Ask An Expat: Christopher Vena

Christopher Vena
Christopher Vena

Christopher Vena is a former art teacher turned full-time artist. He and his wife, Jeannie, are a genuinely fantastic duo and resident veterans on expat life in the  big city . Chris can often be found exploring Istanbul on foot, sometimes accompanied by his canine companion, Willie. Chris will also be hosting an interactive art workshop at this year’s TEDxModa.

Why did you come to Istanbul?

I’d been interested in the culture and, in particular, the rich history of Istanbul for many years but had never thought I would have the opportunity to live here. The opportunity came in 2009 when a friend who lived here told me the school he worked for was looking for an English speaking art teacher. I applied and they flew my wife and I out here from Seattle in 2010.

What do you do here?

I taught English and art for three years until this past summer when I decided to focus more exclusively on art. Since then I’ve been painting, taking photographs and working part time for a language school.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced here?

Finding a way into the local art scene has been hard. The city has been incredibly inspirational and I think I’ve done some of my best work since I moved here. But living in the outskirts of the city on the Asian side as I did for the first two years made it made it difficult to connect with people in the art community. It helps that the city now has it’s own monthly art walk in Tophane, which has been a great way to meet people. Now that we’ve moved a little closer to the city center, I’ve been able to attend a few times and I feel much more connected. I’ll be getting my first major exposure at the 2014 TEDxModa conference where I’ll be doing a live painting/drawing performance, so things are looking up.

What do you do for fun?

I like walking my dog along the Sahil Park in Bostanci and taking him hiking on the Princes Islands. My wife and I like going to dinner parties at friends’ apartments, watching live music and shopping for cheap but unusual antiques, which are plentiful. It’s a great place to travel from too, tickets to the east and surrounding countries are relatively inexpensive and we’ve definitely taken advantage of that.

Where do unwind/relax?/Where is your favorite haunt?

I like eating at the mehanes in Kadikoy and going out for drinks in Beyoglu.
My favorite haunt is the Grange Bar in Kadikoy. It feels like a little piece of Seattle in the middle of Istanbul.

What has been your biggest surprise about Istanbul?

It’s big and It’s crowded. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, but reading about it doesn’t really prepare you for it. Most of the cities I’ve lived in or visited in the states could fit into one neighborhood here.

Do you have any advice for other expats?

Learn Turkish. Pay with exact change.

Tarik Yassien is an American who relocated to Istanbul in an effort to connect with his Turkish roots. His passions here include the cuisine, nightlife and football culture.

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