10 Questions with Katarina Čelebić

Katarina Čelebić is 24 years old artist from Podgorica, Montenegro. She finished the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cetinje, Montenegro, department of Graphic design and illustration, and also studied at Academia di Belle Arti in Macerata, Italy. So far, she has had various awards and group exhibitions in her home country and internationally, including Mexico, Tokyo, Italy, etc. Also, she participated in workshops and projects in Montenegro in the fields of calligraphy, illustration, and mural projects. She is creating through painting, printmaking, illustration, photography, and mural painting.

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ARTIST STATEMENT

Her paintings are very expressive and based on emotions and intuition.
In her creative process, she lets things happen spontaneously. Her inspiration usually comes from dreams, emotions, people she meets, spontaneous events, and every detail she finds motivate her to put it on paper. Her favorite motive and something she cares about the most to show in her works is the human soul, emotions, expressions, things that ignite happy, dark, and sad emotions that build us, make us stronger, and shape us into unique individuals. We choose our forms, this life, planet, and universe. We are infinite.

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and how did you start experimenting with images?

My name is Katarina Čelebić. I'm from Podgorica, Montenegro. I've shown talent and interest in art from a very young age. For as long as I can remember, I've experimented and made drawings with my dad, who was an artist too. Since the beginning, I've known that art is something I want to pursue, which led me to Academy and my complete commitment to paintings and art in general. I like to experiment with new things, and with that, I've also discovered a love for photography, printmaking, and mural projects.

How would you define yourself as an artist?

I would define myself as someone who uses the body to translate all passions and visions through art and hopefully connect with viewers. When I feel I can't completely express myself through words, my artworks communicate instead. 

Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What is your artistic routine when working?

It really depends on the situation. I'm in the process of making my own art studio, so right now, I don't have a lot of space to occupy in my home. I think that helped me in adapting to the places and situations easily. I'm a big introvert, so anywhere with good energy and where I can be alone with my paper is good for me.

One of the main references I get from your work is Egon Schiele. What are your sources of inspiration for your work? Do you have any artists you particularly look up to? 

My dad is the person I look up to the most. Before any of these artists, I've watched and admired his paintings and mosaics. Egon Schiele is indeed my big inspiration. When I was younger, I was always afraid to draw people and faces because I was convinced that I couldn't do it. When I discovered Schiele, I fell in love, and to this day human figure is the main motive of my works. Also one of my favorite artists are Edvard Munch and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.

How much planning goes into each artwork? And what do you hope that the public takes away from your work?

I've got to say that there is not much preparation for my artworks. I completely rely on intuition and current emotions. Sometimes I'll create from nothing, and sometimes with vision and idea in my head, nothing comes out in the end. I pick up inspiration from everywhere. It can be random hand movements, gestures, even songs, and if I'm able in that moment, I will start drawing. Some of the works I've created are visualization of my dreams. I want viewers to feel and recognize every emotion, whether it is happy or sad, or if they feel lost, I want them to know they're not alone.

Despite your young age, you have already worked and exhibited internationally. What is your favorite experience as an artist so far?

The best experience I've had is definitely when I've got a chance to study in Italy, where I've experienced completely different access and creating processes compared to the way I'm working and what we were doing at my Academy back home. I've had a chance to learn how to make handmade sketchbooks, which was really useful to me. Also, while I was in Italy, my serigraph was part of the Tokyo International Mini-Print Triennial exhibition, which is the one that means the most to me. My latest exhibition, which is also among my favorites, is FINI International Image Contest in Mexico.

Do you find that the shift to digital exhibitions and art fairs has helped you promote your work?

I personally love the feeling of being present at exhibitions because of the whole experience and direct talking to viewers. But I got to say that so far, the online world has given me a few great chances to expose my work and exhibit internationally.

What do you think about the art community and market? And how did your perception change over the last year due to the pandemic?

I think there are many opportunities around the world for an artist to be recognized. You just got to be really into it and never give up. Unfortunately, there are not many chances for artists in my country, and this is where I've started applying for international contests and competitions. The most important thing I've learned is patience and fighting for what you love because, after all the hardship, when you least expect it, you'll get the answer that will change everything.

What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

Now I'm working on new paintings. Soon I'll be going to Japan on a residency stay. This will be my first experience with residencies and a dream come true because I wanted to go to Japan to work and share my art there for a very long time.

Finally, what are your plans for the future?

I don't think far when it comes to the future, but my next step will be starting my Master's studies, and I'm hoping for more inspiring people, places, countries, and experiences.