Research, academia and justice are my passion, but art is my soul.
My journey began at the Sarajevo School of Applied Arts, where I poured my energy into creating fashion collections, tapestries, sculptures, paintings, and textiles. Weekends found me immersed in projects, exploring art history and experimenting with materials. Sculpture, in particular, captivated me, the feel of clay in my hands awakening my creativity.
From an early age, art became a transformative journey. I painted with watercolors, acrylics, and oils, and sketched with pencil, ink, and charcoal. Creativity consumed me—I gladly traded sleep, meals, and social gatherings for the exhilaration of making art.
However, my path shifted when my hometown lacked advanced programs in fashion and textile design. Studying abroad was not an option, so I pursued other passions that aligned with my keen sense of scientific inquiry and social justice. Journalism, sociology, law, human rights, and academia became natural extensions of my curiosity and drive for fairness.
Then the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina shattered my world. I found myself in Chicago, a refugee far from home. For years, art eluded me, its spark dimmed by tremendous loss and forced displacement. Only recently have I returned to the brush and canvas, rediscovering the joy I once knew. Now, I find it impossible to stop creating.
Art has shaped how I see the world—critical yet deeply attuned to balance and harmony. My rigorous training left me with lasting friendships and an enduring passion for expression.
The works presented here are part of two series. The first revisits themes of home and identity, inspired by memories of Sarajevo. The second explores universal emotions—identity, love, belonging, loss, and hope—transcending time and place.
Between teaching, research, and writing, I am creating again. Each piece reflects depth in color, texture, and form. My use of gold and silver pigments brings a dynamic quality to the paintings, revealing subtle transformations under natural light. I am told that a viewer can see the influence of textile in all my paintings.
Enjoy these glimpses into my artistic journey, where scholarship, justice and art converge in harmony.