About me

Moko Art Design is a jewelry brand created and designed by Faruk Özcan in Kadıköy, Istanbul. Founded in 2016, each piece is rich in symbolism borrowed from the worlds of art, history, and science, creating a harmonious juxtaposition of luxury and storytelling. Each piece is an uncommonly sensitive exploration of iconic symbols and stories. Faruk strives to create handcrafted ceremonial jewelry that holds meaning and will be passed down through generations.

From 2005 to 2016, I encountered some wonderful people in Istanbul's famous Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest jewelry markets. I started as an apprentice to an Armenian master in 2005. I apprenticed for three or four years in a diamond workshop, then worked as a journeyman and master craftsman with various diamond companies in the bazaar until 2016. I've had a career that's been likened to "growing from the ranks."

Bored with the ordinary designs of jewelry companies due to their tiresome commercial concerns, I created an innovative jewelry brand called Moko Art Design, combining my own designs with the traditional jewelry techniques I learned in the Grand Bazaar and my own interests of sculpture and carving.

The "Moko" in Moko Art Design is a type of camouflage applied to the faces of the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, before hunting. This camouflage has evolved over time into a permanent tattoo. The facial features of the tribespeople have increased in number according to their cultural level, hunting skills, special powers, knowledge, and number of children. While humanity has throughout history attempted to depict all the symbols they consider sacred and ultimate on various surfaces, these tattoos, applied to images that express their feelings and thoughts through facial expressions and are often the starting point of physical communication, are the purest and most absolute proof of an individual's inner journey. Moko is a defense and a camouflage; Moko is an attack; Moko is proliferation and destruction; Moko is becoming one with nature.

I create designs that are entirely handcrafted, blending the mystical stories offered by nature, the universe and the great artists it has created in an ethnic pool.

Art and design are my areas of interest. I continue to pursue my curiosity in various branches of art to indulge in the joy of ethnic melodies, detailed paintings, lived experiences, and instruments created to understand my soul. In addition to this interest, I also create works in sculpture, music, and painting, but I only sell my jewelry.

I try to combine the quiet intimacy and elegance of jewellery with the magic of storytelling; I try to proceed through narratives born from myths, cultures and both new and old stories; universal and personal structures.

I prioritize excellent craftsmanship at every stage of production. I strive to create timeless designs using high-quality, ethically sourced materials. I focus on craftsmanship and the details that are crucial in creating pieces that complement the wearer's unique personal style. I believe that great jewelry should not only be beautiful, but also tell a story and evoke a sense of magic.

Since 2016, my designs have reached thousands of people. I'm so happy for everyone I've touched on this beautiful journey. Some believe in a new story, others in a unique touch, and I'm so happy for all the souls I feel like a part of me walks alongside them. I hope my designs resonate with you.