For this episode of our subcultalks series, we had the pleasure to talk with textile and floral artist Gaja Vičič from Berlin, Germany.
Gaja offers Private Rug Tufting Workshops at her studio in Berlin via subcultours where you can create a tufted rug art piece for your home in a custom size.
But for now, get to know the artist a bit better in our subcultalk below!
- How did you find your way to your art?
I made crafty projects with my mom. Art was always on our walls, and we would visit galleries. That said, even though it's always been an important part of my life, finding my own way into it has been a process of discovery and healing, and not a straightforward one.
Even though I studied graphic design and have been working in the field for some years, I haven't always felt the freedom to express myself creatively.
It was plants of all things, that helped me find my voice. It was through plants that I was able to heal myself enough and find my own expression and creative exploration. But this is of course a continuous and (hopefully) never-ending process.
- What is the reason you continue to practice your art?
I believe it is only through practising creativity and self-expression that we as humans are able to feel fulfilled and whole. This can manifest in many different ways, not necessarily through 'art', but I believe we all have it and that it is a basic human need. 
- When do you feel most productive?
When I am inspired. This can be any time of the day, but it is hard to force it. There are techniques or tricks that can help sometimes, like immersing myself into someone else's work that I love for example, or discovering new inspiring artistic or cultural practices.
- What or who inspires you?
Authentic self expression, nature, dreams, traveling, getting out of my routine.
- In which "small" things do you find the most joy?
Tasty food, sunshine, bodies of water, reflections of light, sunsets, flowers.
- Do you have a vision or a goal you are working towards?
Yes. My current goal is to sustain myself through my art, and to find a proper studio space.
- What is a life well lived for you?
Having the space and resources to explore and express yourself creatively, knowing what you want and working towards achieving it, being surrounded with people you admire and feel connected with, being at peace with yourself and knowing how to be kind and loving to yourself and others.
- What do you do when you feel "stuck"?
I let it pass. I think feeling inspired or stuck is a natural flow that comes and goes.
- What do you do when you feel lonely?
Usually I try to find company in a book, a movie, or by reaching out to a friend or family.
- What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?
- What is your favorite feeling?
Being in a flow state.
- What is your least favorite feeling?
- Your favorite guilty pleasure?
Staying in bed is my ultimate comfort zone and definitely a guilty pleasure.
Thanks for sharing your personal wisdom, dear Gaja!
If you got curious and would love to meet, learn and create with Gaja in real life, book one of her Rug Tufting Workshops 1 on 1 at her studio in Berlin, Germany.
Until next time :)
Your Kat and Team subcultours