Jelena Bibic - Q&A #1

Miami, South Beach Florida USA

When I look back on my paintings, it is almost as if somebody else has painted them? it's a strange feeling as if I see my work through another's eyes

My state of mind is a crucial element. I have to be in my head, have no distractions in order to transfer my vision from paintbrush to canvas.

If I'm not in my studio in Belgrade, I try to find a place of solitude. Preferably close to nature and water, even if in a city.

I don't have set rules. On more extensive and elaborate pieces, I sometimes map them out with charcoal and then base with either a mixed down acrylic, (to slow the drying time), or take a more painstaking, but rewarding approach by using Oil paints. My subject matter and artistic interpretations are evolving. One colour might dominate one painting, while a fusion of colours may take precedence in another. Each creation is unique and has its own personality.

I'm not the most patient person, so when in the throes of creating, I feel the need to expel that emotion and translate that expression rapidly. Acrylic paint is an ideal medium for that style of painting. When working with Oil, I have to adopt a very different strategy, which brings me closer to my heroes in terms of tempo.

When using Oil, I put myself into a much lower gear and work in a fluid, and regimented way. The process gives me more freedom to apply, blend & manipulate the layers of colour with harmonious strokes of the brush.

Both techniques can produce beautiful results, and although quite different, I find them equally satisfying.