Person To Person: I live in Blackpool, I find it very inspiring... but wish public transport was better

Tell us about yourself;

I am a painter, illustrator, and craft artist deeply inspired by the simplicity and richness of everyday life. Whether I am sitting in a bustling café, riding on a bus, or browsing in a charity shop, I find profound beauty in the moments that often go unnoticed.

My work revolves around observing people and their interactions. I am trying to capture the essence of our daily lives and translate it onto canvas through bold acrylics and deeply evocative imagery. Art has always been my main language, a quiet truth spoken through drawing and painting for as long as I can remember.

My works explore woman as a space of stability, warmth, and endurance. She is the keeper of the hearth, the quiet axis of the home, a presence that does not seek dominance, yet without which a place loses its soul.

Where were you born?

Born in Knin, Croatia, I relocated frequently due to the 1990s conflicts, eventually spending most of my formative years in Belgrade, Serbia.

Where do you live?

I moved to Ireland in 2017. I currently live in Blackpool, Cork city. I find it very inspiring.

Family?

Happily married, stay-at-home mother of two primary school children, whom I am very proud of. While navigating life in a foreign country, far away from parents and family, can make finding time for art challenging, it only deepens my appreciation for these quiet and creative moments. My husband plays music, so is very supportive of my art as well. I’m happy to see my kids also show interest in the arts.

Best friend?

Besides my husband, there are a few special people in my circle, kindred souls who will recognise themselves in these words, I’m sure.

Earliest childhood memory?

While growing up in the beautiful region of Dalmatia, in Croatia, my grandparents had a vineyard and made their own wine. Every autumn, their house smelled of fermenting grapes, and there were always so many bees buzzing around, drawn to the scent of the wine. Back then, I used to wonder why people made wine and how anyone could enjoy drinking it… Later, I found out.

Person you most admire?

I really loved and admired my grandad, who lost his legs in a train accident, yet always found a way to remain useful and present for his family. Overall, I admire calm and thoughtful people the most, people who have hobbies and can enjoy solitude, reading a book or listening to music. People who don’t feel the need to impress or shock anyone.

Person who most irritates you?

No particular person at all times. I am often annoyed by ignorance when it comes together with arrogance and a complete lack of self-reflection.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

It was probably a low-budget summer holiday I spent with my husband (who was my boyfriend at the time) in Montenegro, staying at a friend’s holiday home. We would sit and sing on the beach by the sea, surrounded by close friends, and we would often fall asleep right there on the sand.

Life seemed so simple and easy back then… and if I look closely, perhaps it still is.

Favourite TV programme?

I don’t really watch TV anymore. There are so many channels out there, but I find very little content that is genuinely enjoyable. Instead, I prefer watching and listening to podcasts on YouTube. I follow several specific channels and usually play them in the background while I paint.

Favourite radio show?

I often listen to the UCC radio station. Sometimes, I catch part of a music programme in the afternoon that I really enjoy, although unfortunately I don’t know its name.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I make a twist on traditional Moussaka, adding mushrooms and using less meat, hopefully I don’t offend any Greek readers.

Favourite restaurant?

I don’t have one as I don’t eat out too often, but when I do it’s usually some Italian style restaurant and food.

Last book you read?

Anxious People, by Fredrik Backman.

Best book you read?

The Gambler, by Dostoevsky.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

The latest artist I discovered and fell in love with is Destroyer, and the album is Dan’s Boogie.

Favourite song?

Cinder And Smoke, by Iron & Wine.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I’d love to see Tindersticks perform live.

Do you have a pet?

We used to have a cat, but we had to give it away because of often moving and travelling. I grew up in a house with a dog, and we will definitely get a pet at some point in the future.

Morning person or night owl?

This has changed massively since my college days, so I would definitely consider myself a morning person now. Due to daily family obligations, I prioritise getting eight hours of sleep a night.

However, I still occasionally get carried away and stay up late, painting to quiet music in the background.

Your proudest moment?

Some difficult life chapters I have managed to survive, even though they were not easy. Each of them changed me completely. They shaped my personality and made me the person I am today.

Spendthrift or saver?

I am somewhere in between, as I shop often but from charity shops. You could say that hunting for hidden treasures in these shops is a genuine passion of mine.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

More trees, more parks, and better public transport.

What makes you happy?

Watching my kids grow, painting, reading and meeting people who are kind and have a good sense of humour.

How would you like to be remembered?

For my simplicity. Although I wouldn’t mind if, one day after II’ve left this dimension, people remembered me through my paintings as well.

What else are you up to at the moment?

At the moment, I’m preparing my first solo exhibition in Ireland. t will open on September 11 this year at West End Art Studio in Mallow. Everyone is welcome!

I will be posting updates on my Instagram profile (dva_put_meri_desingroom) closer to the date.