Morning light fills the former living room of her residence at 152 Fourth Ave, where art lines the walls and surfaces.

Ozlem studied painting at the University of Suleyman Demirel in Turkey, before graduating and becoming a full time artist. 

Her paintings use form to show movement, and each character has its own story.

“I believe everybody has an individual story which is written spontaneously. Sometimes we can be a hero; or a protagonist; then just a witness, a walking lady or gentleman, in another. So to me every story is something unique and precious to think over,” Ozlem said.

After studying painting, Ozlem obtained her Phd in Theatre Design and Stage Building at the University of Dokuz Eylul, before working at the university as a teaching assistant.

"I always liked my job, because I like to create. Teaching gives the opportunity to create, and we were creating with students. Not just on paper, but creating for theatre.”

Relocating to Mount Isa from the Gold Coast with her husband almost two years ago, Ozlem has been taking time to set up her home studio to make art full time.

“I was dreaming of these days. In here, I am so happy. Making art, thinking art, talking art. My life is art now.”

“The painting is in my heart and my soul. Now I am feeling more free, I can start to learn again. Because to learn, you need time. And I am pushing my limits to start to learn more.”

Ozlem learnt to make pottery at Arts on Alma from her dear friend, Michele Savoye. 

“Michelle, my angel, I love her. I started making pottery by hand a year ago, and then did the wheel workshop. I discovered I really enjoyed making sculptures out of clay,” Ozlem said.

“I’m still learning, I’m still on the journey as an artist, as a painter, now as a new sculptor. I’m just enjoying.”

Ozlem’s approach to art is very accessible, as she relishes the process with a childlike fearlessness.

“I don’t want to do the same thing. I like to change, take a risk, try something new. I believe I can improve myself and learn new things. Whenever I push myself, I need to put myself out of my comfort zone. That’s why I’m here!”

Her upcoming exhibition ‘Musicscape’ at Melbourne’s No Vacancy Gallery will showcase Ozlem’s latest works.

The collection features vintage sheet music being a background for overlaying images evoked by each piece of music.

“For me, it’s like semiotics. I share what I am feeling in a visual way. That’s why I think my works will affect the audience,” she said.

“I started research the composers and the music, I listened to them, and whenever I felt like drawing I would draw this feeling on the music sheets.”

Visitors can listen to the songs as they walk through the exhibition.

The upcoming solo exhibition at No Vacancy Gallery QV in Melbourne will be open from October 23 to November 12, and Ozlem’s art is also in a group exhibition in Warsaw, Poland on September 19.

Ozlem Yeni has had a number of solo exhibitions, as well as collective events in Turkey, Japan, Australia and Albania.

Find her stunning works at www.ozlemyeni.com or Ozlem Yeni Art Studio at 152 Fourth Avenue, Mount Isa.