Interview
Ludwina Dautovic
Ludwina Dautovic, a self-taught artist based in Melbourne, Australia, embarked on her artistic journey at the age of 50. With over three decades of business experience, she seamlessly blends her commercial acumen with her creative passion to produce captivating artworks. Her journey from a successful entrepreneur to a bold, expressive artist is a testament to her dedication and transformative spirit. Ludwina's art is characterized by its bold textures and vibrant color palettes, employing mediums such as oil, charcoal, soft pastel, and watercolor. Each piece she creates is a tactile experience, inviting viewers to delve into layers of emotion and meaning. Her work is not just a visual feast but a narrative exploration, capturing the depth and complexity of untold stories. Her tagline, “Paintings the stories untold,” reflects her commitment to expressing profound emotions and narratives through her art. Ludwina's pieces are versatile, available in various sizes to suit different spaces, from intimate home settings to public venues and galleries.
A notable highlight of her career includes painting a portrait of French Italian actor Gilles Marini, known for his roles in “Brothers and Sisters,” “Sex and the City” and “Dancing with the Stars.” Additionally, Ludwina has enriched her artistic journey through an artist residency with renowned Australian landscape artist Marian Rennie, further honing her skills and expanding her creative horizons. Having recently sold a painting to a notable businessman and art collector, Ludwina continues to gain recognition in the art world. Her home gallery offers a personal space for in-person viewings, while her Instagram following of 5,000 showcases her dynamic process and connects her with a broader audience. Ludwina Dautovic's art is a journey of self-discovery and expression, inviting all who encounter it to experience the stories she so passionately brings to life.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Art was an accidental discovery for me. While raising capital for my company, I needed a distraction to keep me balanced. Meditation didn't work as my mind would move towards solving problems. Art, which I had never pursued, seemed worth a try. To my surprise, my first piece, a portrait of my son, revealed some talent I didn't know I had and to this day it remains my favourite piece. So, at 50, I passionately dove into art. I manage my tech company by day and paint in the evenings and on weekends. My journey in the art world has been a beautiful evolution of self-discovery and storytelling, allowing me to merge over 30 years of business experience with my artistic talent to create pieces that tell my stories and resonate with my buyers.”
What inspires you?
“I'm deeply inspired by the stories and emotions that connect us as humans. I'm continually amazed by our resilience and what we can endure. Strong images in nature, like the ocean and robust forests, also captivate me. There's a power and strength in the natural world that draws me in. As I reflect, I realize it's really about strength and resilience in both nature and the human experience.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I gravitate towards strong contrasts of light and dark, especially in my monochromatic portraits and figure work. This stems from my journey as a bi-racial woman, not feeling black nor white but somewhere in between. My art aims to decorate a space while telling a story and evoking emotion. I don't overthink each piece; I decide what I want to paint and immerse myself in its essence while painting. My best works often come when I think the least.”
How would you describe your work?
“I'd describe my work as bold and dynamic, deep and evocative. I express this through textures, mediums and brush strokes. Each piece is a journey of exploration, using materials like charcoal, acrylic and then oil to convey depth and emotion. My paintings are often abstract, inviting personal interpretation and encouraging viewers to find their own stories within the art.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Andre DeJardins, a French Canadian artist, captivated me the moment I saw him on YouTube. His emotional intensity and focus as he applies and manipulates pigments with bare hands and brushes to create hauntingly beautiful faces draws me in. He inspires me with my portrait and figure art. I'm also captivated by Dietmar Woelfl, a German abstract artist, whose use of bold lines, texture and his use of space amazes me. it’s a true gift to know how to abstract and engage at the same time.”
“I gravitate towards strong contrasts of light and dark, especially in my monochromatic portraits and figure work.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is both intuitive and deliberate. It often starts with what mood I’m in that day, whether I want to think deeply or just be playful. Running my company often leaves me mentally exhausted, so I prefer not to engage in something complex after work. I usually have several pieces on the go and all at different stages. Sometimes, I feel like starting something new, other times I tackle a challenging middle stage, or I might be in the mood for detail and finishing touches. I go with how I feel.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Art is simply art and a creative expression of the artist. If someone else enjoys it and feels compelled to buy it, it transforms into something else. It becomes an emotive piece that holds meaning for someone else. This creates a twofold gift: first to the artist who created it and then to the beholder of the artwork who is inspired by it.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“A recent highlight was participating in the Show your Westside Art Prize and Exhibition, where I had the honor of selling my piece titled ‘Somewhere in Between.’ The buyer was the primary sponsor of the event and a notable businessman and art collector. This experience not only validated my work but also connected me with a broader audience. Exhibiting my art in public spaces and engaging with viewers has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to share my stories and connect with others on a deeper level.”
Website: ludwinadautovic.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/artbyludwina
