Cups, vases and porcelain jewellery: In her work Beguš focuses on making everyday objects. Inspired by waves, shells and sand, she creates objects with free forms and no hard lines. Beguš is more than just an artist; she is a guardian of tradition who teaches ceramics, proving that the deepest beauty often lives quietly in our daily rituals.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live and work in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
Long strolls indeed relaxe me, so I have some of my favourite routes, throughout my neighbourhood where I usually go. Also I love local markets and just watching the people there, flower shop most of all.
©Remi Jouan, Skadarlija, bohemian quarter of Belgrade, Serbia, adjusted colours, CC BY-SA 3.0
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
There is a lot of pressing political, economical and social issues, although it looks like some small but significant steps towards positive change were made.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years— and what has not?
We are overflowing with creative people and small creative businesses, with a great number of female owned businesses. With every step you can find handmade products of all kinds, which lead to many handmade and crafts and arts festivals.
©Zemun, Belgrade, BrankaVV, Kalemegdan, Belgrade Fortress, Adjusted colors and saturation, CC BY-SA 4.0
© Belgrade, BrankaVV, Kalemegdan, Belgrade Fortress, CC BY-SA 4.0
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
There is really a lot to recommend here, from food to clothes. So I will make my list of creatives that I own, or I would choose to buy gifts from.
— handmade scuplted candles by Ijada Studio
— silk kimonos by Marrosewear
— embroidered clutch bags by Ganka
— porcelain jewels from my colleague by Vodopija jewels
— beer by Kabinet brewery
— small cakes by Koki Kafa
But there is also a lot to experience here and you can find workshops and classes of any kind.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
We have certainly a variety of restaurants, and we are well known for food and coffee shops. So recommendations would be—Tisa New Balkan Cuisine, Tata Mata konoba for sea food lovers, Azbuka, Homa Bistrot, Toro Latin Gastro Bar, and they are all well known among the citizens.
©Toro Latin GastroBar
©Kabinet Brewery
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
We have a lot of concept stores that includes Serbian designers, makers and artists of all kinds —and that solely is unique and special.
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
— Instagram (for my business)
— Pinterest (for inspiration)
— Landing (for collage making)
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
I read daily N1 portal for general information and issues.
©Crkva_svetog_St. Mark’s Curch, Belgrade. Belgrade, Petar Milošević, Crkva svetog Marka, Beograd (St. Mark’s Church, Belgrade), Adjusted colors and saturation, CC BY-SA 4.0
Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?
It is a big question as the changes are needed.
One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?
Mallorca, Spain.
© Courtesy of the artist
© Courtesy of the artist
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