Artist in conversation: Hilal Ceyhan
At the age of 40, I made one of the boldest decisions of my life—I left behind a successful career in software engineering to become an artist. For years, I had devoted myself to writing code, building systems, and solving problems with precision and structure. But deep down, I always felt a longing for something more—a life without boundaries, a life where I could truly express myself. Art had always been a quiet calling, a voice I couldn’t ignore any longer. I craved freedom, not just in how I lived, but in how I created. So I stepped away from the predictable path, letting go of the safety net I had built, and embraced the uncertainty of a new beginning. Now, as an abstract painter, I pour my passion for freedom into every piece I create. My work is my escape and my rebellion—a place where there are no rules or expectations, only raw emotion and boundless exploration. I love working with bold colors, textures, and movements that capture contrasts: freedom and control, chaos and harmony, light and shadow. Painting has become more than just a craft for me. It’s my way of reclaiming my life, of saying yes to who I truly am. My art reminds me every day that it’s never too late to change direction, to take risks, to pursue what sets your soul on fire. When people look at my work, I hope they feel what I feel: that sense of reinvention, resilience, and the beauty in breaking free.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
My journey as an artist began during a profound period of burnout in my career as a software engineer. While the work demanded precision and logic, it left me feeling hollow, disconnected, and emotionally unfulfilled. Painting became my sanctuary, a space where I could let go of structure and allow my emotions to flow freely. Every canvas became a mirror of my inner world—anger, sorrow, hope, and renewal, layered in abstract forms and colors. My style emerged as I surrendered to these feelings, letting them guide my brush without restraint. As I poured these feelings onto the canvas, my abstract style emerged naturally, reflecting the complexity of my inner world.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
My creative process is entirely driven by emotion. Sometimes, I’ll take a moment of quiet reflection or listen to music that resonates with my mood to ground myself in the moment. When I start painting, I let the emotions flow freely onto the canvas without overthinking. It’s a deeply intuitive process where the act of painting becomes a conversation between my feelings and the art itself.
How do you hope your audience connects with your work, and what emotions or reflections do you want to evoke in them?
I hope my audience connects with my work on a deeply personal level, finding their own emotions reflected in the abstract forms and colors. My paintings are born from raw, unfiltered feelings—moments of joy, pain, hope, and transformation —and I want viewers to feel that honesty. Rather than dictating what they should see, I invite them to bring their own stories and experiences to the canvas. Whether it’s comfort, catharsis, or even just a quiet moment of introspection, I hope my art evokes a sense of connection to something deeply human and universal.
How did you develop your artistic style, and what role do bold colors and textures play in expressing your emotions?
My artistic style evolved naturally as I embraced the freedom of painting without a plan, allowing my emotions to shape each piece. I love using a palette knife because it helps me create bold textures and layers that reflect the complexity of life and the world around us. These textured surfaces evoke a sense of depth, much like the layers we experience in our own emotional journeys. The use of rich, vibrant colors and thick, tactile textures allows me to express feelings that go beyond words—intensity, chaos, beauty, and fragility. I see the layers in my work as a metaphor for life itself, where each experience adds depth and richness, creating something uniquely beautiful, yet imperfect.
Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of and explain what made it stand out for you?
A project I’m particularly proud of is my piece 'Emerging from the Depths' which was displayed at exhibition in Amsterdam. This work stands out because it represents a pivotal moment in my emotional journey. During a time when I felt overwhelmed by the weight of life’s challenges, I poured my feelings into the canvas, using layers and textures to symbolize the struggle of breaking free from darkness. The palette knife allowed me to create deep, tactile layers, giving the piece both physical and emotional depth. As I painted, I could feel myself metaphorically emerging from my own depths—healing, evolving, and rediscovering strength. Looking at 'Emerging from the Depths' reminds me of that transformative period, making it incredibly meaningful to me.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
While I value feedback from critics and audiences, I don’t let it overshadow my own artistic intuition. My work is deeply personal, driven by raw emotion and the need to express what I’m feeling in the moment. I see feedback as an opportunity for growth. It can inspire new directions or refine existing ideas, but I always stay true to my emotional connection with the piece. My creative process is intuitive and guided by my inner world, so while I consider external input, I make sure that it complements, rather than replaces, my own instincts. The balance is in staying open to new ideas without losing sight of the essence of what I want to convey.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
When I face creative blocks or setbacks, I don’t force myself to create. Instead, I embrace the stillness and give myself time to feel whatever emotions are surfacing. I trust that inspiration will come when I stop trying to control it. Sometimes, stepping away from painting and just being in the moment helps me reconnect with the emotions I need to express. I find that even during periods of quiet, the desire to create never truly disappears. It’s always there beneath the surface, waiting to emerge. I stay motivated by trusting the process and knowing that every emotional shift is part of the journey, leading me to the next piece.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
Exhibiting my work with The Holy Art Gallery was a deeply exciting and meaningful experience, especially as it was my first exhibition. It felt like a significant step in sharing my emotional journey with a wider audience. The gallery provided a platform where my abstract, emotionally-driven pieces could be seen and felt by others. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with viewers in such a personal way, and I’m thrilled that my art could evoke emotions and reflections in people. This experience confirmed that art, especially work that comes from a place of raw emotion, has the power to reach beyond the artist and create meaningful connections.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term goal is to be recognized as an artist who creates work that resonates deeply with others. I want my art to inspire people, not just through the visual experience, but through my journey—how I transformed my struggles and emotions into something beautiful and meaningful. In order to achieve connecting with a broader audience, I plan to continue refining my art while seeking opportunities for more exhibitions and collaborations that can expose my work to diverse audiences. I also want to share my story more publicly, whether through interviews, talks, or social media, so that others can see how art has been a powerful tool for healing and self-expression.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Emotion is at the core of my creative process. I don’t approach painting with a specific plan in mind; instead, I let my feelings guide the work. Each brushstroke, layer, and texture is a direct expression of whatever emotion I’m experiencing at that moment—whether it’s pain, joy, hope, or vulnerability. For me, painting is a way to release and explore these emotions, creating something tangible from the raw, unspoken parts of myself. I aim to evoke a deep, emotional reaction in those who view my work. I want them to feel something real. The textures, bold colors, and layers I use would stir the viewer’s emotions, allowing them to see themselves in the painting and feel the same raw energy that I put into it. I hope my work not only speaks to their hearts but also inspires them to embrace their own emotional depth.
