Meltem Gikas is from Konya, Turkey, home of the 13th century mystic poet Mevlana Rumi, and the Whirling Dervishes. Growing up in Anatolia, Meltem developed her love for history, culture, art and mysticism. Meltem attended college in Istanbul, studying object and painting conservation. While in college, she began her own restoration company, focusing on wood, stone, metal and painting conservation. After working with many art forms, Meltem began to create her own art through painting and stone jewelry. She has had exhibitions in Konya, Istanbul, Chicago and San Francisco. All of her art exhibits her creativity and love for color and design. Meltem lives in Pacifica, California, a stone’s throw from San Francisco.