Turkish Traditional Art Today (Indiana University Turkish Studies)

Rating:
Summary: Performance by an Usta
Review: I wasn't particularly interested in Turkey prior to reading this book. I was, however, interested in the writing of an ethnographic study of the folklife of potters, weavers, and other artisans. By the time that I finished reading Glassie's rich description of the life and work of the people of Turkey, I found out why he was so amazed at the quality of artwork in this exciting land. To begin to understand the work of the potter, the weaver, the calligrapher, and the woodworker in Turkey, Glassie takes the reader on a pilgrimmage into the Islamic nation. The words, narrative, and rich photographs are the physical manifestations that bring the reader into a shared sense of presence with the artists. By the time I finished reading this fine book, I came to feel as if I was actually experiencing the sense of peace and presence that inspires master artists in Turkey. As I closed the book, I found that I not only was more intrigued by Turkey and Islam, I had gained a glimmer of a shared experience of working as an artist in this nation. Glassie inspires the author by showing that printed words and reproduced photographs in a book can provide a sense of the presence that is evoked when one admires woven rugs, woodwork, and ceramic plates. Through ink he provides a glimmer of the light that shines out from the ceramic glaze covering the pot of a master artist -- or usta -- in a Turkish ceramic studio.