Meet Feleksan Onar | Glass artist and designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Feleksan Onar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Feleksan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I decided to start Fy-shan Glass Studio, it marked a significant second act for me. After a career in industrial textile apparel manufacturing and the successful sale of that business, I was ready to pursue my passion for glass. I had confidence in my ability to create a successful venture, drawing on my experience and enthusiasm for this beautiful material.

Trusting my artistic vision, I dove into designing and creating unique pieces that I knew would resonate with glass lovers. My aim was to produce work that not only showcases the beauty of glass but also tells a story, ensuring each piece is valued and cherished.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art flows from the heart, each piece a reflection of my innermost vision. I strive for perfection, never settling for anything less than a profound sense of fulfillment. I welcome the opportunity to start anew, viewing each trial as a stepping stone in my creative journey.

Collaboration enriches my process; I cherish the insights of others, recognizing that even the smallest feedback can spark new ideas. Conversations with colleagues inspire me, creating a dynamic dialogue that fuels my artistic growth.

Glass, a demanding and beautiful medium, has taught me invaluable lessons in patience and acceptance—traits that resonate beyond my work. My brand is an extension of my life; through each unique glass creation, I weave my story, speaking my truth and sharing my passion with the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my case, I would like to invite you all to Istanbul! Visiting this vibrant city is a wonderful opportunity to witness the journey behind my creations—the geography and heritage that inspire them. Istanbul is a magnificent metropolis that can be explored year-round, but like many destinations, it’s best experienced in the fall or spring.

To truly immerse yourself in the city, I recommend setting aside 4 to 5 days. This will allow you to appreciate its rich history, which spans from ancient times to the Roman Empire, through the Ottoman era, and into modern Turkey. The options for exploration are endless, catering to diverse interests. Highlights include the museums, the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus, and the enchanting Princes’ Islands, to name just a few.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Such achievements are never made in isolation; they rely heavily on the trust and support of family and friends. I want to dedicate my shoutout to them, as they recognized my previous successes and continually encouraged me throughout this new venture. Their belief in my abilities has been invaluable, fueling my confidence that this endeavor will also be a success.

Website: https://www.fyshan.com

Instagram: fyshanglassstudio

Linkedin: Feleksan Onar

Image Credits
Ibrahim Ozbunar
Didem Kendik