Sanem Özdemir
Sanem Özdemir is a painter living in her studio in Kazdağları. The prominent elements in her paintings are gender, family and social relations. The artist, who works with the logic of collage by collecting many visuals and texts, also focuses on the concept of time. We had a conversation about the life of the artist, who draws attention with her different works in addition to her painting career, and her Towdoo brand designs.
How did your painting career begin and how is it going?
In 2016, I was accepted to the painting department of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. I graduated from this department in 2021. I was a very hardworking student, I spent most of my time painting and researching. I participated in various group exhibitions, applied to competitions, and met with galleries. After a while, I decided to open my own exhibition. In 2023, I opened my first solo exhibition called 'Scratch' in Istanbul. This exhibition was very important for me because I did everything myself and my self-confidence increased. I moved to Kazdağları in June 2024. I love what I do more and more every day and I continue to work.
What is your connection to Towdoo?
Towdoo is a brand that my mother created in 2016. I wasn't very involved in it at the beginning. I didn't want to focus more on painting during my student years. The brand, which focused on beach products until 2021, became a brand that also released clothing collections when my mother met the eco-friendly cupro fabric. I became the designer of these collections.
What inspires your designs and how do you approach each new design?
For me, the design part is a bit about personal interest and working towards our brand. I always have images I have saved for myself on my phone, clothes I want, and the pieces I put together like a collage through trial and error turn into a design.
My inspiration is often paintings, old movies and women around me. When we talk about the Towdoo woman, we try to create designs that are suitable for the characteristics that emerge. We create designs for people who create their own style, want to have a timeless stylish wardrobe and value nature and art like us.
Every new design/collection is based on the concept my mother and I decided on. Each time, I think in more detail and try to design products that will stay in the closet for a longer time.
What are the brand's goals?
At first, personalized towels were produced with my mother's idea of combining print and design. This beginning was an indication for us that originality and style would be important for the brand. As beach products developed, we decided that we wanted to reflect what we wanted to convey not only in this area but also with clothes and collections. I started designing with the long-term use of old clothes, detailed designs and my admiration for women who can be themselves.
Our goal is to create a lifestyle with the quality, fabric selection and designs in our products. We say 'join the circle' to those who want to join this lifestyle.
What are your goals, what's next?
Next up for me is my exhibition in Bodrum. I am also working on other projects. I am doing different things at the same time, so I have a busy work life.
