Cycling interview | Tea Jurisic (KVAR illustration)
Next cycling interview brings us Tea Jurisic, great artist who did illustrations for big brands, but also painted impressive murals. We know Tea for a few years because mostly because of great art and we notice her love for cycling, adventure and outdoors activities.
Hi, Tea! We know you in many roles – as a painter, illustrator, muralist, digital nomad, … However, how would you explain who Tea really is – at work, outside of work, in relationships with people?
Tea is terribly punctual and professional at work, she can’t stand not meeting deadlines because it puts more pressure on her than the client 🙂 I guess it’s a Capricorn’s personality, maybe… Privately, I’m relaxed. I like a good gathering and good wine, but it tires me out quickly. That’s why I like to spend most of my time alone, recharging my social batteries (haha)!
Your brand is KVAR illustration – why KVAR (Croatian for malfunction) and what does it mean to you?
KVAR arose in my imagination from the very beginning of college, when daily pilgrimages to pubs were normal. One night I was returning home via Drzic street through the thick fog and, of course, the little girl from the village got lost in the metropolis. The only moving light in the distance was an oncoming tram that I saw as a spa on a cold night… Until I finally saw the inscription “KVAR” (malfunction, breakdown), a very common occurrence on trams in Zagreb. The word seemed totally cool to me at the time and I decided I’d call something in the future that way. A beautiful memory from my student days.
You have been working on a lot of different projects lately, for many brands, at festivals… What would you single out as your favorite job or challenge? If you could choose, what would you do for the rest of your life?
Every new one is my favorite job, because each one is different and brings different challenges. I say this because with each new challenge I learn a lot – new techniques, new ways of dealing with people, how to be a professional, and where the border between personal and professional is. Even if the job leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, I always say that, in the end, it is a good school and an experience that will benefit me in the future.
If I could, I would be very mobile for the rest of my life and combine work with travel. I hope it will continue until the old days.
You are the personification of the so-called van life. How did you start and what is your favorite part of it?
I don’t call it van life, but “van kuće” (Croatian for “out of the house”) 🙂
Well, I happened to have a German boyfriend, and they’re known for their crazy love of camping, so it came naturally… At first I resisted because I’m stubborn anyway, thinking we’re going to kill each other in such a small space, but it turned out great. It took us some time to adapt, but for the 2nd year in a row we are traveling around Greece, Albania, Croatia, Germany… and next year we plan to explore Morocco. The favorite part of such a life is the realization of the beauty of this planet. I prefer to discover new places and new people, and I am guided by the thought “the unknown around the corner is what turns our wheels” (Heinz Stucke)!
On social media, we saw you cycling. How often do you ride and why?
Because diesel is insanely expensive right now, hahaha… I’m joking, of course. We have two bikes installed on the camper trunk and every time we catch a new spot, I do a tour around, exploring what can be seen in villages and remote locations. Greeks often have very demanding streets in small places, where cars barely go through – and they are fantastic for cycling.
I like to be outside and with the bike it is getting easier and more intense, while riding in the camper means not managing to see half of the things.
Which destination that you cycled at you remember the best?
The whole south of the Peloponnese, the most beautiful part is around the fantastic Monemvasia. Great roads, paths, just nature, the sun and me. Occasionally, there are a few cheerful villagers waving while we’re cycling next to their house.
What can we expect from you in the future?
The near future brings an exhibition in Split, a couple of beautiful walls to paint in Zagreb, Makarska and Split. And after that, who knows… I’m dreaming of a small house and land somewhere in silence, by the river, surrounded by animals and good friends. Of course, all spiced up with a lot of art!
Thank you Tea, hope to enjoy in your next adventures and hope to see you soon! 🙂
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