Life & Work with Seyma Ugur of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Seyma Ugur.

Seyma, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a visual artist who studies at Georgia State University, focusing on drawing, painting, and printmaking. Being an artist has always been the path that I want. My journey started in my early years and developed in a very personal way. A way to process my story, experiences of being human, emotions, and what remains to me at the end of the day: memories. Over time, it turned out more personal. I am also a very curious person who wants to know people’s experiences and the consequences, not in a judgmental way, but in a way that we are human and everything is possible, everything can happen, and nothing is permanent. Growing up, observing people, and my life throughout the journey, I was born in Turkey and moved to Atlanta 12 years ago. After that, being a mom, the emotional atmosphere around me, and I did not know where to put all this information that I had collected and observed.
Moving through different experiences in life, especially being away from home at times and learning how to navigate adulthood, made me realize how much memory and emotion influence the way we see the world. Art became almost like a diary for me. A lot of my work comes from personal moments, conversations, loneliness, healing, or even small everyday things that stay with me for some reason. I’m inspired by books, museums, nature, psychology, and people’s stories. Even sitting in a coffee shop and observing someone can spark an idea for a piece. In addition to all of these, I strongly believe that it is important to be in the right place at the right time and learn from the people around you. Thinking out of the box, trying something you have never tried before, being open to new ideas, and being brave enough to take a step and try. This is how I ended up in front of Georgia State University, where I am about to graduate right now.
Today, I still see myself developing every day, which makes me excited for another day. I do not think I have fully arrived at the destination, still on the way, and I want to be on the way for the rest of my life. meeting new people, making friends, and seeing different stories. We have a lot to share: curiosity, emotional honesty, and openness, which will guide my art.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh 🙂 The way definitely isn’t smooth for me. There are a lot of ups and downs. As I mentioned, being at the right place at the right time isn’t as easy as I say. I think from the outside, people only see the finished work or the achievements, but they don’t always see the unpredictability, the self-doubt, or the time I spent figuring things out behind the scenes. In a very long time, I tried to figure out who I am, who I was. Moving away from comfort zones, adapting to new environments, and trying to grow both personally and professionally also played a big role in my journey. I needed to balance my life when I was all alone in a different country. I would say even when you stay down for a long time, finding a spark or being determined, at least having a dream, is very important because it will be the key when you go up again. One can have lots of keys; it could be an idea, an object, a story, books, etc. And I carry my keys everywhere with me, and I call them tools. Imagine a toolbox carried everywhere with you. Whatever you need, get it from the box, use it efficiently, and put it back. I have a couple must have in my toolbox: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, self-respect, and dreams. Also, when life goes around you, seeking opportunities is another essential key. Interning at Whitespace Gallery and studying at Georgia State University, which taught me a lot, but they also pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways that helped me grow.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A lot of my pieces explore the emotional moments people carry within themselves — feelings like vulnerability, hope, loneliness, comfort, and transformation. I’m specifically interested in how memories stay engaged with objects, spaces, textures, time, and even small everyday experiences. Because of that, my work feels personal and emotional, but I also want viewers to see parts of themselves in it. It is like when you hear a song or get a scent, it can take you somewhere totally different, or you can remember people you do not even think about for years, or viewers can say I’ve been there.
One thing I’m especially proud of is being able to connect art with deeper human conversations. Creating work inspired by Alzheimer’s research and emotional memory taught me how art can communicate experiences that people sometimes struggle to describe. I’m also proud of the opportunities I’ve had to grow professionally through my internship at Whitespace Gallery, where I learned more about contemporary art, exhibitions, and the gallery world.
I try to create from a very honest place instead of separating my emotions from the process. My work is less about giving clear answers and more about creating spaces where people can reflect on their own emotions, memories, and experiences. I’m still evolving as an artist, but I think that openness, sensitivity, and willingness to keep exploring are what shape my practice the most.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I think one thing I’d like to share is that art doesn’t always come from certainty or confidence. Sometimes it comes from confusion, vulnerability, healing, or simply trying to understand yourself and the world around you. For a long time, I thought I needed to have everything figured out to be a “real” artist, but I’ve learned that growth actually happens in the unfinished and uncertain moments too, which lead you to do finished or unfinished artworks.
I also believe creativity is attached to self-trust. Learning to trust your own voice, your feelings, and your perspective is one of the hardest but most significant parts of the journey. Books like The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron helped me understand that creativity is not about perfection — it’s about honesty, curiosity, and continuing to show up even when things feel difficult.
More than anything, I hope my work makes people feel seen in some way. Even small emotions or quiet memories can hold so much meaning, and I think art has the ability to create connection through those shared human experiences. I’m still learning, evolving, and discovering my voice, and I think that openness is something I’ll always carry with me as both an artist and a person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.seymaart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seymaart__/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mynetwork/grow/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@seymartt