub in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Thus, we had the opportunity to exhibit our works in art galleries. We were also eligible to participate in the American Craft Council 2024 Baltimore Show, again through a jury evaluation.
On the MUSZ Fashion side, our dedication to excellence led us to gain jury-selected participation rights in the prestigious 2024 Coterie New York show, in NYC, a major event in the US fashion industry.
Navigating these promotional endeavors indeed demands dedication and resilience. It’s not merely about producing art but also about effectively connecting it with its audience. Continual efforts in showcasing our works ensure a growing recognition, further fostering our journey in the world of art and fashion.
Contact Info:
- Website: MUSZ Studio: https://www.muszstudio.com MUSZ Fashion: https://www.muszfashion.com
- Instagram: MUSZ Studio: musz.store MUSZ Fashion: musz.fashion
