Our Story
SaleenArt USA offers handmade and hand-painted ceramic objects designed by SaleenArt Owner and CEO Selin Esendemir Abdian and brought to life by a team of 34 female-led artisans in Kütahya, Turkey. Houston-based SaleenArt USA opened in the spring of 2023 as the brainchild of Seda Aktas, the Owner and CEO, who had a vision of introducing high-quality, handmade ceramics to the American market. SaleenArt not only offers modern and unique designs that appeal to a contemporary audience, but we also come from hundreds of years of tradition. Selin combines the best of European and Mediterranean traditions with her sense of adventure and sophisticated playfulness to create modern designs. These designs are placed on mostly traditional silhouettes, which offer a break from traditional Turkish ceramics. In addition to its Houston retail gallery, SaleenArt USA works with wholesalers, interior designers, drop-ship e-commerce, and provides custom product design services.
Growing up in rural Turkey, Selin longed to become an artist but accepted her parents’ desire to for her to secure a future as a professional. At university, her talent captured a rare spot at the fine arts school. Then she built a successful career as a graphic artist, eventually founding a marketing agency which helped many international brands launch in Turkey. While working with an architect to design a home for herself, Selin shared her designs. Much to her surprise, he asked if he could market the objects to his own clients. Before long, she had a studio and a store for her work.
Today, SaleenArt has more than 30 artisans process her drawings into clay and metal shapes that are both traditional and adventurous. Her fresh, contemporary patterns are hand painted and finished to her exacting standards. The collections are created to bridge the traditional and modern styles. Individual pieces also work together as sets. New, compatible design series are introduced about three times a year. SaleenArt continues to collaborate with architects, interior designers, and retailers who want custom designs for their clients.