RESUME

I was born in Ankara, Turkey in 1968. Studied Mechanical Engineering at Middle East Technical University, Ankara and worked as a mechanical engineer for 22 years. I was taken classes on cloth painting, silk painting, stained glass, decorative wood painting and glass painting between years 1998-2001. Recognizing my interest in colors, designs and my creative side, I received professional instruction on classical Turkish tile painting between 2008-2012 in Ankara, Turkey at Lalenaz Çini Seramik. I had my first solo art exhibition in May 2011 at Lawyer Atilla Sav Art Gallery, Ankara-Turkey with over 100 pieces of artwork.

I moved to Bainbridge Island in June 2012 coming from Anatolia (Anadolu), the area to which Turks settled in, became acquainted with the sea and start creating magnificient art Works hundreds of years ago. I am painting tiles, vases, plates and bowls using the very rich historical designs of Seljuq and the Otoman Empire consisting of sailing ships, galleys, fishes, tulips and several other flowers, symmetrical designs which indeed all having mainly very strict rules but on the other hand very open to modernization.

I have designed and produced some decorative tile paintings on special order to customers for their homes and offices. Bathroom and kitchen designs can be done on tiles, plates on customer request with requested colors. For fantastic customized ideas and prices, please contact me….

PUBLICATIONS

Currents Magazine, Bainbridge Island Winter 2013-2014, Cover page photo.
Bainbridge Islander, vol.9, Issue 44, 3rd page

EXHIBITIONS

May 2011, Lawyer Atilla Sav Art Gallery, Ankara, TURKEY, (Solo Exhibition)
August 2013, Bainbridge Island Studio Tour
September 2013, The Art of the Table, benefit for Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
December 2013, Bainbridge Island Studio Tour
March 2015, Collective Visions Gallery, Bremerton

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Although my main profession is mechanical engineering, I was always interested in painting different medias such as wood, glass, cloth and silk using different techniques. Playing with colors and expressing myself with new created designs became an essential urge for me within time.

After deciding to learn traditional Turkish tile painting and finding the right studio at which I shared the same taste and enthusiasm with my teacher, I had the chance of getting professional training on old tile paintings and the basic rules which should be taken into consideration during creating new designs. The art that I started to learn was so attractive that I could not keep myself away from it.

My paintings are mostly my own designs at which I am using mainly the historical Seljuq and Ottoman Empire time patterns, mixing them up depending on my imagination and creative side. All are carrying a part both from my mood and Turkish history, most of them are colorwise and patternwise unique.

My studio is at Bainbridge Island, basement of our house with a small kiln which serves my necessity nicely for now.;