1958-62 I am graduated from the Ceramics Department of state College of Applied Arts in İstanbul/TR. 1964-67 Upon graduation I went to Germany with Ministry of Education Scholarship to study Ceramics and Ceramics…
01Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
1958-62 I am graduated from the Ceramics Department of state College of Applied Arts in İstanbul/TR. 1964-67 Upon graduation I went to Germany with Ministry of Education Scholarship to study Ceramics and Ceramics Engineering. 1972-2008 I returned to my native country and entered Ceramics Dept. of State College of Applied Arts, which later became the Ceramics and Glass Dept. of Fine Arts Faculty of Marmara University Istanbul/TR, as an assistant, Associate Professor and Professor. 1996-2008 I had been head of department and retired. Since 2009-2018 as quest lecturer at the Fine Arts Dept. of İstanbul Technical University /TR.
02How did you become a designer?
During my stay in Europe 1964-72, I worked as a trainee at different workshops and factories in Germany, Holland, Denmark. As a result of written agreements, eleven vase designs of my were purchased by Hutschenreuter Firm in Germany for serial production. In addition, a complete dining set design was purchased for production by Goeble Company in series. Hutschenreuter Firm, indicating the design of Güngör Güner who worked the vases took place in some magazines for many years.
03What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
After deciding what to do, since I am a very old ceramist, I first make my designs with clay. And I am using the computer's capabilities when necessary. I see it is a chance to have knowledge about both methods.
04Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Since I usually work with ceramic materials, the final result is very important. That's why the most exciting moment is when your product is out of the oven. Sometimes you may need to completely rebuild the product. The last word will be said in ceramics is always by the oven.
05What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Ceramic engagement is an application that you can go through from the beginning to the end. This is also appealing to me. Until today, in my own workshop I have produced a large number of functional and non-functional ceramic as unique objects. But now I am aiming my accumulation to reflect to the series production over.
06What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
In my designs, I want to reflect both my own identity and the cultural accumulation of the geography in which I live in but a simple form! I would like to be able to make from glass, the Plexiglas vases which I participated in A Design Award competition.
07What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
We are in Computer age, computer-aided design is a great possibility But I am stillthinking it would be very useful for a designer to have at least one or a more craft skills. Besides, very important for a designer candidate is as a back ground of an arts educations. Craft and Art and Design are like a three-feet. It cannot exist if someone is missing!
08You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Yes, I am very concerned with the theme of handicrafts or arts education as back ground! But we have to learn all the opportunity that the computer can give us as gift.
09What is your day to day look like?
I am a retired instructor. I try to adapt my elected former unique designs to serial production. These are go on a little slower because of my age (76). One day a week I go to Istanbul Technical University. I give elective ceramics lesson. I have students from many different faculties. That day is the best day of the week because they like my class very much. I love the youth !
10How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I'm not very interested in trends. I am very hard on myself that I already do. Except if there is a train I like it.
11How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Personality, Aesthetic, function, quality
12How do you decide if your design is ready?
The design process needs on me a very long time. I make a design first with clay after that I fire it in a ceramic kiln. If it’s all propositions after firing are correct and if I am agree with result It will be drawn at a computer the main form and its necessary plaster molds for the series productions.
13What is your biggest design work?
I have got some awards with my unique ceramics but last year I participated in the A-Design Award competition and received the Gold Award with the design of Turkish Coffee Cup. This was a design which I liked also and this was my first design award. It has been very important for me. Besides it was the first trial concerned my concept about “from potter’s wheel to the CNC tool. This concept is still going on for my other unique ceramic forms.
14Who is your favourite designer?
Mr Onur Müştak Çabanlı ! First off all I highly appreciate him that he designed a huge contest like A Design Awards Competition. Designer from all over the world met each other thank to his enormous idea. I also like his product designs very much. Besides I appreciate from Finland Kay Frank and from Turkey, Mimar (Architect) Sinan.
15Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I am living in İstanbul. İstanbul is a very unique City on the World. Because of one part of city is in Europe, one part is in Asia. Between those two parts is Marmara Sea (Bosporus) I am living in Asian part of Istanbul. So some people travel between two continents every day. İstanbul is a very crowded city but very exciting too. The Anatolian Part of Turkey is a very multi-cultural area from prehistoric until new age. You can see the traces of this all in İstanbul too
16Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I am a person who chooses to work alone.
17What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
At the end of Ramadan every year, I donate a cordless chair to the disabled group. I also donate some of my ceramics for sales.
18What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?
I have had the experience of completing your very complicated application forms. Competitions direct me to work. I find it is necessary for me and for everybody. I am appreciating by the way this event a lot. No comment about designer of the day for myself
បទសម្ភាសន៍ទេវតារចនា
50 សំណួរ
1958-62 she studied ceramics in the State Collage of Applied Arts. Upon graduation she went to Germany with the Ministry of Education Scholarship to study Ceramics and ceramics engineering.
01Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
1958-62 she studied ceramics in the State Collage of Applied Arts. Upon graduation she went to Germany with the
Ministry of Education Scholarship to study Ceramics and ceramics engineering.
02What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
I'm a ceramist who left behind fifty years. The formation of ceramics already includes the design phenomenon
too.
03Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
As I was a ceramist, I was automatically within the design phenomenon.
04What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
Mostly Tableware and two and three dimensional another objects too.
05What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
They should training in different craft and production centers like glass, wood, ceramic…
06What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
To be a good designer can everybody; to be a great designer one must have art and sciences skill
too.
07What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
A good design must to have a function, aesthetic and quality.
08What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
A good design sells better.
09What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
I don’t know
10What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
I was taking part last year whit a group vases by A’Design Award Competitıon but without success! Used
material was plastic (I dislike plastic) This year I aimed these to do by glass ( it is very difficult)
11What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
Aesthetic and function of course possibility for production.
12Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
Kay Frank from Finland
13What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
First fall I love glass! Kay Frank did glass
14What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
My Turkish coffee cup design which has been awarded by A’Design Gold Award is at the same time very
functional and it has got a good expression which I am satisfied about it: The cloud relief is expressing the
Ottoman’s culture and the geometric handle form is expressing the Seljuk’s culture. The cylinder form symbolizes the Republic which is carrying the both culture in to today.
15How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
I am asking for myself if I made a design object:” Would you like to buy yours object to use in your home ? “Be
sure I am using my own design objects in my home.
16If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
I don’t know.
17How do you define design, what is design for you?
Aesthetic and function, of course possibility for production.
18Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
The years behind me as student and as lecturer with different experience in and out of my country
19What helped you to become a great designer?
The years behind me as student and as lecturer with different experience in and out of my country
20What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
The obstacles always exist before and still! First you have to convince the manufacturer. At last the user must to
like your design. The masses may not like what you like.
21How do you think designers should present their work?
The designers are mostly not a good seller! Therefore they need a professional marketing institution like your
company.
22What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
I was taking part last year with a group vases by A’Design Award Competitıon but without success! Used
material was plastic because of its transparenty (actualy I dislike plastic, that was a wrong chosen) This year I
am aiming these to do again by glass (But it is very difficult)
23What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
Aesthetic and function.
24What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
I am not able to know that.
25How does design help create a better society?
I've witnessed that after sanitary industry could deliver rather cheap sanitary ware it was a big positive
development in our country.
26What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
I was taking part last year with a group vases by A’Design Award Competitıon but without success! Used
material was plastic because of its transparency (actually I dislike plastic, that was a wrong chosen) This year I
am aiming these to do again by glass (But it is very difficult) Origin of these vases were ceramic but I am
aiming to see these vases in transparency form.
27Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
My Turkish coffee cup design which has been awarded by A’Design Gold Award is at the same time very
functional and it has got a good expression which I am satisfied about it: The cloud relief is expressing the
Ottoman’s culture and the geometric handle form is expressing the Seljuk’s culture . The cylinder form
symbolizes the Republic which is carrying the both culture in to today. Besides it had got the A’Design Gold
Award.
28What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
I don’t know .
29Where do you think the design field is headed next?
I don’t know.
30How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
It depend up to design, but it takes with me mostly long time.
31When you have a new design project, where do you start?
In my own ceramics atelier.
32What is your life motto as a designer?
To go on to design for myself as long as possible.
33Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
I am agree with the opinion “designs sets the trends but the trends sets the designs too”.
34What is the role of technology when you design?
The role of technology is one of the most important elements to designing .
35What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
As I am a ceramist I am using mostly my already atelier. Of course when I need sometimes the books,
computer, CNC, glass other silk screen atelier I used too.
36What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
I think the customers should have an opportunity to choose the same design in different color. in conclusion we
are designing for our customers.
37What do you wish people to ask about your design?
Of course they can ask something but I will be very happy if they like it .
38When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
Of course I am appreciating always the new great designs in case I really liked it.
39Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
Of course we needs often the help of some engineer or master but I do not believe Co-design.
40Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
I can't remember any people until now.
41Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
I can’t remember! There are so many years behind me .
42How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
The years behind me as student and as lecturer with different experience in and out of my country.
43Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
With student .
44How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
Sorry but I am not famous !
45What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
Red, Istanbul/TR., Yoghurt soup, Autumn, Hot shower, A’Design Award .
46Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
In our childhood I and my brother we were building always a kiln if we found three stone it was enough for our
kiln! He is a ceramist too.
47What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
As I was a ceramist, I was automatically within the design phenomenon. More than 50 years! We are very close
to design as a ceramicist. We are always within motivations
48When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
In our childhood there was no word for designer yet!
49What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
The geologists don’t talk us any good stories about the future! What can I say ?
50Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
The geologists don’t talk us any good stories about the future! What can I say ?
បទសម្ភាសន៍អ្នករចនា
39 សំណួរ
Parallel to my studies on ceramic art, I have also crossed half century as an educator. If you add the learning period to this ten years, I've been doing this for sixty years in total.
01Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
Parallel to my studies on ceramic art, I have also crossed half century as an educator. If you add the learning period to this ten years, I've been doing this for sixty years in total. I continued my education in Germany too. I have worked in different companies abroad. My studies cover different areas of the ceramics (superficial, three-dimensional,functional,conceptual). Many years ago during my education in Germany, I was able to sell functional product design to be produced in series to two important companies.
02Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Nowadays I am interested in the integration of computer technologies that have developed in recent years with ceramics. The Turkish Coffee Cup form I participated in this competition is the result of such a study.After designing the tile design which appeared on the attached photo, it was printed on a ceramic tile by a special digital printing machine for the ceramics color. Then it was produced with a limited number of silk screen methods and it was presented to private customers as a new Year gift of an important ceramic tile company.
03What is "design" for you?
Craft+ Art+ Design and manufactural or Industrial productions
04What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I am an old ceramist. So I am designing mostly ceramics; two or three dimensional ceramic objects. These might be surface designs for on the ready-made ceramics objects too.
05What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
My Turkish coffee cup design which has been awarded by A’Design Gold Award is at the same time very functional and it has got a good expression which I am satisfied about it: The cloud relief is expressing the Ottoman’s culture and the geometric handle form is expressing the Seljuk’s culture . The cylinder form symbolizes the Republic which is carrying the both culture in to today
06What was the first thing you designed for a company?
Many years ago (1970) ten vases design by Hutshenreuter; while in that time I was student in Germany.
07What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Ceramics and glass
08When do you feel the most creative?
Early morning
09Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Aesthetic and function, of course possibility for production.
10What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Happiness
11What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
One of the best gift for my life
12What makes a design successful?
Good design +advertisement
13When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The both are possible but İt is nothing to do
14From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Absolute hygiene for the user. Besides any poisons should not let to environment!
15How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
No comment
16When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Fourth Design Week 2017 in Istanbul /Tr. I hope 6. Design Week 20019 Istanbul/Tr
17Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I tried to add our culture heritage in to my design, but I elected them very meticulously. Besides I am translating some of my former unic ceramics work in to the Industrial design
18How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
Ambitious –simplicity, astatic, functionality and quality
19Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
In Turkey/Istanbul. It is my aim to have affects from our cultural heritage.. But I have been travelled (1972-78) a lot during my country to research the pottery areas. It was a big cons and still a cons. I lived and inspired abroad enough in my youth! Now is the time to live and be inspired by my own country.
20How do you work with companies?
Seldom whit companies, I am working mostly in my own atelier
21What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
I don’t know
22Can you talk a little about your design process?
I am working first fall with clay, later I am drawing the necessary plaster form by computer, later I am using the CNC to make the plaster form. At last by using core casting method for productions with plaster mold,
23What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
One day in a week I am teaching in Istanbul Technical University in Istanbul. Another days could be very different. But mostly I am working in my atelier or visit an exhibition or I am listening a lecture.
25Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
First fall they should work in different productions center like glass, plastic, wood metal..
26From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
It is rather difficult but not impossible!
27What is your "golden rule" in design?
Functionality
28What skills are most important for a designer?
To have a skill is wonderful but training in different craft and productions centers help to have got larger visions. By the way a designer must have got art and science skill too.
29Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
As I am a ceramist I am using mostly my already atelier. Of course when I need sometimes the books, computer, CNC, glass other silk screen atelier I used too.
30Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I am an emeritus prof. and ceramist. Despite designing takes of me a long time; designing is for me an preferential and important, enjoy!
31How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
I have any idea
32What was your most important job experience?
I am an emeritus prof. but I was invited to teach at one of the most important university of Turkey as visiting prof. Istanbul Technical University
33Who are some of your clients?
In Istanbul /Turkey
34What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Ceramics! Because I am ceramist.
35What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I will be very happy if I can going on to designing.
36Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Mostly myself.
37Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I was taking part last year whit a group vases by A’Design Award Competitıon but without success! Used material was plastic (I dislike plastic) This year I aimed these to do by glass ( it is very difficult)
38How can people contact you?
gguner67@gmail.com
39Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
The questions were too much and most of the questions resembled each other.
Currently, I am one of the oldest academic ceramicists in Turkey. I aim to make the spirit of the culture and geography I belong to be felt in my designs.
01Your innovative fusion of traditional potter's wheel craftsmanship with CNC technology in the Turkish Coffee Cup Table Ware has earned you the Gold A' Design Award - could you elaborate on what inspired this unique bridge between ancient and modern manufacturing methods?
Currently, I am one of the oldest academic ceramicists in Turkey. I aim to make the spirit of the culture and geography I belong to be felt in my designs. Due to the responsibility of being a teacher, without denying the unique tradition of ceramics and our own traditions, I created functional or non functional two or three dimensional. I shared my experiences with my students by doing research and studies in every branch of ceramics, without being insensitive to the socio economic events and art movements that time brought before us. CNC interest was the last link among these.
02The geometric handle reflecting Seljuk period and cloud motif from Ottoman era in your Turkish Coffee Cup Table Ware creates a powerful cultural narrative - how did you approach incorporating these distinct historical elements while maintaining contemporary functionality?
Since our country does not have computer technology, our introduction to the possibilities of computers was quite delayed.In 2007, I attended a workshop organized by ISSEDD (International Ceramic Art Education and Exchange Association) in Korea. Here, especially in the Korean and Japanese tents, Pottery Looms and CNC machines were located opposite each other. Students were working on both of them and displaying their finished designs made on the CNC machine. At that moment I thought, when will we? My former student Mrs. Prof Zehra Cobanli is one of the founding members of ISSEDD and she is currently the representative of Turkey! When I returned home, I took a Rhino drawing lesson from an assistant who was my grandson's age. I easily corrected the parts I didn't like by drawing and three-dimensional scanning of my cup, which I had previously made at the potter's loom. I drew the plaster mold images required for mass production based on the model. The best part of this job was that the plaster molds were now made by CNC.
03Having crafted the Turkish Coffee Cup Table Ware both on a potter's wheel and through CNC production, what were the most surprising differences and similarities you discovered between these two manufacturing approaches?
A separate plaster mold for the Trophy part of the cup, A separate plaster cast was made containing the cup plus cloud motif and handle. After casting the part of the cup, the second solid plaster mold was placed and the cloud motif and cup handle were cast. In this way, any indentations or protrusions inside the cup were prevented and the handle was prevented from sagging.As a result, it was experienced that both machines can be used for a good design.
04The Turkish Coffee Cup Table Ware seems to challenge the notion of mass production versus artisanal craft - how do you envision this hybrid approach influencing the future of ceramic manufacturing?
If the problem is table ware design, I believe that ceramicists are more prone to this due to the flexibility of the materials they use. But a design like Rhino etc. I think it has been proven that if a drawing is shaved, it has a chance of becoming even better. All's well that ends well! (German Proverb)
05During the six-month development of the Turkish Coffee Cup Table Ware, what were the most significant technical challenges in translating the organic, hand-thrown form into precise CNC specifications?
As of 2008, I retired from MUGSF (Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts) due to age limits. I was invited as a guest Prof. from ITU. (Istanbul Technical University) I accepted his offer because I knew there was a CNC machine there.Learning to draw Rhino was the hardest part. Then, the other difficult part was having to get help from Industrial Design Faculty assistant mechanical engineer Sinan Odekan, to upload the drawing data to the CNC. When I asked him to teach me the necessary procedure, he said, "My teacher said I would have to teach you for a hundred hours." This challenge continues
06The porcelain casting process for the Turkish Coffee Cup Table Ware required careful consideration of material properties - could you share insights into how the material selection influenced both the production method and final aesthetic?
The most admirable part of this cup design is its handle, as it is very comfortable to hold. But I can say that the most critical point is the handle. Instead of relying on a single porcelain clay, production should be started after testing with a few porcelain clays and making sure that the handle does not sag. In fact, Stoneware mud is not only a safer mud, but also harmonizes very well with the design itself.
07Your Turkish Coffee Cup Table Ware masterfully balances cultural symbolism with modern manufacturing - how did you ensure the cultural essence remained intact through the transition to mechanical production?
I believe my deep understanding and appreciation for ceramics come from my many years of experience as a ceramicist. Over the years, I've honed my skills, learned the intricacies of the craft, and developed a profound connection with the materials and techniques. This journey has not only shaped my artistic vision but also instilled in me a sense of patience, creativity, and dedication. Each piece I create is a testament to the countless hours spent perfecting my craft and the passion I have for this timeless art form.
08The dimensions of the Turkish Coffee Cup Table Ware (13cm total height with 6.5cm diameter) suggest careful consideration of proportions - what guided your decisions in determining these specific measurements?
h 10.3cm, D 6.2, plate D 12.5 cm Dimensions may vary slightly depending on the clay used.Turkish Coffee Cup is an integral part of our homes. I found those cups too small. Since they were small, their handles would also be very small. While trying to hold the handle, your little finger might get cramped. I first made my cup on the potter's loom. I corrected the errors I found on the computer. Based on the final version of the model, I made the drawings necessary to make the plaster molds required for the mass production of the cup using CNC. Those who use the cup like the balance of the handle and body very much.
09As an academic designer, how has your experience with the Turkish Coffee Cup Table Ware project influenced your perspective on integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary production methods?
It had a very positive impact, which is exactly what I aimed to achieve. The design embodies individuality while also reflecting a strong national identity. This balance between personal expression and national pride is what makes the design truly special and meaningful.
10Looking at the success of the Turkish Coffee Cup Table Ware, how do you envision expanding upon this concept of merging historical design elements with modern production techniques in your future works?
I will continue my design work, drawing inspiration from both individual creativity and national cultural heritage. By blending personal expression with the rich traditions of our culture, I aim to create designs that are unique, meaningful, and resonate with a wide audience. This approach allows me to honor our cultural roots while also pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity.
A' Design Award គឺជាពានរង្វាន់រចនាល្អអន្តរជាតិដែលវាយតម្លៃដោយគណៈកម្មការ។ ចូលរួមក្នុង A' Design Award ដើម្បីទទួលបានឱកាសក្នុងការទទួលស្គាល់ដោយគុណសម្បត្តិ ទទួលបានកិត្តិនាម កិត្តិយស និងការផ្សព្វផ្សាយសម្រាប់ការងាររបស់អ្នក។ ដាក់ស្នាដៃរបស់អ្នកសម្រាប់ A' Design Award ហើយប្រកួតប្រជែងដើម្បីឈ្នះ A' Design Prize ដ៏គោរពរាប់អាន។