Fiyel Levent - Reinventing ornamentation
Auteur : Esther | 02-05-2011
Using a combination of intricate, hand-drawn designs and modern technology, Fiyel Levent creates these beautiful alluring lamps, headboards, wall dividers, and coffee tables. These traditional Islamic patterns come alive as the light shines through casting “ethereal” shadows, just as Fiyel had dreamed of years before. I truly enjoyed this interview with Fiyel. She has a certain wise warmth about her. She is a passionate woman, obsessed with architecture and design and an expert at displaying their relation to culture.
It wasn’t so long ago when I realized the disciplines of architecture and design were the paths I needed to follow. Throughout my childhood and even throughout architecture school, I was certain my destiny was to become a poet of the written word. Quite frankly, I had no particular interest in studying architecture; I knew of The Cooper Union and wanted an adventure; I wanted to live the life bohemian.
After graduating, I went to The University of Edinburgh to pursue a Masters in English and Creative Writing. It was there that I realized I missed thinking visually, thinking in terms of building space. Rather than working purely in literature, I realized my poetry was to be physical and spatial. I have known, since then, that I would have my own studio. It gives me the greatest pleasure to create visceral poetry for others, one that is visual and immediate. Writing was my first love, but architecture and design has since then become my true obsession.
Can you tell us a little about how you came up with these beautiful lace-like designs?
I often have dreams of tiny spaces; and the windows and openings are always the most important features. During my fourth year in architecture school, I was studying the water systems and fountain infrastructures of Istanbul. I lived and dreamed Istanbul that year, through books and images and photographs. I also went to Istanbul during my spring break to find some very rare maps. While I was there, I had a dream of a courtyard that was enclosed in water, fluid panels that had Islamic patterns emblazoned on them. The patterns were layered. And when the light shone behind them, ghost patterns kept emerging through. I was haunted by these ethereal dreams, and knew I had to realize them.
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
I am in a constant state of inspiration.
If I have to name a few things, however, I’d first have to say my father and mother, my brother, my husband - if it isn’t for them, I don’t know quite what it’s for. I’ve always been inspired by strong, visionary women: Armi Ratia, Edith Piaf, Agnes Martin, Ruth Asawa, and Lady Gaga, for example. And the assortment of women in my family of course, some of the strongest and most elegant Tatar women I have known, descendants of the imperious Genghis Khan.
Oscar Niemeyer and Sergio Rodriguez are high on my list, as is Luis Barragan, Charles Platt and Palladio. I am currently reading (and loving) Artist’s Gardens by Madison Cox. I am an enthusiast for all things beautiful and luxurious. I cannot help it but to surround myself with splendor and high quality treasures. Many of my ancestors’ worldly possessions are scattered around my home.
The list is infinite.
Do you have a favorite among all your creations; if so, why is this your favorite?
Well, I do love The Headboard; it makes for a very cozy and sensual sleeping experience. I have a predilection for furniture that is low to the ground, rooms that are minimal and pieces that stand out on their own. The proportions of my headboard were designed as such that it would create a pocket of space that is almost like a room in itself. The light that emanates from behind the headboard illuminates the bed so that one can read and talk and fall asleep in a pleasant glow. It just has that precise sprinkle of ornament that makes it a simple piece of furniture that creates a space all of its own.
What is your dream home? Or what is your ideal living space?
I enjoy living in old, traditional spaces with high ceilings and pocket doors. There is a certain character that develops in houses over time, and the craft of the building has been, by then, tested. I’d want my home to be intimate, light and calm.
What do you like to do when you have a moment for yourself?
In general, I enjoy doing very plain and happy things. I like to read novels, flip through magazines and listen to music. I love to go dancing. I play the violin and I cook. And I do the very stylish thing called Yoga. The main point is that it’s very important I find a harmonious balance between work and meditation.
What are your current projects?
My husband and I just moved into an old brick townhouse in Queens. It was built by Germans at the beginning of the 20th century, and so finely crafted with plaster walls and built-in cupboards. We are adding our own touches to it and watching it rise up from the ashes. We are doing the work ourselves. It was owned by the same family since it was built a hundred years ago! There’s even a very shabby, (and very small), Orangerie in the back, with French doors and very old, hand-painted flower wallpaper.
I am organizing a photoshoot of two interior design projects which I completed with a very close friend and collaborator of mine, Rebecca Thienes. I am finishing the design of a custom door for a private client which I’m very excited about, and I am designing a small, private garden terrace. I try to be as selective as I can with my projects; it is very important to me that I work with clients who are kind and respectful and who also have a vision. I’m also currently designing a few new pieces which will materialize later in the year. In addition to that, I am also planning a one to two month long journey, to document and research the Islamic architectures along the Silk Route, from St. Petersburg to Shanghai, China by railroad. It is being funded by a grant I was recently awarded by The Center for Architecture in New York City.
For all inquiries, please contact
T: 718 640 5779
E: info@fiyellevent.com
Website: www.fiyellevent.com
Blog: www.fiyellevent.blogspot.com
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