Dejan
Milenkovic

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I live in a small town of Predejane near Leskovac in the south of Serbia. This is also the place where I work.

Where is your studio located & how does it look?

My studio is located in the Municipality of Leskovac, more precisely Varošica Predejane. In the magical little town of Varošica, surrounded by beautiful nature, two rivers and clean air.

Are there any projects that are important to you personally, that you have recently completed or that you are still working on?

A project I recently completed is a triptych of the Orthodox Icon. On the closed side is the Icon of the Annunciation with the Holy Mother of God and St. Archangel Gabriel. While the opening of the triptych shows the Nativity scene, popularly known as Bozic. The work is wound to a depth of 3 mm with gilding of 24-karat gold in the form of gold leaves.

It is interesting that the nativity scene itself was composed by Hristivo from 3 icons in order to maximally represent the beauty of woodcuts. In this work, I tried to transfer all the knowledge, experience, and research in woodcarving that has lasted over 20 years into one work.

Do you have a favorite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

When I want to relax I usually go to the nearby Vlasina lake or countryside where I enjoy nature and the spirituality of many monasteries. At times I enjoy visiting the city of Leskovac and its museum and spending time with my friends at the local coffee shops.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

Personally, I don’t like politics. The burning questions in my country are those about Kosovo and how to protect Serbian cultural heritage there protected by UNESCO. I also have to mention the crisis happening in the world in the recent years. I would like all of the conflicts to be resolved peacefully, people being happy and friendly towards each others.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

Our Orthodox Church, the Church of St. Archangel Gabriel, which was built at the end of the 19th century, was renovated in 2009. Last year, the wooden Iconostasis and the restoration of the Icons on the Iconostasis, which originate from 1920, were restored and the temple shined with its full glory.

Motel Predejane has recognized the beauty and, in addition to exceptional service, local food, is opening a new spa center within the Motel this year. Thus, in addition to enjoying the food, it will be possible for guests and locals to enjoy the beautiful nature and the service of the modern Spa center.

Predejane lies on a mountain river and the South Morava. The mountain river has 5 waterfalls, and last year, the maintenance of the waterfalls began with the action of the locals themselves. Both the locals and all the guests enjoy bathing and natural waterfall massages on hot summer days, which are refreshing on hot days.

Also, our small place is full of healthy fruits, medicinal herbs and forest products. The recognized quality of that brought a new activity, the opening of a distillery for the alcoholic drink of natural brandy. The Agricultural Cooperative Fungo-vita Predejane was opened, under the Cooperative we also opened a distillery. So it is also called Fungo-vita. We are in the process of making brandy, currently we have quince and apricot. From the summer, it will be apart from brandy in combination with natural tapes and herbs.

1. Herbs 27, composition of 27 herbs, due to the pronounced sense of taste, it is adapted to the female population
2. Herbarium 18 of 18 types of herbs. Or the name Tribulus. Since it is the most popular plant in brandy. In translation Tribulus terrestris. It is intended for the male population because it has a slightly stronger note compared to the 27.
3. Herbarium John’s grass or JOHN’ S GRASS. It has a bittersweet note.

Of course, there will also be some fruit liqueurs with raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and strawberry flavors. He will soon start preparing the Gin, which I hope will be excellent.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

There are many things I can recommend such as homemade honey, Rakia—an alcoholic drink made of fruit, Ajvar—a pepper puree. The nearby village of Lokosnica is famous for producing paprika (spice) and it is a lovely sight to see in the early autumn, when the whole village turns crimson red, where even the facades of the houses are red because of red peppers drying and you can smell it everywhere. The village has also been featured in the National Geographic Magazine and has its association by the name of “Lokokosnicki kozji rog”.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

The town of Predejane where I live was declared an air spa before WWII where many noble citizens enjoyed their time. Nearby nature is breathtaking, there are many water springs and lakes.

The most famous archeological site in the region is Justiniana Prima, a Roman city built in the 6th century.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

I would definitely recommend Kovin restaurant and Motel Predejane restaurant where you can enjoy local specialties, especially Motelac—pita bread filled with kajmak served with a grilled chili pepper.

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

The nearby city of Leskovac is famous for Grill festival (Roštiljijada Leskovac) which is held annually and its branded meat is sold in the special stores in the region (Mesokombinat). This festival is visited by thousand of people from all around the world and the meat is definitely one of the best.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

My top three apps are Facebook, Instagram and Viber.

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 like reading popular Serbian newspapers such as Blic and Novosti which provide great insight into current social and political issues. We are currently facing the situation where young people are leaving the country to find better job opportunities and I believe it is our duty and responsibility to provide them with better living conditions here.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

From my point of view, as an artist, I would like to organize more cultural events, exhibitions, workshops for children, etc. I think art is the best way to engage children who spend most of their time in front of the screen. I would also pay greater attention to the development of rural areas, old crafts and organic food production which I see as the future for my town and region.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

I would definitely choose Cannes, a town on the French Riviera. I had a chance to visit it while I was working on restauration in the Carlton Hotel. What I enjoyed the most were the people, culture and the beauty of the city itself.