Marija says “The transition to traditional art happened unexpectedly. While visiting a friend’s studio, I started experimenting with paint and found myself captivated by the process.”
Fusing abstract expressionism and intentional design, Marija Basic’s work is both spontaneous and considered. The looseness of her brushstrokes and fluid use of mediums capture raw emotion and energy. The duality of her artistic approach results in varied works that can be simultaneously free-flowing and structured. Some pieces may lean towards raw expressionism, while others showcase a more deliberate composition. This range allows Marija to create diverse art that suits various environments while maintaining a cohesive artistic voice.
From corporate grind to creative freedom, Marija made art her full-time career after two decades working in project management and marketing. With a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Design from Swinburne University under her belt, she was well equipped to take the leap from office life to artistic exploration.
“My journey from the corporate world to art has been one of continuous evolution, guided by creativity and a deep understanding of design principles,” Marija explains.”Digital art was my first love and remains a key part of my work. The transition to traditional art happened unexpectedly. While visiting a friend’s studio, I started experimenting with paint and found myself captivated by the process. Over the years,
I developed a passion for abstract painting, discovering it as both a creative outlet and a way to unwind.”
This organic shift from digital to traditional mediums allowed Marija to explore different aspects of creativity, with her background in multimedia design providing a strong foundation in visual communication, which she has since combined with self-taught painting techniques. “Today, my artistic approach blends digital precision with the spontaneity of traditional painting,” she continues. “It’s a unique combination of my formal education and personal artistic exploration, resulting in work that bridges both digital and traditional art forms.”
Marija’s professional artistic endeavours began with the creation of custom artworks for designer interiors, where she would experiment with various display methods including printing art on homewares. Today, her practice covers both corporate and residential spaces. “I create warm paintings for homes and sleeker aluminium or Perspex pieces for public areas, always prioritising the client’s vision,” she shares. “A
recent project for a Melbourne hotel (Rydges) showcases this versatility — I produced Perspex works for all 20 corridors and an original painting for the lobby.”
Combining traditional and contemporary techniques, Marija generally starts with acrylic or polymer-based paints and inks on canvas, using thick mediums for texture and pouring mediums for fl uidity. She often embellishes pieces with gold or metallic powders for luminosity. “After completing the physical painting, I transition to digital,” she elaborates. “I photograph my work and use digital programs to edit and manipulate images, creating multiple layers to achieve desired eff ects. Collaboration with local printing companies allows me to explore various materials such as acrylic sheets and aluminium, presenting my art in unique, contemporary formats.”
With a penchant for muted colours, Marija’s work typically features a limited palette with one or two feature tones. Browns, greys, charcoals and calming blues, as well as gold and warm sandy colours, are among her go-to hues.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Marija has recently begun exploring animation, creating abstract videos that add movement to her work. This multi-faceted approach allows her to create visually striking and technically innovative pieces, constantly evolving her practice to embrace new mediums and technologies.
Looking to the future, Marija dreams of opening a gallery, not just as a space to showcase her own art, but as a platform to uplift and support other artists. “I would also really love to see how immersive art experiences can transform lives and improve health and wellbeing,” she adds. “I am currently researching the correlation between art, memory and wellbeing and would love to one day see it help others.”