-Artist at her purest form-
Born as an artist to a family of engineers, Setenay Gu was meant to become an industrial engineer. Back in university years, her textbooks were covered with hand sketches since drawing has always been her very own language. In those days, she kept painting in her limited spare time during weekends at Kayihan Keskinok Atelier in Ankara. While practicing traditional painting techniques, Setenay Gu found her own exceptional way of oil painting, which she titles as Colormania.
After working as an engineer for couple of years, she followed her passion of art. She found herself in the city of New York attending the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Gemstones had always been a part of her life since both of her parents were Geology Engineers. This gave her the confidence and drive to become a gem expert and jewelry artisan. Soon enough she became a GIA Graduate Gemologist. Following that, Setenay Gu went to GIA Carlsbad California to learn how to make jewelry employing the most advanced jewelry technology.
At the same time throughout her stay in the United States, she kept painting her journey. Her sketches turned out to be a new series of a painting technique unique to herself as well, Black & White Stories. Setenay Gu is a multidimensional artist who has the sensational power of the realization of her imagination. Besides her paintings, she is also able to design in three dimensions. Like a sculptor, she gives life to her jewelry pieces with her gifted hands. She also newly started to work on mixed media practices.
After working in the jewelry district in downtown Los Angeles as a designer, Setenay Gu decided to move back to Istanbul where she immediately got a job offer to work as a production manager in a well-known wholesale jewelry exporter company based in Grand Bazaar - Nuruosmaniye. Especially after spending years in U.S., it was an extreme challenge to experience the traditional way of jewelry trading and manufacturing in one of the most historical districts in the world. At the same time, having a young woman working as a senior manager was totally rare in Grand Bazaar. Having a completely different mindset in a strictly man-dominated business environment was an incredible experience for her, where she relished in the challenge it presented.
Today with her considerable learning and working experience, she has mastered every phase of jewelry production. Now it’s her time to give rise to her very own personal universe. She believes there are horizons to be discovered and dreams to be fulfilled.
Motto Atelier jewelry making team consists of the most amazing craftsmen from Grand Bazaar. Setenay Gu takes part in every stage of the creation of her jewelry art pieces, including purchasing gemstones, designing, metalsmithing and stone setting. She is not only eager for learning but also likes to share her knowledge with creative minds. In addition to her artistic journey, she worked part time as an academic at the Istanbul Commerce University Jewelry Engineering department.
With her fully inspired adventurous spirit Setenay Gu travels the world searching for new ideas, exploring unique treasures to be made.