Tara Milenkovic

Transcribed by Hannah Tong

Grade

Mediums

Drawing, Watercolor, Digital Illustration and Photography

Classes Taken at Harriton

IBVA HL, Communication Design

Self Introduction

For many people, I'm just this small hobbit (under 4’6):) that exists at school, but it turns out that I am an IB student who has been a part of Harriton's art community since 9th grade. Mainly, I make art to escape the world or be in the zone. I also use it to express my thoughts and connect with others.

Interview

Art Focused Questions:

What's your favorite medium to create with?

I like 2D art, usually. I always start with drawing. Sometimes I turn it into a digital illustration, and sometimes I play with Photoshop. I like comic art styles and the idea of using art not just to create a picture but a whole story and how the images combine to create a story.

Who are you favorite visual artists?

What was it like working with watercolor?

Usually, it is full of complaining and getting annoyed, but I secretly love the way watercolor works.

Where do you derive your inspiration and how does that affect your art?

I usually take inspiration from my daily events, things I see outside when walking in the city, and these simple moments. I would just notice someone walking who looked like they were wearing something interesting, and then I would come up with a story in my head and make an artwork out of it.

What is your favorite quote?

"The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been hidden by the answers" -James Baldwin

I don't know much about him and haven't read anything from him yet, but I liked the quote:)

I don't know who said it, but I also like this one: "You live most of your life inside your head. Make sure it's a nice place to be."

I make art mainly because it makes my head a "nice place to be." By doing so, I can uncover the "questions that have been hidden by the answers," which helps clear my head or solve a problem I was having.

What is your sustained investigation or IB thematic exploration?

For my IBVA, my common thread was identity. This was an accidental thing. I started experimenting with human fears, the fear of forgetting things or trying new things. Then it manifested into my personal fears and mental health stuff. So yeah, it's a psychological part of my identity.

Is there a reason you did that as your theme?

That's a good question. I just, again, was inspired by random stuff that I saw. Once, I saw a chess board in the store, and it reminded me of my grandpa and how he used to teach me to play chess . But then, when he passed away, no one else in my house was going to play chess. Then it got me thinking: I'm scared of being unable to play chess anymore. After that, I went back to chess and played online. That's when I understood I wanted to go in that direction.

How do you plan on continuing your art and incorporating it into your life?

Previously, I never thought about continuing art, mainly because I happen to be the sole artist in my family, which makes it hard to get support in the first place. When applying to colleges, I did not consider art as a major, but being a part of the National Art Honor Society at school, I realized I could pursue an academic career while using art to help the community. As of right now, I am planning on joining art-related communities outside of school and maybe even creating an art channel to motivate myself to keep making art.

What advice do you have for students who want to be involved artistically, but are unsure if they can fit it into their schedules in and out of school?

One of the main things is to keep a sketchbook and collect trash that you think is interesting or make doodles of things that come into your mind, things you see. Even for professional artists, I think the sketchbook is a very good place to experiment with different mediums. Compile all your ideas, and no one will really judge what you're saying there. It's just you with your space to find out what you want to do.

Speed Round:

What’s your taste in music and/or what do you listen to while you’re creating?

I mostly listen to international artists but also like jazz and alternative music.

If you could have one wish granted by a magical being, what would it be and why?

To understand all languages. Language is one of the best ways to connect to people. Whether you are from the same place or have a shared language you can communicate in, it makes it easier to understand one another verbally and culturally.

What is your favorite food?

Instant ramen because I am lazy and it's easy to make:)

Favorite drink/coffee/tea?

Depends on the time of year. In summer it’s Epsa (Greek soda) and in winter it’s hot chocolate.

Favorite Pizza or ice-cream/frozen yogurt Topping?

Poppy seed ice cream

Favorite Animal?

An octopus.

Favorite Song?

Silence in My Head by LPS

Favorite Color?

Gray because it is boring but sophisticated:) It just has this invisible vibe that makes me feel like I can get away with anything:)