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Yaşar Vurdem is a young and incredibly exciting Turkish artist. Yasar’s work really typifies the trend for high level realistic digital art typified by Artists like him, Irakli Nadar (in this issue), Rene Gorecki (also in this issue), Aykut Aydogdu, Wojtek Fus and others. These artists often rely heavily on digital imagery, and the end result is often so close to the original source reference material that people might even accuse them of photobashing, using filters etc, that’s just how good the art is!

When conducting this interview I was actually struck to find out that he is still in College/University, I was surprised because his skill level is already at such a high level I expected him to be a seasoned vet and much older. The future is BRIGHT for Yaşar Vurdem, his portraiture relies heavily on the Female face, a recurring theme on Urban-Muse as you (the reader) have no doubt noticed over the years.

His women and the way he has handled light, color, grading, temperatures, and values have a nearly lifelike sheen to them almost as if they were sculpted out a futuristic material and are on display in a museum. His works although similar to their photographic sources always have a new and exciting feel to them and a look that is all his own. Yasar Vurdem is an artist to watch and Urban-Muse is pleased to have him in this first issue.

Urban-Muse.com: What can you tell us about being an artist in Turkey?

Yaşar Vurdem: Well, In my opinion, being an artist in Turkey is more difficult than being an artist in Europe I influenced by Turkish concept artist Kerem Beyit when I first start(ed my) digital works. After that over time, I was influenced by many artists.

Urban-Muse.com: You studied at Erciyes Üniversitesi Güzel Sanatlar Fakültesi. What can you tell us about your time there? What was the most important thing you learned?

Yaşar Vurdem: I’m still studying My 3rd year, Actually 4th. 🙂 I left the traditional painting section in my faculty for 1 year and after 1-year break I back to the digital section I like my school, I love my teachers, they supported me for continuing digital paintings. And I learned many things from them, especially trying, again and again, + practice.

Urban-Muse.com: What would be your advice to an artist who wants to improve their work?

Yaşar Vurdem: I can explain this in one word! “Practice!”

Urban-Muse.com: What is your artistic process like? How do you like to work, is there a certain area where you create in your house? What are your tools of choice?

Yaşar Vurdem: I have personal workshop home, I usually work alone there with my intous5 tablet + laptop.

Urban-Muse.com: What do you do when you find someone being overly critical of your work and maybe even saying nasty things about you? Do you have advice for artists how to deal with negativity?

Yaşar Vurdem: Criticism is important. But the person is more important who gives criticism, i.e. criticism from ignorant people (There are those in our class who give subversive criticism ) is not necessary and it’s dangerous for an artist’s beautiful mind. I say that for advice to beginner artists, do not let them break your imagination/style.