The Hero’s Journey of Darko Stojanovic

What is the best thing that I love about my work?  I just love the feeling I get when I paint and draw. I feel zen, and I feel like I’m the ultimate power there, I can create the worlds and personalities as I like them to be. I just love infusing emotions into the characters I paint.
What is my idea of perfect happiness? A bright and sunny day, and me working on an oil painting on my balcony, under the shade of the grapevine canopy.
What is my greatest fear? I guess that would be an injury of my hands or eyes, stopping me from creating.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I can be bull – headed, so sometimes I slog through something instead of starting fresh.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? This is going to be quite a list, and I am bound to miss lots of important names. I admire Petar Meseldzija, Donato Giancola, Paul Bonner, Adrian Smith, Jesper Ejsing, Brom, Chris Rahn, Karla Ortiz, Dan Dos Santos, Greg Manchess, John Howe, Jean-Baptiste Monge, Iain McCaig, Paul Dainton and many others.
What is my greatest extravagance? I like spending everything I earn on travels, paint supplies and books. Spending every single penny on travelling is money well spent.
On what occasion would I lie? Perhaps if I needed to protect somebody with a lie, to save them from something unfortunate.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I have yet to make myself paint a background I like. I spend most of my time on creatures and characters, so my backgrounds are mostly very simple.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?  I guess that would be when I presented my painting of Yoda (my 2nd oil painting ever, painted when I was 19) to Petar Meseldzija, and he told me that I’ll grow up to be a good artist if I follow that way.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I would go back to my teenage self and told myself to draw more!
What is my greatest achievement in work?  My solo gallery show at The house of king Petar of Serbia, back in 2016. It was the largest opening night they remember, and I was so grateful for all the people who were interested in my paintings of medieval monarchs and warriors.
What do the words ‘The Financial Freedom to Create’ mean to me? Living solely on painting (which I already do), and being able to spend half of my time painting personal stuff (I have yet to achieve that).
Where would I most like to live? I live in Belgrade, and I would like to live here in the future – with frequent trips to other countries.
What is my most treasured possession? Cavalry saber of my great – grandfather, and the pocket watch my grandpa gave me.
What is my most marked characteristic? People say I’m charming and outgoing, and I love talking to people and sharing the positive vibes.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I love the Kalemegdan fortress, it’s got the best view in the city, especially during the sunsets.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? I love the restaurant called Djerdan, it’s got awesome food and drink.
What books influenced my life and how? When me and my brothers were kids, grandma had started reading to us, starting with Treasure island. Then my parents read me The Hobbit, and I was hooked – fantasy, swords, pirates and heroes became my world. Also, I love The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.
Who are my favorite writers? I admire Tolkien, Robert Jordan, Terry Pratchett, G. R. R. Martin, Frank Herbert, Ivo Andric, Mesa Selimovic, Pearl Buck, John Steinbeck, J. K. Rowling, Colleen McCullough and many others.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? I guess I would like something uplifting and serene. Mozart or Strauss would be my pick.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn. I like his human nature and very human struggles, despite his almost divine powers.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My parents and grandparents, my brothers and my friends, and my art role – models.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? This is a tough one, I am not well – versed with movies. I guess I would recommend a documentary about nature, and the value of it.
What role plays art in my life and work? Art is my life. I went to a vacation last year, which was amazing. Yet, by the end of the second week, I started feeling profoundly depressed. As soon as I got home, I realized that I missed my paint supplies and painting and creating.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?  My parents. They support me on every single step of this art journey.
Whom would I like to work with in 2017?  I would like to work with my friend Nikola Matkovic (an amazing artist and a great friend), as we have a challenge booked for the 2 of us.
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017? All the people from my list above, and many more. I love meeting artists and sharing stories and learning from them.
What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on? I am currently in the process of making a portfolio based on traditional paintings, and I’m very much looking forward to every painting in the future. It’s solely personal work, between the commissions, so I can relax and paint whatever I like.
Where can you see me or my work in 2017? You can see me in Belgrade, around artsy gatherings and drink&draw events, and my work will be seen at the Book fair this autumn in several publications.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? As the wise Sir Terry Pratchett put it (to paraphrase it) – I will paint until they slam the coffin lid on me.
Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story? My friend Katarina Zlatic is a true creative hero, an amazing tattoo artist, illustrator, painter, Jedi master and a great person to hang around with.
How can you contact me?
You can contact me at my website or my facebook page.

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