MEET ANA, THE ARTIST FROM ZVORNIK WHO BRINGS LIFE TO CANVAS

From Zvornik to Belgrade and Trebinje, from conservation and restoration to free artistic expression. Young artist Ana Erdelić from Zvornik had her first solo exhibition while still in high school, and her dream is to share her knowledge with others.

PHOTO: eTrafika / Petar Mandić

Since childhood, Ana knew what she wanted to become. Everything about painting captivated her. Every object, every ornament, and every detail became a new toy in her artistic creativity. Curiosity and an endless source of inspiration fueled her passion. Pencils, crayons, and sketchbooks were a part of her daily life.

"I was five years old and constantly drawing at home, searching for things like origami, clay modeling, and similar activities. I started creating different shapes and then decorating them before painting on them. I always asked my parents to buy me more colors, pencils, and sketchbooks. I looked for inspiration everywhere and tried to learn as much as I could, even from the internet. I remember when my dad first got us the internet, I would always search 'how to draw an eye,' 'how to draw an ear,' and found useful tricks at a young age," Ana recalls in an interview with eTrafika.

Support was an essential part of her surroundings. Her talent was recognized by her parents and extended family, who helped her take the first step in her artistic journey by enrolling her in a painting workshop, where she collected fond memories.

"My parents were happy that I was different from other children and so dedicated to art instead of following the everyday norm. I was always a bit withdrawn, and my aunt suggested to my dad that there was a painting workshop in Zvornik called 'Paleta.' Around the fifth grade, I joined the workshop," Ana shares.

She began discovering new artistic techniques and working with materials she had never encountered before. The painting workshop confirmed her passion, and she expressed her desire to attend an art high school.

"That was the first time I worked with acrylic paints, charcoal, and other tools I had never used before. I quickly realized that art was my lifelong calling," she emphasizes.

At first, her parents didn’t take her ambition to attend an art school seriously, thinking she would change her mind. However, Ana pursued her dream and moved from Zvornik to Belgrade.

"Since I was young, my parents were hesitant to let me go to an art school so far away, especially in a big city like Belgrade. It’s not easy for a child to grow up alone without direct physical support. Of course, I always had their encouragement. I was accepted into the Cultural Heritage Conservation program at the 'Tehnoart' school. It was a great school where I gained a lot of knowledge," she says.

Every new step brought fresh insights into the artistic world. Her high school major exposed her to different painting techniques and artistic curiosities. Through exhibitions and workshops, she gathered inspiration and enriched her experience, which she now incorporates into her work.

"I learned how to restore wood and ceramics, paint icons, and restore canvas paintings. I even learned how to make my own colors and preparation materials. One of the most fascinating experiences was using X-ray imaging on paintings, revealing hidden layers beneath the final artwork," Ana recalls.

During high school, she won multiple awards, including first-place prizes in art competitions. After graduation, she wanted to further expand her artistic knowledge, leading her to continue her education.

"At our student dorm, we had various artistic sections, including textile painting, a general painting section, and a mosaic section. After high school, I wanted to specialize either in conservation and restoration or pure painting. I enrolled in the Faculty of Fine Arts in Trebinje, where I chose painting as my field," she explains.

Art offers endless possibilities, and Ana’s journey took her from Belgrade to Trebinje, a city rich in cultural and artistic heritage. With a new city came new experiences and new discoveries. In Trebinje, Ana found her artistic freedom, which she continues to express in her work today.

"I learned a lot about anatomy and experimented with various techniques. Painting, compared to conservation and restoration, is both similar and very different. While painting allows freedom in technique and expression, restoration requires absolute precision and discipline," she adds.

Her work has been recognized by a broader audience, earning admiration from many.

"I participated in exhibitions, biennials, and painting colonies. I even competed in an art exhibition in Banja Luka and took part in art colonies during the Zvornik Summer festival. In Belgrade, I held my own solo exhibition at the high school dormitory hall, where I displayed about 20 acrylic paintings and several drawings," Ana proudly states.

Some mentors leave an everlasting impact. For Ana, that was Jovo Lalić, the head of her first painting workshop "Paleta." His guidance became the foundation of her artistic journey.

"Jovo Lalić was an excellent teacher with an open approach to his students. We never felt afraid of making mistakes. If we neglected our work, he would gently guide us back on track. He was always there to offer advice, personal space, and encouragement. Anyone who joins his workshop can only grow artistically and never stagnate. He remains a source of support, not just for high schoolers but also for students preparing for college," Ana says.

She finds inspiration in Salvador Dalí’s surrealism but also in the works of lesser-known artists she encounters at exhibitions and on social media.

"I love Salvador Dalí’s paintings. But regardless of whether an artist is famous or not, I appreciate seeing their unique artistic handwriting. There is always something new to learn. I admire the freedom artists have in expressing themselves through different techniques, formats, and media," she says.

For Ana, every painting tells a story, and over time, these stories gain new meaning. Often, she revisits old works, refining them as she evolves.

"I frequently return to older paintings because every artwork needs time to mature. As we grow emotionally and artistically, we see new things we can add or improve. Some artists leave their paintings as time capsules, while others continue refining them to perfection," Ana explains.

Her most cherished work is her current thesis project: a large self-portrait featuring a barcode on her forehead.

"This piece is dear to me because it represents everything I feel. The barcode and all the details symbolize judgment and preconceived opinions people form at first glance. It’s my way of expressing how these biases emotionally impact me," she shares.

Ana’s artistic style blends realism with a touch of baroque-inspired colors, often favoring dark contrasts and monochrome tones.

"I love realism, but I also want my paintings to resemble baroque art, with strong contrasts and darker tones. I often paint in black and white. I feel more connected to painting than drawing," she says.

Despite Bosnia and Herzegovina having many talented artists, Ana believes that art is not fully appreciated by the public.

"There are incredible artists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but I think many people don’t fully understand art. Those with unique artistic styles often struggle to be recognized, even when their work is high quality," she observes.

After completing her degree, Ana plans to pursue a master’s program and dreams of opening her own art workshop.

"I want to save up to open my own painting workshop, where I can teach both young and older generations. Older people often lack opportunities to explore art, and I would love to introduce them to this new world and help fulfill their artistic dreams," Ana says.

She encourages young artists to stay true to their passion, despite the challenges they may face.

"Being an artist is a tough journey. There will be emotional struggles due to external criticism. But young artists must follow their dreams and remain true to themselves. Freedom in art and speech is essential, and I support students in Serbia who are fighting for their rights and artistic freedom," Ana concludes.