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Tijana Tomić - Lines of memory, artistic icons, and landscapes of the soul

BELGRADE | SERBIA


She ventured into the world of art as a young girl, clutching a pencil in her hand, crafting her microcosm within the pages of a small notebook. Today, Tijana Tomić, a young and gifted artist, shares her inspiring narrative of artistic steps that led her to a place where lines, colors, and symbols become her language of expression. Through painting icons, exploring landscapes, and engaging with the community, Tijana not only creates art but also builds bridges between her creative realm and her audience.


In this conversation, discover the richness of her experiences, the challenges of the contemporary art scene, and the plans that beckon future projects and ambitions. Stay with us and peek into the artistic universe of the young Tijana Tomić.


Tijana Tomic, ArtistTijana Tomic, Artist
Tijana Tomic, Artist

Early Artistic Steps. Tijana, what were your initial steps into the world of art like? When did you discover a passion for painting, and what were the pivotal moments that guided you towards an artistic career?


As a child, I loved to draw and paint. I had a single notebook where I liked to record everything I imagined or saw, in my own unique way. It was my world where I often sought refuge. That notebook was a treasure trove of sketches for me, and I draw a parallel, many years later, my sketchbook remained my sanctuary, evolving from mere scribbles into a more studious engagement with my craft. What truly propelled me towards an artistic career were the children's creative workshops I attended, but I believe the defining moment was when my work placed third in an art competition called "School Encounters." It was displayed at the "Trag" Gallery in Belgrade, and today it adorns the hallway of the elementary school I attended back then (Stefan Dečanski, Belgrade).



Choice of Studies and Focus on Graphics: You completed both your undergraduate and master's degrees at the Faculty of Fine Arts. What led you to choose to continue your education at this faculty, particularly focusing on graphic arts?


Having attended an art high school, I was introduced to graphics as one of my subjects. Over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to graphic techniques. Consequently, my graduation project was in the realm of graphics, for which I received recognition. Following high school, I sought to expand my knowledge in this field, hence my decision to pursue studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts, specializing in graphics.

 

Tijana Tomić, Artist
Tehnika-duboka štampa - Tijana Tomić, Artist

Painting Icons. Your venture into icon painting garnered attention since high school when one of your icons was exhibited in the City Assembly. What captivates you about this art form, and how do you approach the process of creating icons?


As I mentioned earlier, I participated in creative workshops organized by the city of Belgrade from a young age, primarily focusing on painting. However, I yearned to explore something different. This led me to enroll in icon painting workshops, which offered a distinct approach to artistic expression, as well as employing unique tools. Icons are laden with symbols, demanding a different approach and adherence to the canons followed by iconographers. The first icon I created was that of the White Angel, and it presented a significant challenge, which I eventually overcame. Nonetheless, my perseverance and desire to master iconography only grew. Following the creation of several icons, one of them was displayed in the City Assembly of Belgrade, specifically depicting Saint Basil of Ostrog. Subsequently, I showcased icon painting workshops on the Studio B TV channel, marking my initial foray into the public sphere.


While I have long ceased attending such workshops due to age restrictions, I have not abandoned icon painting. I strive to adhere to the principles of iconography as faithfully as possible, following established patterns, for in the Orthodox Church, deviating from traditional painting methods, based on imagination, violates established canons. Therefore, I require peace, concentration, and precision from the outset to the completion of an icon. It is imperative for me to maintain order both in my workspace and in the sequence in which I paint the icon, as I consider it to be half the battle.

 



 

Artistic Style and Techniques. How would you characterize your artistic style? Are there specific techniques or materials you favor in your work?


My work primarily revolves around landscapes, capturing nature's immediate essence and engaging in dialogue with it. The line serves as my fundamental tool for shaping, translating expressive sentiments into symbolic forms. The materials that best align with my artistic expression and resonate with me are pastels and markers. For larger-scale works, I have utilized homemade chalks and ink-soaked sponges, enabling broader, more uninhibited strokes that I then transferred onto graphic paper. Over time, my creative pursuits demanded spatial exploration, thus giving rise to three-dimensional works, which afforded me a comprehensive understanding of line dynamics.


 



Involvement in Associations and Community Work. Beyond your artistic endeavors, you actively engage in community work, conducting children's workshops and participating in the organization of cultural and artistic events. Could you elaborate on this? How does this engagement influence your artistic work and personal development?


Upon completing my master's studies, I contemplated my next steps. While pondering whether to pursue doctoral studies and remain entrenched in academia until securing a relevant position, I recognized the requisite maturity and substantial field experience demanded by such an endeavor. Consequently, I sought employment and, until recently, juggled two jobs, occasionally contributing to the organization of cultural and artistic initiatives and children's workshops. Working with children is both enjoyable and enlightening; in their company, I often find myself assuming a childlike demeanor. Just as children learn from us, we, too, glean invaluable insights from them. My days were brimming with commitments, from dawn till dusk; there were periods when I had scarcely a day off. This overwhelming schedule significantly impacted my artistic output, as my focus shifted away from my primary vocation. Nonetheless, during those intermittent breaks, I contemplated my position, both as an artist and as a member of society. Reflecting on my experiences, I realized that despite holding a completed degree and working within state-sponsored programs, my remuneration fell below the minimum wage, compelling me to seek additional employment. Consequently, I found myself diverting attention away from my art to fulfill other obligations, thereby impeding my personal artistic development.

 


Exhibitions and Experiences. You've had the opportunity to showcase your works in numerous exhibitions. How do these experiences shape your artistic development and perception of art? Is there a particular exhibition or experience that left an indelible impression or contributed significantly to your artistic vision?


Participating in exhibitions constitutes a pivotal aspect of every artist's journey. Through such platforms, we gain insight into the prevailing artistic milieu and our own standing within it. Competing in exhibitions affords artists the opportunity to interact with the public, amplifying their voices. These experiences serve to invigorate and inspire artists, fostering a desire for further growth.


One exhibition that stands out for me is the most recent one held at the gallery of the Faculty of Fine Arts, where my work garnered acclaim and was prominently displayed. That recognition not only validated my efforts but also affirmed the trajectory I had embarked upon, serving as a testament to my journey thus far.


A5-B2-3D, Aritist Tijana Tomić
A5-B2-3D, Aritist Tijana Tomić

A5-B2-3D, Aritist Tijana Tomić
A5-B2-3D, Aritist Tijana Tomić


Contemporary Challenges in Art. What challenges and trends currently shape the art world, particularly for young artists? How do these challenges influence your work and approach to art?


Remaining relevant poses a significant challenge for artists due to the ephemeral, ever-changing nature of relevance. Art has always been subject to change, adapting to new trends and ideas. Artists perpetually find themselves in a race against time. The challenge lies in maintaining originality and establishing prominence amidst a multitude of social media influencers and creatively inclined individuals, particularly in fields where crafts serve as a primary source of income. Even activities involving children necessitate continuous exploration and innovation in selecting themes and materials to sustain their interest. The same applies to the work of artists, who are expected to continually explore the realms of art to present audiences with fresh, distinctive, and original creations. Artificial intelligence (AI) art has emerged as a novel form of visual content, garnering increasing popularity. However, it cannot replicate the originality, especially the spiritual essence, inherent in human-created art, thus incapable of supplanting artists. While artists may harness AI to produce artworks, it cannot supplant the role of the creative mind.


In my view, art itself is impervious to trends; certain themes persist irrespective of the zeitgeist, with only the tools and approaches to those themes adapting to the times. For instance, a portrait executed in oil on canvas, a medium traditionally associated with classical art, can now be replicated as a digital print on canvas, featuring elements reminiscent of the Baroque or Renaissance eras, often encountered on social media platforms. Themes endure, though some may enjoy fleeting relevance, while interpretations evolve.

In terms of my own art, landscapes serve as my principal subject. Over the years, I've explored various phases and mediums in portraying landscapes. Presently, through analysis and experimentation with different media, I approach the theme in a manner divergent from conventional representations, employing lines, symbols, and even three-dimensional forms. I've recently begun delving into digital media for alternative treatments, although my current approach adheres to traditional methods in my chosen mediums.



Future Projects and Ambitions. Are there any projects currently in progress or on the horizon that particularly excite you?


Presently, I'm eager to resume work where I left off; I believe there's much more I can contribute to the art world in that regard. Additionally, I aspire to further explore painting, albeit in a manner distinct from my previous approaches. I'm contemplating enrolling in another master's program, though I remain undecided about the specific field of study.



Through her artistic endeavors, from the fledgling steps of childhood to the limelight of exhibitions, Tijana exemplifies originality and a relentless quest for innovation. Her engagement with children not only brings joy but also enriches her understanding of human interaction. Across the multifaceted journey of her artistry, Tijana serves as an inspiration for those navigating their own paths in the art world. Her forthcoming projects herald a new phase of creativity, promising fresh endeavors that have been temporarily set aside.



Photographs of Artworks - Tijana Tomic, Artist

Photograph of the Artist's Portrait - K.Artistic

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