A Creative Guide by Umut Yamac

We’re talking to the British designer about his creative process and his interests, beyond lighting and architecture.

Umut Yamac is best known most for his light fittings, going beyond functionality, these are authentic light sculptures, pieces that combine a highly precise and architectural focus with a more poetic, artistic and delicate side. Array is proof of this approach, a collection of hanging light fittings for Vibia, the first collaboration between both of them, that appear to envelop the light. They are made by hand from fine threads woven tensioned between two aluminium rings. The series combines an even downward lighting with a glowing up-light. The resulting lamps are subtle and airy, yet spectacular and versatile, beautiful conical and cylindrical shapes volumes suspended in space. We are talking to him about his work, his memories, passions and interests. Through this guide format Yamac introduces us to the places, objects and experiences that inspire his creativity.

Umut has two great passions, neither are specific places or destinations, nature and travel. Both are reflected in his work and provide a great source of inspiration. “I spend a lot of my time walking my dog along the marshes close to where I work, no matter the weather. I really enjoy these obligatory breaks during the working day, and I’ve discovered that living in the moment in the great outdoors allows me to hone an idea and work it through, or even to come up with a solution,” he reflects. Travelling also gives me great pleasure; being in a different setting where you’re not familiar with the people, the language of the environment. “Leaving the day-to-day behind, getting out of my comfort-zone makes me more observant and receptive to the unknown.”

“James Turrell is probably the artist who has influenced me the most. I met him early in my career. His ability to direct and control openings and voids are not only fascinating experiments in physics, but they also demonstrate the extraordinary power of light and allow us to appreciate its magic.” The designer especially admires the works that Turrell created during what is known as his Mendota period, when he leased the Mendota Hotel in Santa Monica as his studio during the 1960s, over several years he the space used the space experiment, altering its architecture and the way it the light entered.

“I’m always looking for warmth and depth when exploring materials and textures. Warmth in terms of the quality of light, and a tactile quality but also familiarity. And depth, not only in the physical sense but conceptual and in terms of layering. One of the fascinating properties of light is its capacity to pass through materials, imbuing them with a luminance while also adding a sculptural quality.” Yamac understands art to be a fundamental part of design and creates products focused on the interaction between the user and the object, while paying particular attention to detail and sensations. He explores concepts such as tension, colour, volume and movement through his work.

Discovering new artists by listening to the radio (“Especially the BBC 6 Music station and the Gilles Peterson, Iggy Pop, Guy Garvey and Lauren Laverne programmes”) and (with his weakness for melancholy) going back again and again to Nick Cave and PJ Harvey. “That emotion is really useful to me during the process of making components and prototypes. But that doesn’t stop me from a little Sabrina Carpenter every now and again,” he laughs.

London’s Southbank Centre played a really important part in his adolescence. It all started with skateboarding, as its underground spaces were taken over by skaters during the 1970s. “As a student I started to explore the other areas of the centre: cinema, the art gallery, the theatre and the concert hall. As well as the unique location on the Thames River I’d also point out the thinking behind it and its inclusivity, which represents the very essence of London,” he explains.

He’s a great fan of Asian cuisine and Mexican spiciness, but Umut particularly enjoys Indonesian food because it brings back happy memories of his childhood in North London with friends and family.

He collects books and small desktop and mechanical toys. He likes the wooden or metal ones that fit inside his pocket. “They work on the principle of physics but have a playful side that’s evident when touched, something that I aim for in my designs,” he explains. And it’s true that his work combines art, engineering and storytelling, creating pieces that are both functional and impacting with a certain playful spirit.

“I believe that kindness and being open are often ignored or underestimated, however they’re critical for successful teamwork. What’s more, a new member of staff must go through a highly concentrated and detailed process to be part of the team,” he concludes.

It’s these small gestures; a daily walk, listening to music or collecting executive toys that appeal to Umut Yamac and help define his particular take on design: amiable, experimental with a touch of poetry. Simplicity and the everyday feed his work and his individual sensibility, with which he not only invents light fittings but more accurately works of art.