At 81, Şahinde Ermiş is proving that it is never too late to pursue a passion for art.
Ermiş, who lives in Zonguldak's Alancık village in northern Türkiye, learned to paint by watching American artist Bob Ross on television. Over 22 years, she created 80 oil paintings using materials she bought herself and on Sunday opened her second exhibition, featuring 23 of her works.
A mother of four and grandmother of five, Ermiş lost her husband 39 years ago and devoted herself to raising her children. Twenty-two years ago, she decided to pursue her childhood interest in painting after watching Ross teach painting techniques on television.
She went to a stationery store to buy the supplies she needed and began painting at home. She developed her skills by watching Ross while finding time for painting between household and garden chores.
Ermiş held her first exhibition 20 years ago, displaying 44 paintings.
Ermiş unveiled her second exhibition Sunday, presenting 23 paintings to art lovers.
Zonguldak Deputy Governor Halis Hacıismailoğlu, provincial officials and guests attended the opening.
“I’m happy, I can’t put my feelings into words. It means so much to me,” Ermiş said. “There are landscapes, houses, the sea, water and trees. Painting means a lot to me. I’m excited.”
Ermiş said she loses herself in the world of painting when she works.
“I started when I was 59. I held my first exhibition in 2006. Twenty years later, I’m opening another exhibition. This is my second exhibition,” she said.
