Vanja Fetahagic
"Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
About me:
My lifestyle is freedom and it is hard to settle. I thrive in the
contrast of old and new, of black/white and color, of truth and dare. Walking that fine line between crazy and ingenious excites me. I am passionately curious and I often find answers to my endless questions in my artwork.
I am a collector of books, boxes and other objects that speak to me. They inspire me to create, and creating is my life. I notice and appreciate beauty, excellence and skilled performance in all domains of life. Creativity is something I bring with me, no matter what I do. I create with love and from my heart and my imagination. My media changes but it seems my style is ever present and it evolves with each piece. Lunafish was born when I started making jewelry, some 15 years ago. The name comes from my love for the Moon (Luna) and because I am a Pisces (Fish).
A few years ago, I have ventured in to Art Journaling and collage work and slowly added my passion for mixed media to canvas. I can’t help but utilize my love and knowledge of Feng Shui in to my work. I love making boxes, cards, presents of all kinds and teaching all I know. My heart doubles in size every time someone tells me I inspired them. There is pure love threaded in each millimeter of my work, and I guess it is passed to those that have my art. Buyers of my art often say: “I have to have this piece. It speaks to me.” What a compliment! It seems that each piece, from jewelry to wall pieces, resonates with someone in some kind of magical way.
Others about my work:
“...with the whimsy and curiosity of a modern day "Alice in Wonderland"...Vanja recounts her journey through collage and mixed media. Vibrant colors, textures and prose...are all but bread crumbs left behind for us...clues to where her imagination has taken her.”
Julio Dwiggins
“I'm crazy about what you did in the background! Oh Vanja...your art is really good, and different. I see your own voice/style in it. The magazine cover is a HUGE accomplishment. That should tell you something. Keep creating and keep putting it out there for people. It is your gift to the world.”’
Teesha Moore (my collage teacher)
"I got to know Vanja two years ago in Switzerland. Straightaway we had a connection, we are both artists. What I like about her art is that it's one of a kind, very special and colorful! The paintings are either calming or make me feel happy due to their freshness and their messages. Vanja, keep on going, love it :)"
Sigrun Schönlaub
"I have known Vanja’s work and I can ultimately say - it's just magic energy that transforms into real changes! Her inspirations are like quantum physics - she makes something out of nothing and poof! Magic!!! Each piece she designs carries more than the creator's hand but her invisible message of inspiration."
Alexandra Couvaras
"Vanja’s jewelry is inspired and inspiring pieces of art handcrafted with love, integrity and positive intentions that clearly shine through. In utilizing artistic vision, feng shui principles, positive intentions and a dash of magick, Vanja creates each magnificent piece specifically filled with clarity, power and pure potential which resonates with each buyer in a certain, magical way. You know exactly which piece speaks to you and why and so will others when you wear it. I personally am privileged to own three pieces and look forward to acquiring more."
Sheri Anderson
"Vanja ' s creative use of color and whimsical imagery truly speaks to the heart and soul. You could lose yourself for hours looking into each piece and be truly happy you did."
Christina Sandberg
"Vanja is a wonderful designer with unique ideas. She is an extraordinary teacher and takes pleasure on helping others learn design and shares a great deal of her own design knowledge."
Kelly Santich
“I’ve spent the last couple of weeks with Vanja. At my request, she has been passing along her vast mixed media knowledge. I would love to consider myself her apprentice but I think I’m more of an experimental learner.
Just by looking at Vanja you can tell she has the soul of a true artist. Her vibrant red hair and warm smile are very fitting and can put anyone at ease immediately. I am a “newbie” to the art world and, for me getting started can be the most intimidating part of being creative. I ask a lot of questions about her process.
Vanja first creates the background for the piece or for many pieces as the case may be. There are usually several backgrounds going at once waiting to be further developed as inspiration hits. The backgrounds on their own are almost frame-worthy, but the real fun begins once the conversation between background, medium, and artist has commenced. Layers are added to the backgrounds using different media. There are times where previous creations become part of new collages, adding yet another surprising detail to her work. Once the background and subsequent layers are done, Vanja embellishes the piece with pen work detail. This last part can at times be labor intensive and tedious, yet something tells me it’s one of her favorite parts.
When a work of art has as many layers as Vanja’s, how does she know she is done? It’s a sensation where she no longer needs to add anything; the piece simply feels complete.”
Carlos Mier
"Words that come to mind when I think about Vanja.....strong, determined, thoughtful, curious, observant, intuitive, creative, enthusiastic, energetic and a wonderful ally for any project. She brings these attributes to everything that she does, whether it is problem solving, an interior design project or a piece of beautiful jewelry."
Becky Sargent
"Vanja is an artist, a jewelry designer and certified feng shui consultant, who likes to dabble in witchy potions and spells too. She has a passion for helping others by creating beautiful things and with her special touch of magic, her designs are truly one a kind . Her intuitive nature makes her a great feng shui consultant, and she has an uncanny ability to pick up on the energy around her. She was born and raised in Sarajevo and came to the U.S. after the war etc....Having seen a not so beautiful side of humanity, she wishes to spread as much beauty as possible in this world through her divine gifts and talents. She is grateful for the many gifts life has given her, and is looking forward to the many more life will bring."
Veronica Honstein
"I get so many compliments wearing Vanja's jewelry. I have 5 or 6 pieces and now that she has her website running, I am looking forward to get a new piece (don't have to wait until next show). Beautiful and very unique!"
Biljana Salamunovic
About Vanja as a Feng Shui Practitioner:
"Vanja's training in architecture and interior design harmonize dynamically with her intuitive insights to uniquely enhance her skills as a feng shui practitioner. I have watched her serve clients from all walks of life, in all stages of development, with compassion and effective suggestions. Her spiritual focus is clear and bright for all her energy clearings. I highly recommend Vanja's services and actively seek her advice for my own feng shui questions as she helps me see from such a more vast, global point of view."
Trisha Keel
Feng Shui and Energy Master