Interview
Mila Veljac'a / Plaickner
Mila Veljacá / Plaickner was born in Croatia and now lives as a freelance painter in Austria, Vorarlberg. She had art training in Vienna, Salzburg, Stuttgart, Croatia, Greece.
Her work deals with life, and the people within. It's often banal subjects that peak Mila’s interest, such as everyday situations and encounters / situations that happen.
Mila draws her inspiration from films, dialogues and books - which are implemented in her paintings, which consist mostly of oil paintings on canvas, as well as works on paper and oil paint on wood panels.
Her working with art is accompanied by the process and is intuitive, with chance and spontaneity being an important tool. The human being is in the foreground. Mila’s paintings always have unfinished accents and details that she consciously leaves as they are - to allow the work process to be recognized.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born and raised in Croatia. As a child, my school teacher always praised me very much for the drawings and works I would make. That was the beginning of my introduction into art.
But my journey into the art world began much later. When I was 13, we moved to Austria. It was very clear that I had to attend a ‘normal’ apprenticeship, so that is what I ended up doing.
At the age of 20 I started to take my drawing and painting more seriously, while still having a normal office job. I attended different art academies, everywhere from Vienna, to Stuttgart, Croatia etc. Art never let me go. It became my life.”
What inspires you most?
“Life, including my own, and the people around me. But also dialogues from books, film scenes and everyday situations. I am also inspired by nature, my feelings, other people's feelings, moods, happiness and sadness. Everything inspires me.
I love to take photos, and this often results in excerpts for a topic. Spaces, people, stories inspire me a lot, as well as the world of colors that I encounter everywhere.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My theme is life itself; the human being.
It could be something bizarre, or just as commonplace. It's all good the way it is right now. That's what I make my art from.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is figurative, sometimes whimsical - a mix of abstract figuration.”
Which artists influence you most?
“De Kooning, Cecily Brown and John Mitchell.”
What is your creative process like?
“My process is not always the same. In the beginning there is an idea - I need that too. Rarely, if at all, do I pursue that goal to the end.”
“My painting is very influenced by the process; I am always ready to discard my idea, and the picture often shows me another possibility. I often work with chance and also with ‘mistakes’ that have happened. Very often the restlessness in the picture is important for calm to occur.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Art has always been there - I'm sure art will always be there. The art, the artist, and so much that results from that!
Art creates feelings, moods - it excites, it reconciles, it brings calm but also unrest. Art stirs up and makes people very happy. Art can heal and bring peace.
Art has always been like this: as we evolve, the role of artists will remain virtually unchanged.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“These are some that come to mind:
2021 Studio exhibition, Götzis, October 23,
2021 Künstlerhaus Thurn & Taxis, Bregenz, May 15 - June 27,
2021 Cuba Art Association Wasserburg Lindau, May 29 - June 20,
2020 Kuba Kunstverein Wasserburg Lindau, June 2020,
2020 NEUEART 20, Dresden, January 2020,
2019 KOSMOS Theater, Dornbirn, September 11 - October 5,
2019 CUBA Kunstverein Wasserburg Lindau, April,
2019 MIRANDUM Feldkirch. 12 - 14 April,
2019 ART Innsbruck, Gallery - le-art, 17 - 20 January,
2018 Künstlerhaus Thurn & Taxis, Bregenz, 23 November 2018 - 6 January 2019 exhibition for members,
2018 Gallery Inspire Art, Dresden,
2018 Götzis, 4G, ray of hope, April,
2018 CUBA Kunstverein Wasserburg, April,
2017 CUBA Kunstverein Wasserburg, April,
2017 Thurn & Taxis artist house, Bregenz.”
