Doğanbey Village, a hidden gem amidst the tranquil landscapes of Turkey, holds a cherished secret – Atölyedometia, a ceramics workshop that weaves a heartwarming tale of artistry and camaraderie.
Enter the proprietors of this charming workshop, Serpil and her husband, Selim. In the bustling streets of Istanbul, they forged successful careers – Serpil as a pharmacy owner and Selim as a civil engineer. Although they worked side by side in the city, it was their enduring friendship that truly bonded them.
Their lives were comfortable, their financial prospects secure. However, as the years passed, Serpil found herself pondering the future. The catalyst for her introspection arrived one day in the form of a high school friend, a gifted artist who had chosen a different path – ceramics.
Reconnecting with her friend ignited a dormant passion within Serpil, and the allure of creating art through ceramics became irresistible.
Years later, she found herself returning to her artistic roots. The world of ceramics beckoned, and she embraced it with unwavering determination. Her husband, Selim, joined her on this creative journey, immersing himself in ceramics alongside his wife. It was an artistic adventure they embarked on together.
Eventually, Serpil mustered the courage to leave behind the comforts of city life and realized a dream she had nurtured for years – purchasing a quaint house in Doğanbey Village.
Selim grappled with the idea of leaving his job initially, but the enchantment of the village soon captivated them both. They fell in love with the simplicity and serenity of village life, becoming cherished members of the community.
Five years ago, Atölyedometia came to life. It was not merely a business venture; it was a sanctuary for creativity. Together, the husband and wife poured their passion into crafting ceramics, occasionally hosting workshops to share their love for the art with others.
Positive feedback and heartfelt appreciation from those who visited their workshop fueled their dedication.
One serendipitous day, a woman named Hülya from the lower village chanced upon Atölyedometia. Hülya, a kindergarten teacher who had arrived in Doğanbey Village two years prior, had left her ceramics dreams behind.
Yet fate led her to the workshop, where she rekindled a long-lost part of herself. Hülya, a ceramics graduate, yearned to reclaim the solace of pottery.
She approached Serpil and Selim, sharing her background and expressing her desire to immerse herself in ceramics once more. From that day forward, Hülya became a regular visitor to the workshop, forging a bond with the couple that felt as if they’d been friends for a lifetime.
For Hülya, Atölyedometia became a sanctuary of peace and creativity, a respite from her bustling kindergarten. Ceramics, once a distant dream, now rekindled her spirit, infusing her days with tranquillity.
Today, in this enchanting workshop nestled within the heart of Doğanbey Village, Serpil, Selim, and Hülya share more than the art of ceramics.
They share a profound friendship, a passion for creativity, and a commitment to nurturing the beauty of art and companionship in this cosy corner of the world.
Good news: You can be a guest in their peaceful environment whenever you want, and you can visit the workshop and take lessons with a group of your own.
You pay 500 lira per lesson, and you usually have a work of art in 3-4 lessons. Moreover, all the materials are from the workshop. If you want to follow their work closely, you can check out their Atölyedometia page on Instagram.