What made you decide to be an artist? How did it all begin?
I had a recognized drawing talent from the very early age, especially using graphite pencil and watercolors. Later I tried almost every other art technique like pastel... My father who passed away in 2003 was a brilliant talent, I can almost say as twice as myself, so I think it was a family thing. I used to seat for hours watching my Dad draw. That's when I started drawing on my own. I could never get bored. I could sit and stare at those drawing papers the whole day.....and draw everything around me, automobiles, machines, landscapes, portraits of my parents, sister....
What does it mean (for you) to be an artist?
For me, being an artist is a way to live in a world unknown to others, to be absolutely free and peaceful. Being an artist doesn't require me to be odd or lonely, it is more a way to achieve full calmness, to bring everything from the inside and put it on paper, canvas...and to be all set afterward! I love that intimate relationship I have with a piece after its done.
What are the main themes in your art? What inspires you?
I would say perspective (space, in one form or another), abstraction in my later work, world themes like nature and urban, chaotic life that we created...something like that, spiritual themes...and objects that surround all of that. Sometimes I explore other themes, but I always come back to my roots.
Tell us about your studio, working space, process, habits, special rituals.....
My studio is pretty small, it is a part of my apartment in Novi Sad (Serbia), not far away from the place where I was born. Neighborhood called Liman. It's very pleasant and has everything that that I need. I don't really have any special rituals.... But I do like listening to Ambient music while I work, I love it and it is always this kind of music. It gets me in the mood. And my mood is almost never the same. Sometimes hardship in personal life as well as bleak situation in Serbia, get the best out of me, and the work I create then is the most powerful. Simply because I don't care or worry how it is going to come out, I just pour my soul on that paper....
What is the hardest part of being an artist, and how do you overcome it?
I don't think there is the hardest part of being an artist, there are moments when you struggle, but you either have that inside of you or you don't. You must be in touch with your inner states and constantly be in some sort of a working process. Just like with everything else in life, just sit and work, and go with the flow, and everything will be all right!
You favorite piece of art?
There is a lot of beautiful artwork in the world, so for me, it doesn't seem fair to pick just one...and if I talk about my own work in this context, maybe the City perspectives, in huge spaces, I am in this phase right now.
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