Gracija Grošić

You have degrees in both German language and literature, and art history. How does this academic background influence your artistic vision and your drawings?

Languages and art are my two greatest passions and for that reason they have a significant impact on the way I approach artistic expression and drawing – by encouraging exploration and refusing to limit myself. A dual-degree program itself opens up more career opportunities, but more importantly, the combination of art and language creates new possibilities in terms of creativity. These two fields do not exclude each other, rather they complement one another. Therefore, my academic education greatly deepens and stimulates my creativity, as it broadens my perspective and encourages me to see things differently, to connect ideas and elements that may initially seem incompatible or challenging. Boundaries often exist only in our perception, but not in reality, especially not when it comes to creativity.

Gracija Grošić | ŠKarpina (Scorpaena Scrofa) | 2020

What role does teaching play in your life as an artist? Do your students inspire you in any way?

As a teacher I strive to be a role model and inspiration for my students because I believe that at a young age, it is important for children to have support in the process of discovering themselves. In school, they don’t just learn; they also grow and develop as individuals. Today’s problem is that teaching has become a demanding job because new generations are changing just as quickly as the world we live in. I try to keep up with innovations and make the learning process interesting and educational, but always with a touch of creativity. I teach German, but I try to give my students tasks that combine language knowledge with creative expression – like creating projects where they add something of their own, something original and unique. I often give them starting ideas to help them begin, and it’s fascinating to see the whole process, how they gradually open up and put something of themselves into their work. I’m always surprised by how many different creations and ideas can come from the same initial guideline. My goal is to encourage students to be creative and to think outside the box. In return, I receive a colorful range of diversity, a sense of fulfillment and happy and proud students. There’s nothing better than that. My students often remind me that it’s important to stay childlike, to be honest and true to yourself, to explore the world and it’s the same when it comes to artistic creation.

Gracija Grošić | Spooning | 2025

You often explore the concepts of love and the sea in your drawings. Why are these two themes so central to your art?

As a little girl, I spent my summers by the sea, and now I can’t imagine a summer without it. I’m fascinated by its vastness, its power, and its depth, which hides a magical world of plants and animals. When I’m by the sea, I feel calm, and it fills my soul with peace and joy. I associate those emotions with love, which both calms and uplifts the soul. I believe that the concept of love is a universal theme present in all forms of art and an eternal source of inspiration for all artists, including myself. Love is one of the most complex and powerful emotions and I see it as something that drives and motivates us. It’s difficult to explain, but it becomes easier to express what we feel through drawings or any other form of artistic expression. Love is art, and art is my love.

Gracija Grošić | Stingray | 2020

Could you tell us more about your series “Sea animals” — what inspired you to create 33 drawings, and do you have a personal favorite among them?

Although numbers hold special importance and meaning for me, the number of drawings of the ‘Sea animals’ was actually predetermined by the space in my seaside house where the drawings are displayed. My personal favorite among them is ‘Turtle’. Besides being my favorite sea animal, it is also one of the first drawings in that series.

Gracija Grošić | You And Me Ice Skating | 2024

Your series “We” consists of 225 works. How did your personal experiences shape this project, and what kind of reactions have you received from viewers?

The “We” series of drawings is my way of expressing love. When I draw, I give myself completely and show my view of the world, my feelings, wounds, but also desires and dreams. I wanted to show how our experiences can be transformed into a new dimension through art and how moments can be brought to life and preserved forever in the form of drawings. It all began with a single piece, created simply to express my emotions at the time. But soon after, I started five more, which quickly grew into fifty drawings and the number kept rising, as I felt the need to express everything I was feeling. Viewers relate to these pieces too, because they evoke emotional responses, creating a shared space of feeling and reflection. “We” is all about love.

Gracija Grošić | Turtle | 2020

Blue is a dominant color in your art. What does blue personally symbolize for you beyond the meanings you’ve already shared?

For me, blue symbolizes infinity, freedom, beauty, depth, vastness and strength. It is the color through which I express my deepest emotions, mostly love. Blue is what calms, comforts, and gives hope.

Gracija Grošić | You And Me In London | 2024

You pay great attention to details in your work. What is your process like — do you start with a precise idea, or do the details grow intuitively while you draw?

I have a clear idea of the elements I want to draw, whether it’s a figure, animal, plant, or something else. Once I draw the main outlines, the details come intuitively. I have motifs that I often combine and repeat, but I don’t plan this in advance. Each tiny motif is special up close, but when viewed from a distance, details create a whole. I believe this is what makes my drawings interesting and it is something that reflects life philosophy – the little things are the most important.