Ilay Karabay Solaklı is a self-taught, freelance artist based in Turkey. Her work is deeply inspired by the concept of nature’s flawless act of creation, and she approaches painting as a dynamic collaboration between intention and spontaneity. Guided by the belief that details are what transform a work into something truly unique, Ilay’s pieces are characterized by expressive brushstrokes, layered textures, and harmonious color palettes that evoke a sense of peace, calm, and subtle vitality.

She primarily works with acrylic paint, oil pastels, soft pastels, and professional colored pencils. While she carefully plans her compositions through sketches, notes, and color studies, she embraces the unpredictability of the creative process. “Watching the brush, water, and paint flow in their natural rhythm is both exhilarating and terrifying,” she says. “You never quite know how it will land on the canvas — and that’s the beauty of it.”

Beyond the visual experience, Ilay is deeply committed to the emotional and transformative power of art. She aims to create works that resonate universally, offering moments of reflection and connection. Her desire to share this vision has led her to sell more than 60 original artworks across Turkey — especially in Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir — as well as internationally, with collectors in Slovakia, Kuwait, Qatar, Texas, and New York.

Through each painting, Ilay continues to explore the delicate balance between control and chaos, driven by a passion to make art that feels both intimate and expansive.