TIJANA TOMIC
- ARTISTIC HUB MAGAZINE
- Feb 15, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 7
BELGRADE | SERBIA
Lines of memory, artistic icons, and landscapes of the soul
She stepped into the world of art as a child, holding a pencil and shaping her own universe within the pages of a small notebook. Today, Tijana Tomić, a young and talented artist, shares an inspiring story of creative growth that brought her to a place where lines, colors and symbols form her language of expression. Through painting icons, exploring landscapes and connecting with her community, Tijana not only creates art but also builds meaningful bridges between her inner world and the people who experience her work.
In this conversation, discover the depth of her experiences, the challenges of today’s art scene and the aspirations that guide her future projects. Stay with us and step into the artistic universe of the young Tijana Tomić.
Early Artistic Steps
Tijana, what were your first steps into the world of art? When did you discover your passion for painting, and what were the pivotal moments that guided you toward an artistic career?
As a child, I loved to draw and paint. I had a single notebook where I recorded everything I imagined or saw, in my own way. It was my private world, a place where I often sought refuge. That notebook was a treasure chest of sketches, and even many years later, my sketchbook remained my sanctuary. It evolved from simple doodles into a deeper, more deliberate exploration of my craft.
What truly steered me toward an artistic path were the creative workshops I attended as a child, but the defining moment came when I won third place in a competition called School Encounters. My work was exhibited at the Trag Gallery in Belgrade, and it still hangs in the hallway of my former elementary school, Stefan Dečanski, in Belgrade.
Choice of Studies and Focus on Graphics
You completed both your undergraduate and master’s degrees at the Faculty of Fine Arts. What inspired your decision to continue your education there, and why did you choose to focus on graphic arts?
During art high school, I was introduced to graphics as one of the core subjects, and over time, I became increasingly fascinated by its techniques. My graduation project was in the field of graphics, for which I received special recognition. After high school, I wanted to deepen my understanding of this discipline, which led me to the Faculty of Fine Arts, where I chose to specialize in graphics.
Painting Icons
Your venture into icon painting gained attention as early as high school, when one of your icons was exhibited in the City Assembly. What draws you to this form of art, and how do you approach the process of creating icons?
As I mentioned earlier, I took part in creative workshops organized by the City of Belgrade from a young age, mainly focused on painting. Yet I wanted to explore something new. That curiosity led me to enroll in icon painting workshops, which introduced me to a completely different form of artistic expression and distinctive tools. Icons are filled with symbolism and require a special approach, one that respects the canons followed by iconographers.
The first icon I created was the White Angel, and it posed a great challenge that I eventually managed to overcome. My perseverance and desire to master iconography only grew stronger. After completing several icons, one of them depicting Saint Basil of Ostrog was exhibited in the City Assembly of Belgrade. Later, I presented the icon painting workshops on Studio B television, marking my first public appearance as an artist.
Although I stopped attending those workshops due to age limits, I never stopped painting icons. I strive to remain true to the principles of iconography and to follow traditional methods, since in Orthodox art, painting based purely on imagination would break with its sacred canons. That is why peace, focus and precision are essential to me from the first stroke to the final touch. Maintaining order, both in my workspace and in the sequence of painting, feels like half the process itself.
Artistic Style and Techniques
How would you describe your artistic style? Are there specific techniques or materials that you prefer in your work?
My art primarily centers on landscapes, capturing the immediate essence of nature and entering into a dialogue with it. The line is my essential tool for shaping form and transforming emotion into symbolic expression. The materials that best reflect my artistic voice are pastels and markers. For larger pieces, I have used homemade chalks and ink-soaked sponges, which allow for broader and more spontaneous strokes that I later transfer onto graphic paper.
As my artistic exploration evolved, I felt the need to move into spatial expression, which led to the creation of three-dimensional works. This process gave me a deeper understanding of the movement and dynamics of the line itself.
Involvement in Associations and Community Work
Beyond your artistic endeavors, you actively engage in community work, conducting children's workshops and taking part in the organization of cultural and artistic events. Could you tell us more about this? How does this engagement influence your artistic work and personal development?
After completing my master’s degree, I began reflecting on my next steps. I considered pursuing doctoral studies and remaining within academia until I secured a teaching position, but I also understood that such a path required maturity and substantial professional experience. I decided instead to seek employment, and until recently, I balanced two jobs while also contributing to cultural initiatives and organizing creative workshops for children.
Working with children is both fulfilling and illuminating. Their curiosity and honesty inspire me deeply, and in their company, I often rediscover the simplicity and joy that first drew me to art. Just as children learn from us, we, too, learn from them. My days were filled from morning to night, and there were long periods without rest. Such a demanding rhythm inevitably affected my artistic output, as my focus shifted away from my primary vocation.
During rare moments of pause, I reflected on my role both as an artist and as a member of society. I realized that despite holding a degree and working within state-supported programs, my earnings often fell below the minimum wage, which forced me to take additional work. This diverted my attention from art and slowed my personal artistic growth.
Exhibitions and Experiences
You have presented your works in numerous exhibitions. How have these experiences influenced your artistic development and perception of art? Is there a particular exhibition or experience that left a lasting impression on you?
Participating in exhibitions is an essential part of every artist’s journey. Through these opportunities, we gain perspective on the contemporary art scene and our own place within it. Exhibitions allow us to communicate with the public and share our vision directly. Such experiences are invaluable; they motivate, challenge and inspire artists to continue evolving.
One exhibition that remains especially meaningful to me was my most recent one, held at the gallery of the Faculty of Fine Arts. My work received significant attention and was prominently displayed. That recognition validated my efforts and confirmed the path I had chosen, standing as a quiet affirmation of my artistic journey so far.
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?
Staying relevant is one of the greatest challenges artists face, as relevance itself is fleeting and constantly changing. Art has always evolved, adapting to new ideas and directions, and artists often feel as if they are in a race against time. The real challenge lies in maintaining authenticity and standing out in a world filled with social media influencers and creatively driven individuals, especially in fields where craftsmanship remains a primary source of income.
Even activities involving children require ongoing innovation, both in themes and materials, to keep their interest alive. The same applies to artists, who are expected to continuously explore and experiment to present their audiences with something fresh and distinctive. Artificial intelligence has emerged as a new form of visual expression, gaining attention and popularity. Yet it cannot replicate the originality and spiritual essence of art created by human hands, and therefore cannot replace artists. While it can serve as a tool, it cannot substitute the creative mind behind the work.
In my view, art itself transcends trends. Certain themes endure regardless of time, while only the tools and approaches evolve. For example, a portrait once painted in oil on canvas can now appear as a digital print, incorporating elements reminiscent of the Baroque or Renaissance eras that circulate on social media. Themes remain constant, but their interpretations transform.
In my own work, landscapes remain my main subject. Over the years, I have gone through different stages and media in depicting them. Today, through analysis and experimentation, I approach this theme in a way that departs from convention, using lines, symbols and occasionally three-dimensional forms. Recently, I have begun exploring digital media for new possibilities, although my current practice still relies on traditional techniques and materials.
Future Projects and Ambitions
Are there any projects currently in progress or on the horizon that particularly excite you?
At the moment, I am eager to continue the work I set aside earlier. I feel there is still so much I can contribute to the art world. I also wish to explore painting in a way that differs from my earlier approach. I am considering enrolling in another master’s program, although I have yet to decide on the specific field of study.
Through her artistic journey, from childhood beginnings to exhibitions that celebrate her originality, Tijana Tomić embodies dedication, creativity and an unending curiosity for artistic discovery. Her engagement with children not only brings joy but also deepens her understanding of human connection. Across the many stages of her creative path, Tijana stands as an inspiration to those navigating their own place in the art world, while her upcoming projects promise new directions and fresh perspectives.
Photographs of Artworks - Tijana Tomic, Artist
Photograph of the Artist's Portrait - K.Artistic
