We were lucky to catch up with Ozlem Yeni recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ozlem, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’d like to start by thanking Bold Journey for this wonderful opportunity to reflect on and share my story. I can say that I found my purpose in life at a very young age, the moment I was introduced to art. Although I didn’t fully understand what art truly meant back then, I was vividly aware of the emotions it stirred in me. I still remember picking the brightest red crayon from my set and creating murals on the walls of our home, completely immersed in joy. That feeling has stayed with me ever since.
As I grew older, I realized that the happiness I experienced wasn’t merely about creating a piece of art—it was the freedom to express myself exactly as I felt in the moment. That sense of unfiltered expression became the foundation of my purpose and has guided my artistic journey ever since.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a visual artist and academician, my work explores the profound connections between humanity, memory, and the spaces we inhabit. My artistic journey has taken me across Turkey, Australia, and now the United States, where I continue to build on my passion for creating art that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with universal emotions. Whether it’s through painting, installations, or mixed media, my focus is always on telling stories that prompt reflection and spark meaningful conversations.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to connect with people on an emotional and intellectual level. Art has the power to unite us by exploring shared experiences, and I strive to create pieces that bridge diverse perspectives and encourage dialogue. My art often incorporates elements of personal and collective memory, and I’m particularly drawn to the interplay between the natural world and the human spirit.
One of the most special aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to share my work globally. From solo exhibitions in Australia to collaborative projects and new ventures in the U.S., my goal is to foster connections within the artistic community. Recently, I’ve been working on my series Memory of Place, which integrates photography, sculpture, and stylized figures to explore the transient nature of human presence and the traces we leave behind.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to share several new projects, including the launch of a book focused on creative productivity and artistic growth. Additionally, I’m collaborating with international galleries to bring my work to new audiences and expand my reach. Through these endeavors, I hope to inspire others to reflect, connect, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I can pinpoint three key qualities that have been most impactful in my journey: the courage to take risks, the ability to remain flexible and open to new possibilities, and an insatiable curiosity about the world around me.
Taking risks has been a defining factor in my life. For instance, when I moved to Australia, I opened The Main Gallery in the heart of Adelaide, despite being in the middle of a global pandemic and navigating a new country while speaking my second language. It was an uncertain time, but I embraced the challenge. That experience taught me the value of stepping into the unknown and trusting my instincts. You can see the happiness in my eyes in the selfie I took on the very first day I held the key to my dream art gallery. That moment marked not just the realization of a dream, but also the beginning of a journey filled with learning, resilience, and boundless possibilities.
Words cannot fully capture the profound impact The Main Gallery had on my artistic and professional journey.The artists who were there for support and inspiration, along with the loyal clients who became dear friends, added countless layers of dimension to my personal and professional growth. It became more than a gallery—it was a space for connection, creativity, and a testament to the power of community in shaping one’s journey.
Flexibility and openness have also been invaluable. Life as an artist often means navigating unpredictability, and being adaptable allows me to embrace new opportunities and overcome unexpected challenges. For example, I’ve learned to pivot my creative focus when inspiration strikes or circumstances demand it, and that willingness to evolve has led to some of my most rewarding projects.
Lastly, curiosity has been my lifelong companion. I believe that staying curious—whether it’s exploring a new medium, learning about other cultures, or delving into philosophy—keeps creativity alive and thriving. My artistic process is fueled by this desire to understand and connect with the world, and it continually pushes me to grow.
For those just starting out, my advice is simple: take risks and trust your vision, even if the path ahead is unclear. Stay open to opportunities you might not have planned for, as they often lead to unexpected growth. And above all, nurture your curiosity—it’s the spark that keeps the creative flame burning and makes the journey so much more fulfilling.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
When reflecting on this question, I have to say that the first and most consistent person who has helped me overcome challenges is myself. From a young age, I developed the habit of tackling my problems on my own. I’m not entirely sure if this stemmed from not having someone to turn to for help back then or if it was the sheer joy I felt from solving my own challenges. Either way, this mindset has stayed with me. Even now, when I am surrounded by supportive people, my instinct is still to attempt to resolve issues independently, not for the satisfaction of success but simply because it feels like the right thing to do.
That said, I’ve always sought guidance from trusted friends when I’ve encountered challenges beyond my capabilities. I deeply value the wisdom and support of those I admire and trust.
However, the person who has been most instrumental in helping me navigate life’s difficulties is my husband. He has been my unwavering partner in every sense of the word. His love, knowledge, and patience have been a constant source of strength and courage for me. We’ve become an incredible team, supporting and complementing each other as we tackle life’s uncertainties together. His presence has not only helped me overcome challenges but has also enriched my journey in immeasurable ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ozlemyeni.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozlemyenifineart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozlemyenifineart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozlem-aliyazicioglu-yeni-artist/
Image Credits
Morgan Sette, Ozlem Yeni
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