The journey of art entrepreneurship at a young age
This time we want to introduce our incredible artist Nataša, who turned her passion for art into a successful business venture! Two years ago, Nataša made a life-changing decision to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to art. She established the trade “ArtS” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she transformed her love for art into a career. In a time when finding permanent employment was challenging for many young people, Nataša realized that she had an opportunity to pursue her artistic talents and create something meaningful.
Everything began a lot of years ago, even before Nataša was born. Artistry runs deep in Nataša’s family. Her grandfather was an exceptional artist, renowned for his hand-made graphics and advertising posters in Sarajevo. Inspired by her family’s artistic heritage, Nataša’s mother also embraced art from an early age. However, she kept her works hidden for many years, preserving them like cherished treasures.
Driven by a desire to explore her own artistic potential, Nataša felt that she could contribute more to the world of art. Her turning point came when she discovered the UNDP program, which supported start-up initiatives. With the program’s assistance, she embarked on a journey to turn her passion into a thriving career. Today, Nataša is grateful to be pursuing a job she loves. Every challenge that comes her way serves as motivation to push forward and continue growing.
Inquiring about the painting techniques employed in their family gallery, we discovered that Nataša and her mother share a fondness for bright colors. This sets them apart from many artists who tend to shy away from such vibrant hues. They embrace the clear distinction between warm and cold shades, skillfully combining seemingly incompatible colors and creating gentle transitions that harmonize contrasting elements. Over the years, they have honed their freedom of movement and perfected the application of paint, creating a sense of lightness and security in their artworks. The colors they use not only convey strength but also bring a sense of peace, evoking a dynamic energy or a calm ambiance when needed.
When it comes to the creative process, Nataša primarily uses acrylic paints. She appreciates the ability to layer vibrant tones and create texture with her fingertips on the canvas. Interestingly, her mother, who previously worked predominantly with oil paints, has also begun exploring the possibilities of acrylic and experimenting with new forms of expression. In their family, discipline in work is highly valued, and they have dedicated more than 360 days to creating art every year. The fruits of their labor can be witnessed through their prolific collection showcased in our Jigsaw Puzzle Universe community.
The artworks created by Nataša and her mother cover a wide range of motifs, including nature, animals, and abstract elements like the popular “houses” that Nataša envisions. These houses have captivated art lovers who recognize the underlying messages within them, even before reading the explanations. Nataša’s imaginative creations depict warm, soothing, and protective environments, providing a sense of safety that transcends physical boundaries, particularly in these challenging times. Often situated on rocks or above storm clouds, these houses are connected by bridges adorned with hearts. These bridges symbolize the equality we all share during difficult times, where names hold no significance, and all hearts yearn for love and protection.
While art may not always be considered economically viable in the business world, Nataša proves that with the right presentation, anything is possible. In addition to creating art paintings, Nataša extends her artistic endeavors to epoxy resin furniture and objects. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, she recognized the importance of establishing her presence and invested in a new gallery space in Romania. This expansion aims to attract art and nature enthusiasts who appreciate her work. She firmly believes that it is essential for society to encourage younger generations to pursue careers that they are passionate about. By nurturing talent and removing obstacles, we can enable young people to unleash their creativity and find fulfillment in their chosen paths. Like many others, Nataša transformed her love for art into a family business. With the support of her loved ones, she proudly operates a small gallery with a dedicated team.
Nataša’s story showcases the transformative power of passion and dedication. By embracing one’s talents and persistently pursuing growth and improvement, it is possible to turn a personal love for art into a thriving business. Nataša encourages all aspiring artists to continue experimenting, exploring different techniques and motifs, and embracing the never-ending journey of artistic discovery. Through the support of institutions and projects tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs, more creative individuals can find the path to success and contribute their unique perspectives to the world of art.
Are you interested in seeing Nataša’s unique illustrations in action? You can try playing our Jigsaw Puzzle Universe game and see for yourself the beauty and creativity of his artwork. We welcome your feedback and opinions!