Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Feleksan Onar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Feleksan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
The name of my company came to me quite naturally—it’s deeply personal and rooted in my story. My name, Felekşan, is Turkish but also quite rare, even in my own country. It was my grandmother’s name, passed down from her great-grandmother, and holds a special significance in my family.
As I grew up and began to carve out my own personality, my family started calling me “Fyshan” as a nickname—a term of endearment that has stuck with me to this day. It’s what my closest friends and family still call me.
When I created my very first glass piece and had to sign it, I didn’t overthink it. I instinctively signed it as “Fy-shan,” adding a hyphen purely because I found it aesthetically pleasing. It felt right, almost as though it encapsulated the balance of tradition and creativity that inspires me.
Years later, when my passion for glassmaking blossomed into a full-fledged business, it was only natural to name it Fy-shan Glass Studio. It wasn’t just a name—it was a reflection of my journey, my heritage, and my artistry.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Felekşan Onar, a glass artist based in Istanbul, though my journey has taken me across many places and experiences. My path to glassmaking wasn’t direct—it was more like a slow, organic evolution. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of storytelling through materials, and glass, with its dual nature of fragility and strength, resonated deeply with me.
I first encountered glassmaking while I was exploring different mediums, but it was love at first sight. There’s something magical about working with molten glass, shaping it into something tangible, something alive with light and texture. Over time, this passion grew from a personal pursuit to a professional practice, and eventually, I founded Fy-shan Glass Studio.
At Fy-shan Glass Studio, I create a range of works that reflect my connection to history, culture, and nature. These include decorative objects, lighting, side tables, coffee tables, stained glass doors, and large-scale totem sculptures. Every piece I make carries a story, often rooted in my cultural heritage, personal experiences, or the interplay of light and form.
What sets my work apart, I believe, is this narrative quality. Each piece is crafted with an intent to evoke emotions, to connect with the viewer on a level beyond functionality. For me, glass is more than a material—it’s a language. I’m most proud of the way my work has been able to resonate with people around the world, finding homes in galleries, museums, and private collections.
What I hope people take away from my work is a sense of intimacy and discovery. Whether it’s a delicate glass object or a large-scale installation, my goal is to create something that lingers with the viewer, inviting them to pause and reflect. I want my clients and followers to know that every piece is a labor of love, infused with thought, care, and a deep respect for the craft.
Ultimately, my work is about connection—connection to the material, to the story it tells, and to the people who experience it.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience is something I’ve had to cultivate throughout my journey, but one experience stands out. A few years ago, I was working on a large-scale glass installation that pushed me to the limits of my technical and creative abilities. Each piece of the project required precision and countless hours of delicate work. Just as I was nearing completion, a mishap in the studio caused several pieces to shatter. I remember standing there amidst the fragments, feeling a mix of heartbreak and frustration.
But in that moment, I realized something important: glass, for all its fragility, is also endlessly transformative. Instead of seeing the broken pieces as a setback, I decided to use them to create something new—a series of smaller, abstract sculptures that ended up being one of my most personal and well-received collections.
That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges but also about adapting and finding beauty in unexpected outcomes. In the world of glassmaking, as in life, things don’t always go as planned, but the process of starting over often leads to something even more meaningful.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building an audience on social media has been an organic and evolving process for me. When I first started sharing my work, I focused on letting the pieces speak for themselves. I posted images of my creations in natural light, capturing the interplay of glass, texture, and color. I didn’t overthink it—I simply shared what I found beautiful and meaningful.
As my audience grew, I realized the importance of storytelling. Glass is such an emotive material, and I wanted to give people a glimpse into the stories and processes behind each piece. Whether it was sharing the inspiration for a design, a behind-the-scenes look at my studio, or the challenges of working with glass, I found that people connected deeply with the narrative.
Consistency and authenticity have been key. I don’t try to curate a perfect feed; instead, I focus on being genuine. Social media isn’t just a platform to showcase my work—it’s a way to invite others into my creative world and build a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate craftsmanship, art, and design.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fyshan.com
- Instagram: fyshanglassstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feleksan-onar-76640447/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@feleksanonar5380
- Other: https://www.feleksan.com
Image Credits
Didem Kendik
Kerem Sanlıman