We were lucky to catch up with Ozlem Yeni recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ozlem, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my story. I truly appreciate the work CanvasRebel does in providing artists and creatives with a platform to connect and inspire others. It’s an honor to be featured and to contribute to this vibrant community.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was leaving my 18-year academic position as a stage design professor in the Fine Arts Faculty and moving to Australia, a country I had never even visited before. At the time, I had no prior experience living abroad. While I was content with my life as an artist pursuing a career I loved, an unexpected job offer for my husband presented us with a life-altering decision.

Though I had little practice speaking English beyond what I needed for occasional tourist trips, the adventurous side of me found excitement in this unplanned opportunity. However, deciding to leave behind the life I had built in Turkey wasn’t easy—I had emotional doubts about giving up my comfort zone. Yet, one quote I’d read in a book kept replaying in my mind:

“Do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you’re used to is better than the one to come?”

That thought gave me the courage to say to myself, “Yes, how do I know? I have to try and see.”

So, I took the leap. I resigned from my university position of 18 years, left my homeland of 40 years, and ventured into the unknown to build a new life in Australia. Looking back now, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me opportunities to pursue dreams I had envisioned, introduced me to emotions I had never experienced, and led to unforgettable memories.

And so, fueled by the confidence from these experiences and insights, I took the second biggest risk of my life: leaving behind the art gallery I founded and managed in Australia to embark on a new adventure in the United States last year. I am looking forward to seeing how this journey continues to unfold, with its opportunities and adventures yet to be discovered.

Ozlem, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m OZLEM YENİ, a visual artist and retired academic with a Ph.D. in theater stage and building design. Originally from Turkey, I’ve spent over two decades immersed in the world of arts and education. My journey as an artist began in my childhood, with a love for creativity that eventually blossomed into a lifelong passion and profession.

For many years, I served as a professor in the Faculty of Fine Arts in Turkey, helping young minds explore the intersection of design, storytelling, and the performing arts. However, my artistic journey took a pivotal turn when I embraced the challenge of moving abroad—not once, but twice. First to Australia, and later to the United States, I navigated cultural transitions that enriched my perspective and deepened my connection to art as a universal language.

My work spans a variety of mediums, but at its heart, it seeks to explore and express the human experience. I create paintings, sculptures, and designs that reflect themes of unity, individuality, and the human spirit. One recurring motif in my pieces is the spiral head figure, a symbol of humankind that reminds us of our shared essence despite our diverse paths.

I’ve always believed that art is more than aesthetic; it’s a mirror that reflects society’s values, struggles, and aspirations. Whether through my artworks or during my time as the founder and director of The Main Gallery, I’ve strived to foster creativity, community, and conversation. My gallery originally started in Adelaide, Australia, as a platform to support emerging artists and connect them with audiences worldwide, and that mission continues to inspire me today.

What sets me apart is my interdisciplinary approach. My academic background in stage design informs my ability to weave narratives into my work, creating pieces that are as evocative as they are visually compelling. I also see myself as a bridge—between cultures, between academic and artistic disciplines, and between the past and the present.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the courage to continually embrace change. Each move, each reinvention of my artistic identity, has brought new layers of depth to my work. These experiences shape not only the art I create but also the relationships I build with collectors, art lovers, and fellow creatives.

For anyone engaging with my work, I hope they feel seen, connected, and inspired. My art isn’t just about what I express; it’s about what it evokes in those who view it. I’m always excited to connect with others who believe in the transformative power of creativity and to explore how art can bring us closer to each other and to ourselves.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of art to connect, inspire, and ignite positive change. From an early age, art became my voice—a way to express emotions and ideas when words were not enough. This deep connection has evolved into a mission to share art’s boundless potential with others, sparking creativity and self-discovery across diverse communities.

At the heart of my journey lies the vision of establishing an Art Foundation. This dream is rooted in a commitment to supporting emerging artists and fostering creativity on a global scale. I see art as a bridge that transcends barriers of gender, age, religion, and nationality, revealing the universal truths that bind us all. Every piece I create carries a message, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of reflection, connection, and hope.

Through my work, I aim to not only inspire but also build a legacy of support for future generations of artists. By reinvesting the proceeds from my art, I hope to lay the foundation for programs and resources that empower young talents to flourish and, in turn, become champions for the arts themselves.

Ultimately, my mission is to weave a tapestry of humanity through creativity, ensuring that art continues to enrich lives, nurture communities, and foster meaningful connections for years to come.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the deep meaning I pour into my work resonate with others. When viewers connect with my pieces on an emotional level and find their own reflections within them, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that my art has the power to inspire, spark new perspectives, or offer comfort is a profound reward.

As an artist, I’m also driven by the idea of creating something lasting—leaving behind works that carry my voice and vision to future generations. Contributing to the beauty of life and helping to keep hope alive through creativity is a privilege I cherish deeply.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.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

Serkan Kirbaci and Jack Pilkington