We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aleksandra Scepanovic a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Aleksandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Embarking on a journey into the world of arts at age 52 was not just a decision—it was the culmination of a life rich with experiences, including my time as a war reporter in the Balkans, that shaped my perspective. If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change the timing of this pivot. My career as a war reporter, witnessing the profound impact of conflict on people and places, deeply influenced my understanding of human resilience and fragility. This perspective carried over into my work in real estate in New York City, where I learned to appreciate the stories embedded in spaces and the lives they contain. Both of these seemingly disparate professional paths allowed me to understand the intricacies of human behavior and the stories we build around them, which deeply informs my work as a sculptor today.

Starting earlier might have given me more years to refine my craft, but I believe that my work would have lacked the emotional depth and clarity it possesses today. The years I spent in the Balkans, and later in real estate, were crucial in shaping the themes of displacement, perseverance, fragmentation, and identity that are central to my sculptures.

Had I started later, I might have missed the opportunity to channel the complex emotions and experiences from those earlier chapters into my art. It took a tad over half a century of living through intense and transformative experiences to find my artistic voice, and I don’t think that voice would have resonated the same way had the years not piled up. My art is a reflection of all that I am, and I cherish the journey that brought me here.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Aleksandra Scepanovic, a sculptor based in Woodstock, NY, with a journey that has taken me from the war-torn Balkans as a war reporter to the bustling streets of New York City as a real estate professional, and now to the serene, reflective world of sculpture. My path to becoming an artist was unconventional, starting at the age of 52 after a lifetime of experiences that have deeply influenced my work.

My art is centered around themes of displacement, perseverance, and identity, often exploring the tension between wholeness and fragmentation. I work primarily in clay, creating sculptures that evoke the human experience in all its complexity. My pieces are often described as enigmatic and surreal, reflecting the dualities and contrasts that I’ve observed throughout my life—whether it was witnessing the impact of war, navigating the challenges of real estate, or finding my voice in art.

What sets my work apart is its raw emotional depth and the way it resonates with those who have experienced life’s trials and triumphs. I aim to create sculptures that not only capture the beauty of the human form but also the profound stories that lie beneath the surface. Each piece I create is a reflection of the resilience and fragility that coexist within us all.

I’m most proud of how my work speaks to people on a deeply personal level, offering a timeless perspective on the human condition. My art is not just about form; it’s about the emotional and psychological landscapes that shape our lives. I strive to create pieces that invite reflection and connection, offering a sense of shared experience and understanding. My journey, much like my art, is about embracing the complexities of life and finding beauty in the spaces between.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a deep desire to explore and express the complexities of the human experience. Having witnessed both the beauty and the devastation of life, I’ve come to understand that existence is a series of contrasts: resilience and fragility, wholeness and fragmentation, triumphs and losses. My mission as a sculptor is to capture these contrasts and convey the emotional landscapes that define our lives.

Through my work, I seek to create a sense of connection and reflection, inviting viewers to explore their own stories and experiences. I’m particularly drawn to the human capacity to endure and transform. My goal is to create art that resonates on a deeply personal level, offering a timeless perspective on the challenges and triumphs we all face.

Ultimately, my mission is to contribute to the broader conversation about what it means to be human. I hope my art serves as a reminder that in the midst of life’s fractures, there is a profound beauty and strength that emerges. It’s this exploration of the human condition that drives my creative journey and keeps me passionate about the work I do.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that success is measured by external validation or traditional milestones. For much of my life, I believed that achieving certain goals—whether it was in my career as a war reporter, in real estate, or even as a sculptor—was what defined success. This mindset was deeply ingrained, stemming from years of striving in high-pressure environments where accomplishments were often measured in tangible outcomes.

The backstory to this unlearning began as I transitioned into the world of sculpture. The creative journey is not about checking boxes or meeting societal expectations; it’s about self-discovery, expression, and the internal fulfillment that comes from creating something meaningful. The traditional markers of success—recognition, awards, or sales—are not the true measure of the value of my work.

Unlearning this belief was a gradual process, filled with moments of self-doubt and reflection. I had to let go of the need for external approval and learn to trust my own voice and instincts. The most profound realization was that success, for me, is found in the process itself—the act of creating, the exploration of themes that matter to me, and the connection my work fosters with others. This shift in perspective has not only liberated me as an artist but also deepened my sense of purpose. It has allowed me to embrace my creative journey with authenticity and passion, free from the constraints of conventional success. This lesson has been invaluable, teaching me that true fulfillment comes from within and that the journey itself is the greatest reward. Cheesy, perhaps, formulaic, most certainly, but undeniably true!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aleksandrasculpture.com
• Instagram: @atelierwdstk_hudsonvalley

Image Credits

All photos taken by the artist.