Born amidst the enchanting landscapes of Denizli, Turkiye, Omur Duruerk's journey into the realm of glass art began after her academic study in English literature. It was in the vibrant city of Istanbul, at the Istanbul Glass Furnace Foundation, where she first encountered the mesmerizing medium of glass in 2005. From that moment, glass became her life's passion and purpose.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to master the art of flameworking, Omur embarked on a five-year odyssey across the globe. Her travels took her to the storied glassmaking regions of Stourbridge, Birmingham, Rudston, Isle of Man, Corning, Chicago, and Murano. Along the way, she had the privilege of working with renowned glass artists such as Diana East, Julie Anne Denton, Lucio Bubacco, Sally Prasch, and Shane Fero.
In 2006, Omur and her husband, Fatih Duruerk, established the Karma Glass Studio. This sanctuary of creativity resonates with the beauty, craftsmanship, and authenticity of casting and flameworking techniques. The studio’s mission is to elevate the studio glass movement in Turkey by introducing glass as an art medium and making glassmaking equipment accessible to all.
The Duruerks have participated in numerous national and international exhibitions with their creations. In 2013, they achieved a milestone by crafting Turkey's first open-air glass sculpture. Commissioned by the Denizli Municipality, they created a magnificent 410cm and 1500kg glass rooster sculpture, now proudly displayed in the city center.
Omur’s love for teaching and connecting with people is a reflection of her soul’s depth. She passionately encourages women to learn flameworking, establish their own glass ateliers and sustain their lives through this exquisite art form. As the curator of the International Denizli Glass Biennials from 2011 to 2023, she has hosted over a thousand artists from around the world, fostering a vibrant community of glass enthusiasts.
In her own words, Omur Duruerk encapsulates her life's mission: "My life's mission is to inspire others. Glass, my cherished medium, allows me to do just that. I am immensely gratified to see this vision come to fruition."