Artist in conversation: Hana Komel Nardin
“ my artistic journey has been marked by a constant exploration of styles”
Hana Komel Nardin, a young artist hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Slovenia. At just 23 years old, she has already embarked on an artistic journey going down a path of ceaseless exploration in design and illustration.
Hana's creative repertoire is diverse, encompassing not only traditional art forms but also ventures into the world of literature. Among her various creations is a children's book, a project aimed at stimulating imagination and fostering a love for art among the younger generation.
For Hana, art serves as a conduit for expressing thoughts and emotions. The act of transforming blank pages into captivating illustrations gives her a profound sense of freedom and boundlessness. It's an endless horizon, where her pencil is the compass guiding her to uncharted territories of creativity.
Her greatest aspiration as an artist is to share her work with others and forge connections through her creations. She believes in the universal language of art, its ability to transcend borders, unite people, touch hearts, and inspire minds.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
Ever since I can remember, art has been a part of my life. I picked up a pencil and started drawing at a very young age, and it quickly became my way of expressing my thoughts and emotions. When I dive into the act of drawing, I feel an incredible sense of freedom. There are no boundaries to what I can create through art, and that feeling is what drives me to keep creating. My artistic journey has been marked by a constant exploration of styles. From my earliest attempts to the present, I've been experimenting with different techniques. It's through this ongoing exploration that I discover new possibilities, refine my skills, and deepen the connection with my inner world.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
In my art, I aim to create pieces that are intending to bring to mind positive emotions and contribute to a sense of peace and love. I believe art has the power to inspire reflection and positive change, and it is this purpose that guides my creative process.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
Creating a 180-page interactive, different children's book/product has been a big journey, involving writing, illustrating almost every page of the book, designing and navigating various challenges. From the idea in the mind to production, it's an ongoing process. Overcoming challenges means for me, enjoying the journey, not taking challenges too personally, and having trust and faith that things will work out in the end.
How do you navigate the balance between self-destruction and re-creation as a way towards conscious Happiness?
Positive habits, embracing the change as a natural part of personal growth, maintaining a clear mind, and expressing myself through art and design...
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
I stay connected with other artists through social media, attending galleries and absorbing knowledge from others are some of my components of my artistic journey. While I engage in research for knowledge, my creative process is primarily driven by what I feel within myself. This approach allows me to create art that is personally meaningful and reflective of my perspective.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I respect people's opinions about my art. While everyone has something to say, I'm careful not to get too absorbed in others' opinions to the point of losing myself.
Staying true to my intuition is my anchor, guiding me in the creative process.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Artist's block is a natural part of the creative process. So, I just let it be. I usually find my way back to creativity by taking a break, by experimenting with new techniques, by reading a book, meditating... And often I realised that embracing the block can lead to unexpected and positive outcomes.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
Suuuuuuuper excited! 😊
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
At the moment, I'm simply going with the flow and creating what feels right.
And also sharing my work with others, making connections through my art, and staying true to my creative expression.