“Painting is an alchemical journey, a constant search for the transformative qualities of thinking, experiencing, connecting and expressing, a perfect way of reflecting the joy of the poetic, dynamic and dramatic beauty of the nature around me”.

Born in Paris, in 1967, Yeşim studied Food Engineering at the Middle East Technical University, Ankara.  After moving to Melbourne in 1990, she pursued further studies, completing Post Graduate Study at the Swinburne University of Technology and Master of Science at the University of Melbourne.

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Yeşim’s talent and interest in painting was recognised in her school years allowing her winning many youth art awards. A successful career in science, she always maintained a continuous engagement with her creative journey.  Attending workshops by notable artists allowed her to establish a strong foundation of knowledge and technical awareness in watercolour medium. Teachings by Anthony Sum and Tony Smibert, whose artwork combine both the Eastern and the Western techniques and philosophies significantly influenced her work.  These stimulating learning sessions give her powerful inspiration, direction, and the confidence to explore the use of vibrant colour, to freely and loosely apply the paint without any drawing, working quickly using wet-into-wet technique to ensure the freshness and the spontaneity of the medium.

Over the years, in addition to the tangible elements that inspired her, the fabric of the earth became a primary, deep-routed source of inspiration.  The patterns created on two colour sand beaches, the complex colonisation of lichens, the charm of moss covering trees and rocks, the low tide coastlines exposing sea weeds, and many other forms of texture and colour rich surfaces characterised by the weathering processes became an urge to paint the landscape. Wanting to capture these forms, shapes and patterns expressively in her paintings, she took a methodical approach in her experimental work, exploring the medium to open up to new and creative possibilities leading to developing her own unique style.

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Yeşim’s texture rich paintings has been featured in eight solo and numerous group exhibitions which included the National Art and Sculpture Museum, Izmir, the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. She won many awards including the "Best Watercolour Work Award under $1500 at the Camberwell Art Show (CAS) 2023, the “Best Non-Traditional under $1500” category award at the CAS 2021 Show and the AGRA (Australian Guild of Realist Artists) Medallion Awards at the Australian Art Excellence (2022, 2018). She was selected as a Feature Artist in various Rotary Exhibitions and selected to represent Australia in Fabriano in Aquarello, Italy.

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She is currently continuing a full-time career as a senior scientist with the CSIRO, Melbourne.  Her artistic journey also continues in parallel in her home studio. She is also a passionate teacher and in demand to present demonstrations and workshops in Victoria and the interstate.

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She is a member of Australian Watercolour Institute, Victorian Artists Society (VAS), Watercolour Society of Victoria (WSV) and signature member of the Australian Guild of Realistic Artists (AGRA).