Sibel Kocabasi was born in Turkey. She received her B.F.A in Turkish Traditional Arts from Marmara University of Fine Arts in Istanbul, and her M.F.A in painting from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton Florida.

Her training in traditional Turkish arts allows her to employ a highly refined sense of pattern. Sibel’s work uses decorative pattern and social content to achieve a balance of two contrasting elements. This combination emphasizes the power of decoration over language. Although Kocabasi's latest series focuses on the relationship between humans and other animals we share the planet with. She wanted to show the humor as well as the frustrations.

Kocabasi has been exhibiting her work nationally and internationally. She has organized and curated several group exhibitions both domestically and abroad, including “Undertow” which featured the work of 29 South Florida artists in Istanbul, Turkey. She teaches at The Lighthouse Center for the Arts, The Armory Art Center and Very Special Arts.