Reflecting Kırşehir Culture in Souvenir Design through Modern Embroidery and Illustration Techniques

2.1.3.1. National Artists

Seher AYRAL

Seher Ayral is one of the prominent artists who reinterprets Anatolia's rich cultural heritage with a modern aesthetic understanding. Born and raised in Malatya, the artist, as the middle of seven sisters, internalized the value of women's labor both within the family structure and on a societal level from an early age (URL 34).

Ayral began her education at the Malatya Girls' Vocational School, then graduated from the Girls' Teacher Training School, teaching art and culture for many years. During her teaching career, she contributed to introducing young generations to art and crafts and played an active role in the transmission of handicrafts. After retiring in 1989, she embarked on a new artistic journey as an art collector, designer, and producer (URL 34).

Seher Ayral, who combines Turkey's cultural heritage with her dedication to handicrafts, has carved out a significant place in the art and design world with her original works that blend traditional and modern elements. The artist's collections feature over 2,500 unique pieces. These works, bearing traces of Anatolian traditional handicrafts, are reinterpreted with the aim of bringing the aesthetic values of the past into contemporary living spaces.

Figure 2.1.3.1.1 shows an example of a modernized work with preserved originality from the Ayral Art Gallery Handicraft Workshop in 2023. Three napkins from 1960, made with cross-stitch and Hesap işi techniques using orlon threads on Panama linen, were redesigned and transformed into a multi-purpose form such as a tablecloth and runner (URL 35).

Figure 2.1.3.1.1. a) Napkin, b) Napkins designed as a tablecloth, c) Close-up view of the embroidery technique (URL 35).

In her signature collection, the artist draws inspiration from the cultural heritage hidden in Anatolian hope chests. Ayral revitalizes works created by women with their handiwork and meticulous effort, using a modern aesthetic understanding. By adding unique stories to each product, she carries the cultural meaning of traditional motifs into the present day. In this respect, her works not only offer aesthetic value but also contribute to the sustainability of cultural heritage.

In addition to her artistic productions, Seher Ayral also attracts attention with her social responsibility projects. She voluntarily supports girls who cannot receive an education due to financial difficulties, teaching them handicrafts, thereby supporting both cultural transmission and individual empowerment. Her work demonstrates that art is not only an aesthetic endeavor but also a social and economic force.

One of the artist's most important projects to support women's labor, "My Chest Holds the Future," provides a platform where women can turn their handcrafted works into economic value. Through this project, both the production power of women is made visible and Anatolia's traditional handicraft culture is preserved.