What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I love the freedom I feel, every time I come to the studio and the peace it radiates, and all the creative energy it is filled with. The unpredictability of the entire painting process releases an energy in me that I cannot face anywhere else in such an honest and primal way, except when I painting. I see my calling as an artist as an opportunity to empower women with my paintings and share their strength, courage, boldness and the beauty of the soul they radiate. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to inspire and encourage other women by my example, and that it is never too late to try to achieve their dreams.
Perhaps most of all, in my work I love when my collectors see for the first time a painting they have purchased or a portrait they have commissioned. That indescribable happiness, joy and gratitude, filled with so much sincere love, gives my work real meaning and purpose.
In my work I also witness how art subtly changes me and makes me not only a better person, but also a more content and happier. Each new painting heals me and reveals to me countless other possibilities, and teaches me how to be brave and bold. I am grateful that my art brings joy to so many homes.
What is my idea of happiness?
Happiness is fulfillment from within and when I radiate peace and tranquility. When I have the opportunity to freely express myself in any way, through painting, speech, emotions or writing and to be supported in the authentic way I am. Happiness is the opportunity to grow, learn, develop and become a better version of myself with each passing day. Gratitude for the health I have and the love I receive.
Picture credits: Marija Kordić
What is my greatest fear?
My greatest fear is to not keeping promise to myself, that I will never give up on myself and that I will always listen to my intuition and nurture the child within me. Courageously walking in footsteps I have not yet walk and starting over as many times as necessary and trying everything I can until I exhaust all possibilities.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I have high expectations of myself, and sometimes it overwhelms me. It has taught me how to approach my daily tasks, to properly channel and utilize the energy I have. Bringing order and planning into my creative environment has balanced everything.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
I admire every person who makes a living from their art and nurtures their authenticity. Artists who inspire and bring a breath of freshness with their intellect, who develop and refine their values, and inspire and empower others with their precious experience.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
What I like least about my work is the lack of time I spend creating. I also don’t like perfectionism and when I don’t have the opportunity to indulge in the creative process freely and unencumbered due to short deadlines or certain conditions.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I am happiest when I see that my art and paintings can deeply touch people and make them happy. When even without a description of the painting, they can feel the energy it radiates and the deep message behind it. I was happiest with when I opened my Art Studio Sabina Čanić, which allowed me to make a living from my art and develop in many directions. It brought me business opportunities for which I am immensely grateful.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I wouldn’t change a thing now, because everything I’ve done so far has brought me to where I am now. But to believe in myself and my abilities when I was younger, maybe it would help me to realize myself as an artist earlier.
I would like to lower my expectations and focus more on my intentions. To braver and more open release my authenticity without fear.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
My greatest achievement is the courage and audacity to change my previous career and dedicate myself to my art career. Although I was aware that it would be challenging, I had no doubt that it was the only possible right choice for me if I wanted to live a happy, fulfilled and purposeful life. Among the projects, I would like to highlight the cover of Maja Prović’s book “Live consciously and not stressed” and the commercial I filmed for Badel d.d. and Korlat liqueurs and wines. I am also grateful for the People choice award I won at the 16 ProFutura exhibition in Poreč in 2023.
Korlat The Art of Spirit video https://www.instagram.com/p/C8CzVG4sX9G/
Bookcover, illustrations and my story in book by Maja Prović, Life & Mindfulness Coach
https://www.instagram.com/p/CyBDfdmoVFp/
Where would I most like to live?
I wanted to live by the sea, so twenty years ago I moved to Dubrovnik on the Croatian coast. I love the warmer climate and closeness to the sea, the air I breathe and being able to go swimming whenever I want. As I have moved several times and started over, I have realized that a destination is a place where I am happy. I would like to travel more and discover new places that I could merge with and enjoy. Closeness and being in nature are important to me, and although I love cities for the opportunities they offer, I am happy to visit them when necessary, but I am grateful for my life in a small town near Dubrovnik, surrounded by greenery and the singing of birds.
What is my most treasured possession?
The most precious thing to me is my health and the love of my loved ones. Having people around me who love and support me, is the most precious thing I could wish for. In addition, there is the freedom to make decisions and live in the most natural way for me. The ability to convey my spiritual world into my paintings and that they, as portals, can connect two worlds into one whole. Using elements of sacred geometry in my paintings, I can additionally fill the space and the observer with creative energy.
What is my most marked characteristic?
My most marked characteristic is my curiosity and courage to try new techniques and materials, as well as the ability to implement nature into my painting. So I started using rainwater, tea and red wine in my paintings, exposing them to the rain so that the raindrops would melt the ink and leave their mark. I also exposed my wet paintings to sub-zero temperatures so that the pigments of the paint, tea and wine would freeze on the paper and create fractals that would then become an integral part of the painting.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
The most inspiring place for me is always near the sea. To breathe in that beautiful sea air and feel the wind in my hair. I am fascinated by the sea in all its forms, gentle and calm, but also the stormy south wind that hits the shores. Nature itself is a source of miracles and an inexhaustible source of inspiration that I use in my paintings.
The most inspiring location in my city is not just one, but several. There are the city walls from which there is a beautiful view of the old part of the city. I also love the island of Lokrum, which is a kind of city park on an island where peacocks and rabbits roam freely and nature is enchanting, especially when it is summer heat.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
My favorite place in the city has changed over time, depending on what I’m looking for. Currently, it’s the Arsenal City Café, where I can have a drink with a view of the bustling rhythm of the city, but also have brunch. Since the café overlooks the city on one side, and the sea and the old city harbor on the other, I can enjoy both options. I love having lunch or dinner on the eastern terrace overlooking the sea, where I watch fishermen returning with their boats and their catch.
What books influenced my life and how?
There are several books that have influenced my life, depending on the age and period in which I read them. When I was a little girl, it was The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, which brought me closer to love, friendship and responsibility in a wonderful way. Then came The Seagull by Richard Bach, which taught me to follow my own passion and dreams. Hermann Hesse and the book Siddhartha turned me inward on a journey towards myself and the realization that love is the key. There’s also The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Croatian writer Vesna Krpotić. I enjoyed Ralph Waldo Emerson’s books immensely and they showed me a way to trust myself, to rely on myself and the depth of our connection to nature. With the help of Carl Gustav Jung, I learned how my subconscious works, what my dreams are telling me, and how my inner world is connected to the spiritual dimensions in each person.
The book Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes encouraged me to reconnect with my instinct and with my “wild” nature. It helped me to release my intuition, creative power and the timeless wisdom that we carry within. She helped me connect through mythological stories, with the power I carry within me and showed me a way to heal my own soul, and discover my own passion and creativity. The book The Field by Lynne Mc Taggart helped me understand that my consciousness plays a key role in creating my reality.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
I love music that goes deep into the soul like Ode to Joy by Beethoven and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. I definitely love songs that celebrate women like Respect by Aretha Franklin, I am every woman by Chaka Khan, I will survive by Gloria Gaynor, Girl on fire by Alicia Keys, etc.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Matrix and Neo in the main role, who by his example shows the path of self-knowledge and indicates that people have the power of choice, freedom of mind and action, and that true power is hidden within us. The Matrix encourages us to wake up from intellectual and spiritual hibernation and take responsibility for our own lives.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
In real life, my hero is my mother, who gave her all to make our lives better and to have more opportunities later in life. The countless sleepless nights and every time she put me in front of her to ease my pain and help me get through them more easily. I am immensely grateful to her for everything. She is my heroine, who designed a life for us that she herself never had the chance to have when she was a child. In everyday life, heroes are people who don’t give up, for whom honesty and kindness are imperative in life, as well as helping the weaker or helpless. Those who sincerely want to be a change in the world and make it a better place to live.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
Movies I would recommend to watch once in your lifetime are Pride & Prejudice, The Way We Were, The Bridges of Madison County, Out of Africa, Dead Poets Society, The Shawshank Redemption, Good Will Hunting, The Green Mile, Erin Brockovich, The Matrix, Avatar and What Dreams May Come. I learned something from each of them, but I also enjoyed the content.
What role play stories in my life and work?
Stories allow me to convey feelings and energy indirectly through my painting. They also help viewers better understand them. Somehow, I have always loved stories that introduce us to certain emotions, situations, and often draw attention to important and key things in our lives. I see them as an opportunity to convey a message, but also a lesson, in an indirect and unobtrusive way.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
“You are the storyteller of your own life” means that I am responsible for my own life and that with my decisions I can significantly influence how my life looks. If I don’t like it, then it’s up to me to change it. As I better understand my inner world, the story of my outer world changes. I notice that the stories I told myself in the past determine who I am today, and so everything I do, think, say and feel today builds the future version of me. It’s similar in art, every sketch, painting, trial and error, courage and daring tells a story about me and my work. The results themselves show me the direction in which my story will continue to develop.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My greatest fan is a person who supports me, believes in me, and encourages me. That’s a person who loves and accepts me for who I am.
Which people or companies would I like to work with?
As I paint my paintings with ink, a company I would be honored and happy to work with is Pelikan, especially their brand The Edelstein Ink with its exceptional collection of inks and fountain pens, named after gemstones. With elements of Sacred Geometry that I am using in my paintings they can complements my entire concept.
Fabriano have the large selection and quality of paper, different thicknesses, that allows me to manipulate a lot of water techniques when painting, but also drawing with a pen and I enjoy painting on it.
Faber-Castel is a brand that my grandfather used, and I use it today too. Their quality stands out from other brands, I am very satisfied with them.
Liquitex is the company from which I use everything from canvases, acrylic paints, brushes, mediums and everything is done very professionally and it is a pleasure to work with these materials.
Van Gogh is a brand that is indispensable when it comes to water colors and oil colors and it simply provides me with the security and quality necessary in my creative work.
Croatian companies Podravka and Franck are the companies whose teas I use to paint my paintings, but I also love to drink them because of their exceptional quality. Sensa.story.hr is a website whose magazines followed me from the first issue to the last, in which I still find inspiration today.
Since I participated in the Year of the Child and UNICEF’s “Children First” campaign almost 30 years ago by painting a greeting card for Ekos College, whose sales raised funds to help those in need, I would like to collaborate with UNICEF and make art for their greeting cards whose sales raise money to help children.
Hay House is a company I hope to collaborate with and to create an Oracle Card Deck.
What project am I looking forward to work on?
I am looking forward to working on a new collection of paintings that I am currently researching and gathering information for. Using symbolism and elements of sacred geometry, I will further empower them and connect two worlds through a portal of light, the one visible to us and the invisible one that we feel when we connect with our intuition.
Picture credits: Marija Kordić
Where can you see me or my work?
You can see more about me and my work on Instagram @sabinacanicart, on Facebook @sabina.canic.art, on LinkedIn @sabinacanic, and linktr.ee/sabinacanicart.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
The words “Passion Never Retires” mean that my passion that I live through art is alive and vibrant. It is an unstoppable force of creative energy that springs from me and flows into my works. Through an open heart, only love and creative energy emerge, which I communicate through my works.
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?
I know some wonderful and inspiring creative people who do amazing things, and some of them are Dodo Newman, Shira Shavit, Tamara Perusic, Jelena Martinovic, Chloe Douglas, Michelle Lloyd, Barbara Maheshwari, Tanja Dzido, Magda Milas and Alina Gishyan.
How can you contact me?
You can contact me by email sabina.canic.art@gmail.com or via social media,
Link to my portfolio: https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/sabina-canic
https://linktr.ee/sabinacanicart
https://www.instagram.com/sabinacanicart
https://www.facebook.com/sabina.canic.art
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinacanic
You are the storyteller of your own life and you can create your own legend – or not!