| Feature Artist Sibel Alpaslan
This year's featured artist is Sibel Alpaslan of Newburyport, MA.
Originally from Turkey, Sibel completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in Ceramics at the University of Marmarra in Istanbul. For ten years she owned a successful ceramics gallery in Kusadasi, near the ancient Mediterranean city of Ephesus. In 2008 she serendipitously met Tim Hiltabiddle, an American traveling in Turkey. They were married four years ago and Sibel joined Tim in New England.
 | Sibel Alpaslan bowl
Islamic Geometrics. |
Sibel's work is influenced by the ancient and modern cultures of her native country. She believes it is her responsibility to draw from the previous generations and through her art carry that wisdom and spirit into the future. Mixing her Turkish past with many new American influences is an artistic recipe that suits her.
Since arriving in New England Sibel has passed the rigorous jury process to become a member of the prestigious League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and this year won the award for "Best in Ceramics" in the League's Living with Craft Exhibit at their annual fair. Sibel has also been selected to participate in the esteemed Craft Boston show and the Paradise City Arts Festival. Her work is sold at over a dozen galleries around New England.
Sibel has found it very gratifying to be a part of the Purple Sage community. She teaches a weekly class and works alongside the other talented ceramicists at the studio. This environment has inspired and deepened Sibel's artistic development and has been the perfect means for her to transition from one culture to another. In return, Sibel has brought her Turkish flair to the studio with her whimsical clay creations.
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