As an artist, I paint people and objects as I encounter them in daily life. I don’t arrange elaborate scenes or pose models; instead, I observe and interpret spaces and moments as they naturally emerge. My sketchbooks are filled with quick studies—graphite lines, ink washes, and watercolor impressions—that capture the fleeting vitality of life’s moments. These sketches act as reminders, charged with energy and presence. It is this vitality, this life force that animates the world, that I am drawn to and strive to express in my work.

I find inspiration in the quiet stillness of ordinary objects on a table, the subtleties of human interaction, the contours of landscapes, and the movements of bustling crowds. My work seeks to peel back the layers of distraction and dullness that often settle into perception, uncovering the vibrant, responsive presence of the world around us.

The creative process for me is deeply personal yet universal. A dinner with friends, filled with warmth and connection, might inspire a series of works in various mediums. Moments of sorrow often lead me to seek beauty and transcendence, sometimes resulting in paintings that emerge from the softened ache of a broken heart. My work layers meaning beyond mere representation—emotions and tensions, dynamics and inquiry—manifesting as joyful play or as the raw energy of conflict and release.

From my earliest training under Nikola Reiser, a poetic artist who encouraged me to find my own voice, I’ve been committed to the fundamentals of painting: pigments, supports, and techniques. Even before I began painting, I spent years grinding pigments, stretching canvases, and preparing surfaces, building an intimate relationship with the materials. When I finally began to paint, it felt as though a river had broken through its banks.

Over nearly half a century of painting, I have explored many styles and subjects. Whether figurative or abstract, my work is rooted in authenticity, striving to honor the universal creative energy that connects us all. Painting is a dialogue—between myself and the canvas, between intention and improvisation. This dynamic interplay is what ultimately shapes each finished piece, inviting viewers to form their own connection with the work.

For me, art is a dance with the ever-changing world—a response that remains fluid and dynamic. While much can be said about technique or style, it is this search for authenticity, freedom, and openness that keeps me painting.

Through my still lifes, portraits, cityscapes, and landscapes, I aim to capture the moments that have touched my life, resonating with the shared experiences of all human beings.

Tatjana Krizmanić
Brooklyn, NY, 2024