Önder Tokuç, a graduate of the theater design department at Süleyman Demirel University, and his spouse Özgün Başaran, who has a degree from the archaeology department at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, left İstanbul to establish a studio in the village of Behramkale, which they had previously visited and loved. Behramkale, which has a small authentic village appearance thanks to the ancient city of Assos and the old stone houses it hosts, is now an exhibition place for the couple's oil painting and ceramics. Domestic and foreign tourists who come to visit Assos also pay a visit to the couple's Leleg Ceramics and Drawing Studio.Tokuç, the owner of the studio, said in an interview with the Anatolia news agency that he finds it fun to work in such a studio but that it's not easy to find buyers for their work. However, he added, the sale figures fit their expectations, which are not exceedingly high. Pointing out that life in an environment like Behramkale is more comfortable than life in big cities, he said they have been working in their studio in summer and winter for six years. “There is great interest in this place, especially during the summer. This is not a store; it is more of a gallery or studio. People look at our artwork and comment on it, which helps us to refine our craft. And if they want to purchase the artwork, they have the opportunity to buy it, too,” he said.
