Artists in Conversation: Bubble Beanie
About the Artist
Bubble Beanie is an illustrator currently based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With a deep-rooted passion for retro and vintage aesthetics, her work is a combination of nostalgia for bygone times, reflection on the present, and her place in it.
Her work was featured in our group exhibition ‘Synergy’. These pieces, however, mark a significant departure from her previous work, reflecting the profound impact of her experiences as a migrant forced to leave her home country due to challenging political circumstances.
Q&A
Q: What inspired you to be an artist?
Answer
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. Since early childhood, I’ve always been coloring, drawing, and painting something. However, I initially treated it more as a favorite hobby and did not immediately choose it as my professional path. I began to professionally engage in art and illustration later, making a conscious choice to pursue commercial art about five years ago when I was already an adult. My path isn’t easy but worth it.
Art Style
Q: Your past work is heavily influenced by retro & vintage aesthetics.
What initially drew you to these styles, & how have they evolved over time in your illustrations?
Answer
My obsession with illustration began with children's books and matchboxes. These are my two big childhood loves)) As a professional illustrator, I am inspired by mid-century constructivist art posters and the humble book illustrations of Miroslav Sasek.
I still favor a retro palette and a conventional approach, often using textures and overlay effects to simulate layers of paint.
Art Style Experimentation
Q: How does your work in our current exhibition ‘Synergy’ differ from your previous work?
Answer
My works for Synergy are more experimental; they contain a lot of personal reflections and accents that are unusual for me. However, I still emphasize form and color.
‘Prisoner of Conscience’
(Digital artwork, Mixed media, 16x16 inches)Art Impact
Q: What conversations or reflections do you hope your art sparks in those who experience/view it?
How do you hope your art will impact your audience on a personal or societal level?
Answer
I would say that my works are quite literal, and I value the opportunity to express my feelings through my illustrations. I want the viewer to feel my joys, pain, suffering, and happiness. I present color and form as a part of my narrative, like an emotional colorful diary of someone who cannot always speak openly and out loud for various reasons.
'Propaganda'
(Digital artwork, Mixed media, 16x16 inches)Creative Process
Q: How do you approach new projects, from concept to completion?
Answer
For me, emotion always comes first, followed by color. It’s as if I assign a shade to my experience. Only after that do I think about form and idea. I start by sketching out my feelings in color, then refine the shapes and concepts until the piece feels complete.
Challenges
Q: Have you encountered any significant challenges in your artistic career, particularly relating to being a migrant artist?
Answer
My style and the narrative of my personal projects have certainly changed a lot in the last two years as I moved between countries, hoping to feel more grounded. The subject matter has also changed. I believe my work has become more direct, mature, and honest.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Q: Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Answer
Never give up.
Latest Projects
Q: Could you share details about your latest projects & any current exhibitions?
Answer
I’m proud to have been selected for @ilustrofest (www.ilustrofest.com) 2024, a major illustration festival in Serbia, where I am currently based.
Below are my selected works: 'Life is a Game' and '2024 Wishes'
‘Life is a Game’
'2024 Wishes'