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For almost a year Bojana had begun the process of isolating herself and most despairing of all had stopped painting altogether. Shortly after moving in with her brother she found The New Jersey Foundation for the Blind in Denville. On a whim she decided to take the art therapy class, not expecteing to gain any new artistic insights. However, this class brought back her creative urge and the other thriving students also inspired her. The experience at the school helped her adjust to her vision loss and dive into a whole new world of artistic possibilites. This included painting an ornament for the 2008 White House Christmas, tree as well as visiting Washington DC for the reception in honor of the other artists chosen from the 50 states. During this time Bojana was also a volunteer at The New Jersey Foundation for the Blind with the art therapy program. Later on she also began volunteering at St. Josephs School for the Blind in Jersey City. At the time they did not have an art teacher on staff, so she volunteered for the position. After a year and a half of creating projects tailored to each students needs, she was officially hired as the new art teacher. This on top of being awarded a citation for "public service" by Hudson County Cultural Affairs has made it a very good year for her!
On November 17th, 2011 Bojana received a kidney and pancreas transplant. The transplant was very successful and in her doctor's words,"she is doing phenomenal.". Now having more time which is not taken up with dialysis, constantly checking blood sugar and taking several insulin shots a day, she has burst back onto the art scene at full speed! Since her three months of restriction from going out in public due to her suppressed immune system, she has had five new art shows scheduled. With her new found energy she has been able to do more with the community, reach larger numbers of people with her art, and of course create tons of new and exciting art pieces. Shortly after her recovery period News 12's "On the Scene" reporter John Bathke came to do a follow up interview to the one he did after Bojana had gone to the White House. Bojana has two big events coming up, one in April and one in May. The first one involves her giving a speech and exhibiting her art at NJCU for their People's With Disabilities Month celebration. The second is an art exhibit for her students from St. Joseph's School for the Blind, in collaboration with Hudson County Cultural Affairs.
Co-owner, Frank Cupo, of La Guardiola pizza restaurant in Bayonne, NJ, where one of Bojanas murals is displayed says of the piece, Bojanas artwork always gets a lot of attention and comments in our restaurant. Sometimes people come here just to see her artwork or they heard about it from a friend or neighbor. It draws people in from the outside and fascinates with its uniqueness. I have great respect for her as an artist and I know she will go far because she is a great talent.
Her next challenges include completing another mural in Bayonne and one in Jersey City, as well as getting a kidney transplant, which she is hoping to get after she has finished the murals! All these health issues affect Bojana's artwork in some dark ways, but also in some insightful ways. Bojana says, "Through all of this I've learned there is always a way to find hope and to turn the light on in the dark, you just have to find the switch."
Bojana graciously took the time to answer some of our questions about her health, art and charity work.
What advice would you give to someone with diabetes?
What I found has helped me most with any of these "struggles" is my family and friends. I'd say keep them close, talk to them about how you are feeling and this may sound strange but practice patience with them. In my experience and with many others I have spoken to, loved ones tend to want to do everything for you, or they fear constantly for your safety. Do not lose who you are, your independence and strength because you are afraid or your family is afraid. My advice is it's better to learn to get to the grocery store alone, than to never feel like you have the strength to depend on yourself. There are so many organizations, support groups and other people in a similar situations who can help you retain this very important element.
Also, take what life has given you and make the best of it. You can mold your life however you want. It just takes hard work and time. If you have the will to do it and you believe in yourself other people will respond to that. People may not understand how you could do a certain thing because you have a disability, but then you can show them. How many times do you think I've heard, "How can you paint if you are legally blind?"
How can a young artist find their style, or niche, and what organizations would you recommend that helped you with your art career?
To find your style in whatever medium it is, you have to do, do, do! Paint, draw or sculpt everyday until what you do is a part of your personality. With time you won't have to worry about the technical aspects and you can just focus on what you want to express. Go to museums, galleries and "do it yourself" artshows to gain inspiration from other artists who interest you.
For young artists, find out about art programs in your school. I started in the ATC program at P.S. 6 here in Jesey City and went on to participate in the VPA high school program connected with NJCU. The New Jersey Foundation for the Blind has an amazing art program for adults who are visually impaired or blind. I don't know where I would be without that organization! They have given me a great deal of support and inspiration. The number of organizations in New Jersey for young artists is amazing, but don't forget to also learn from your friends and family! There is inspiration everywhere. Maybe your mom has a painting in the attic or uncle Nick likes to draw in his spare time. So ask them how they do things and learn how they got inspired.
You mentioned a new direction in your art. Can you give us an idea of what we can expect.
Most of my work has some kind of text in it, but these newer pieces contain a lot more layered text. What I write starts off small and in script, then I put a larger layer on top of that. Finally I have taken a large brush and slapped a couple words from my initial thought on the piece. The images that I'm using have a painted, thick scar running down their torso, representing my kidney/pancreas transplant. I think there is still a lot of developing left to go but the work will always be communicative, intimate and expressive.
What have you been up to lately in your career and how is your recovery coming along?
I had to wait for three months after the transplant to be able to mingle with the public because of my suppressed immune system. Febuary was the last month of my quarentine and in March I participated in five group shows in spaces like Shampoo JC, Jersey City City Hall, Arthouse Productions, Rotating Galleries and LITM. Coming up on April 19th I will be exhibiting and auctioning artwork for the American Conference on Diversity at NJCU. The next day I will be presenting a speech and showing my art for NJCU's Peoples With Disabilities Month event. Also coming up shortly News 12 New Jersey's "On the Scene" will be airing an interview with me, so you can check my blog at bojanacoklyat.blogspot.com for that! On May 24th there will also be a show featuring the artwork of my students from St. Joseph's School for the Blind at The Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City.
Suffice to say, the recovery is going really well! I have more energy than ever and I just have a feeling that anything is possible. My doctors at St. Barnibus have been so amazing and supportive, not to mention the nurses and other staff as well! They are very happy with how I am recovering and I plan to keep it that way!
You are very inspirational. Do you plan on speaking to young people about your experiences and giving them advice about maintaining health or pursuing their art?
At The New Jersey Foundation for the Blind I have spoken many times to varying groups including high school students. I also had a chance to speak to some high school volunteers at St. Joseph's School for the Blind. I didn't speak specifically about art or health, but I told my story and I can only hope they took from my advice is that you should take care of yourself and follow your dreams whatever they are.
In my classes, and in my everyday life, I encourage people to pay attention to their health and keep their creative spirits alive.
On April 20th at NJCU I will be speaking to a crowd including college students and my message will be in part about going after what you want whether it is art or otherwise. If the opportunity came along to speak more directly to young people about their health or art I would definitely be inspired to do so!
What are some of your favorite new healthly recipes or health food products?
Well I discovered a red pepper hummus recipe which is nice because you have the protein from the chic peas and the antioxidents from the roasted red peppers. Ingredients include:
two 16oz cans of chic peas
1 juice from a whole lemon
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 a cup roasted red peppers
2 tblsp of tomato paste
2 tblsp olive oil
2 tblsp tahini
1 tspn red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
Drain the liquid from the chic peas and then throw the chic peas in a blender. Combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. You may need to add more tahini or olive oil depending on how you like it!
Also, I have found Special K protein bars are really great for a quick snack that holds me over until I can have lunch or dinner. I love the peanut butter ones the best!
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