From Numbers to Colors: The Journey of an Economist Turned Artist
Ivana Milić, an economist turned artist, has skillfully bridged the gap between the logical left hemisphere with the creativity of the right. Embracing her duality, she characterises herself as both an eternal child and an old soul. Like many in life, Ivana is trying to explore and express all the facets of her personality, however she is using art to give this expression a voice.
So, who is Ivana Milić and what makes her creative journey stand out from the typical tale of an artist’s ascent to fame?
Artist Ivana Milić’s creative career has taken a few twists and turns, but one thing is clear; the journey to becoming an artist has been far from dull. We look at the interests, education and experiences that have moulded one of Montenegro’s leading artistic talents.
With degrees in economics and accounting under her belt, Ivana embarked on a corporate career in finance. However, a redundancy at Telenor led her to rethink her career path. Where most would see a setback, Ivana saw an opportunity for reinvention. She strongly believed that something better was waiting for her just around the corner.
She was right. As part of this new start, she rediscovered her childhood passion for painting, one of her first loves. At first, she timidly experimented with colour, getting used to the spectrum of shades. She transformed her terrace into a sanctuary of creativity, where she would gain confidence and find peace in painting. What began as a fun way to pass the time soon evolved into a promising artistic career, thanks to the encouragement of loved ones and the power of social media.
After four years as an amateur artist, Ivana felt that she had to take her practice to the next level. Fuelled by a fascination with psychology and spirituality, she discovered the world of art therapy, which was not a common career choice in Montenegro at the time. Determined to carve her own path, she made the bold decision to enrol in the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cetinje.
Under the guidance of renowned painter Svetlana Dragojević, Ivana’s abilities flourished. From sketching life models to experimenting with charcoal, every moment in preparation for her entrance exam reaffirmed that she had made the right choice. At 28, she embraced the challenge of student life once again, eager to explore the depths of her creativity and impact lives through art.
Supporting the journey
Ivana was fortunate enough to have the unwavering support of her family, who understood her and the necessity of making this u-turn. Despite their background in private business rather than the arts, their encouragement was a driving force behind her success.
From her father, who allocated an office space for her to transform into a studio, to her parents backing the decision to study abroad in Portugal for a semester, their support was a constant source of motivation. Witnessing what hard work can get you, through her family’s fine example, instilled in her a belief in the power of persistence. This upbringing shaped her into the determined individual she is today.
The connection between economics and art
For Ivana, the intertwining of economics and art is not just a concept, but a lived experience: “Economics is life, and life is art.” Despite the apparent chasm between the two, she sees a way in which they can be melded together as essential parts of life. After all, scores of grandmothers and great-grandmothers have managed both household economies and creative handiwork with skill and ingenuity.
Driven by her own quest to bridge the gap between economics and art, Ivana has a vision in mind to empower others. Her current project focuses on establishing a social enterprise. Her aim is to give women in rural areas their power back by showcasing their handicrafts as genuine works of art, thereby preserving traditional embroidery and knitting as part of their cultural heritage.
In addition to providing a platform for these local artisans, she plans to organise workshops where younger generations can learn from their elders. The entire process will be documented, immortalising their craftsmanship in monograph or documentary film form. Through this initiative, she seeks not only to protect cultural heritage but also to celebrate the natural beauty of their community.
Artistic style and inspiration
At the outset of her academic journey, she held a clear vision: to present her ideas with a sense of realism. Three years into her studies, she honed her unique painting style, shaped by her personal perspectives.
In her visual art, she explores the abstract, bringing to life the dimensions that envelop and inhabit us. While painting serves as her primary medium, she has recently expanded her artistic repertoire to include video art, installations, performances and various forms of intermedial expression.
Drawing inspiration from the society and energy that surrounds her, she allows this to inform her creative process. Nature holds a special significance for her and she incorporates natural elements into her work, believing that every space carries its own energetic imprint.
For many creators, emotion is viewed as an essential component of art, and Ivana is no different in this way of thinking. Emotion serves as the conduit through which every artist breathes life into their creations. She views inspiration as a delicate thread connecting the artist to the divine, underscoring the importance of maintaining a fluid connection in order to bring forth meaningful artistic expression.
Past highlights and future aspirations
As she looks back, every moment in her past experiences holds significance, serving as stepping stones in her creative journey. She fondly recalls her time spent at the Academy of Arts in Portugal, where the vibrant culture of Lisbon liberated her artistic spirit and paved the way for her creative expression.
Her pursuit of learning is unending, with each opportunity offering valuable insights. Embracing the philosophy that life itself is a continuous learning process, she remains open to the twists and turns that lie ahead.
With a deep-rooted desire to contribute to Montenegrin culture, the plan is to use her creativity as a platform for raising critical awareness about societal issues. Through her art, she aims to inspire and provoke thought, fostering positive change within the community. For her, the role of art extends beyond mere expression, it is a catalyst for transformation.
Is Montenegro an inspiration?
Montenegro stands as her ultimate muse, with its natural splendour and rich artistic heritage fueling her creativity. Upon returning from Portugal, she resolved to infuse her newfound experiences and energy into her homeland, driven by a deep connection to its climate and culture. Inspired by the resilience of Montenegrin women and the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature, she honours their legacy through her art.
Grateful for the guidance of mentors like Professor Svetlana Dragojević, Professor Ratko Odalović and Milena Jovićević, she acknowledges their role in shaping her artistic journey. Ivana also draws inspiration from pioneering figures like Kana Radević, the first female architect in Montenegro, known for her unique style, fusing natural elements with the environment. Radević is a particular source of inspiration, especially for the way she managed to find herself, a single woman, at the very top of the art scene. Inspired by the strength of Montenegrin women, Ivana is an advocate for empowerment and the pursuit of one’s true potential, regardless of what society has to say on the matter.
Having explored and conquered two seemingly opposite career paths, we can only guess at what else lays in store for the economist turned talented artist. What is apparent is that whatever her next project involves, Montenegro’s culture, natural surroundings and communities will inspire Ivana’s future artistic endeavours.