”Creating art is also a process of learning to accept criticism, as well as wrestling with it internally; taking from it what is necessary for that work to evolve. I strive to learn from criticism—both about my own work and about how others perceive and understand the world—because I believe that changing one’s perception also fosters empathy.”
What drives you?
For the work in the attached series of drawings on paper, “Takozvana evolucija,” I was inspired by life—by situations and circumstances. I had a long break from working, so a lot of creative energy had accumulated. I can’t say that I completely neglected art, because I see and absorb it in everything around me. Learning a new language, stepping out of my comfort zone into what has become a five-year-long adventure in Spain, starting everything “from scratch,” figuring things out, love, uncertainty, struggle, enjoyment, growth… all of these are stimuli that build up and become a major trigger for my work.
For me, art is my family, my friends, and all the people I know and meet—every single life that intersects with mine. “Takozvana evolucija” is a work about personal development, learning, experience, reflection, doubt, both the conscious and the unconscious.
All of these are my children…
…and not just because they are mine, but they’re also for sale! haha
What else do you do?
Music has always gone hand in hand with visual arts in my life. Since I was little, I’ve been involved in music, and if I’m not creating it, I enjoy it and its immense power. As a kid, I studied piano at Mokranjac, but I was lazy and didn’t like practicing for 8 hours a day. When I decided to leave music—and when I did leave it—I actually felt liberated and started engaging with it again, but now through singing in various rock and metal bands. Like visual arts, in one way or another, music is always present.
What should an artist possess, in terms of qualities and skills?
I think a person, both as a human and as an artist, should always keep learning, be curious, and explore the world; they should doubt themselves, because that is how they will think and progress, be both heavenly and grounded, and strive to be honest with themselves and with others.
Criticism? Who or what can influence your work? …and the presentation of your work?
Whatever it is, criticism is welcome. It should be heard and noticed but not taken too much to heart—that is, not allowed to have too much influence—because, for example, a sensitive being could completely sink under it. Working in art is also about learning to accept criticism, as well as wrestling with it internally; taking from it what is necessary for the work to develop. I try to learn from criticism, both about my own work and about the way others see and understand the world, because I believe that changing perception also fosters empathy.
Who is your superhero? Who are today’s superheroes?
My mom, my family, friends, and dear people.
What does isolation mean to you?
Unfortunately, in tragic circumstances, for me isolation is a return to introspection without many distractions. If we accept the situation as it is, with a little organization, isolation can be very fruitful.
What good can come out of this situation?
I hope that we will all come out of this difficult situation a little more aware of ourselves and our surroundings, with better life habits.
Do you have a TV at home?
I do, and I sometimes enjoy watching it. You can find interesting programs and shows. When I’m lonely, TV can be good company.
Do you listen to the radio?
I don’t have the habit of listening to the radio. I don’t even have a car, and I like listening to the radio in the car.
Bicycle or sand?
By bicycle to the sand, and then I leave the bike so that sand doesn’t get into the chain.
Are you vegan or vegetarian?
I’m neither vegan nor vegetarian because I really love eating meat, although sometimes I enjoy such meals—there are many tasty vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Beer or wine?
I’ve grown tired of beer, because there’s never an end to it—it’s always “Okay, one more.” However, I still love special Belgian, Dutch, or Czech beers, so sometimes, why not. And since I’m in wine country, I enjoy red wine and the occasional gin and tonic.
Do you recycle?
A few years ago, I started thinking about where trash ends up. That’s when my awareness of ecology opened a bit, and I began separating paper and plastic from the rest. I hope the stories that it all ends up in the same place aren’t true, and that by participating I can help preserve nature, even if just a little.
Book / Film?
Lately, I’ve been watching a lot of movies and series. I enjoy Hollywood films, Asian cinema, or European series—I even enjoy British comedy or Scandinavian noir, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that there’s drama.
And music…?
As an omnipresent element in my life, music is always a companion through all life phases, just as life itself is made up of phases. I was lucky that my parents always had some good cassette tapes, and later came CDs, so I went through all possible music genres in stages—from heavy metal, progressive rock, grunge, and other subgenres, through pop, classical, hip-hop, tavern music, to experimental electronic and drum’n’bass. Each appeals at a certain moment in life, and naturally, musical taste changes and grows with new experiences. Music has great power and influence and is very important to me.
Recommend a site/portal/app…
Facebook, Instagram, and O3one! 🙂
Instagram: @arasulic