Magic of the Ninth Art and Josipa Čok

Heroic steps into the world of imagination

"Sometimes miracles happen. And who knows, maybe another one will happen and help me find… "

Fantastic adventures, superheroes, supernatural powers, romantic, detective, ghosts and mysterious stories, eternal struggle of good and evil, are the motives of exciting, whirling creative expression which through the magic of illustration and sharp literary remarks of heroes creates a more exciting, ninth art - comics.

Once upon a time, comics were an indispensable reading for every young being, they were eagerly waiting for a new edition, "rebels" recognized the core of their being in the defense of the protagonist and sailed on adventures from the imagination of an unrestrained spirit. They often came back to reality with a dose of sadness and said, "Ah, if I had super power." Have you ever wanted to create a hero to your liking? Be one! Josipa Čok from Šabac discovered her "superpower" as a child, with the benefits of imagination and "feathers" she creates heroes.

-The love for the ninth art came from my parents, and then she took me to the Art School. Later, life "imposed" IT as a formal education, but the passion for comics remained. I took small steps back into the waters of imagination and creation, which in 2006 resulted in the notable author's comic Josh Park - says Josipa, noting that the existing talent should be nurtured, because without effort, talent is not a guarantee of success.

-After 2006, the hope awoke that I could, and that people would notice what I was doing. It is a very nice feeling when your works have their audience, because while the comic is being read, it is experienced, and that is what gives the work of art life. My comics and digital illustrations have been exhibited at exhibitions and comic festivals across the country. For us artists, comic artists, illustrators, it is especially important to have our own style. My style, I think, has been recognizable for a long time and I am glad that people like and are interested, they ask about my comics and illustrations. The awards are just a confirmation of everything.

An essential part of creativity is inspiration. Hidden, or easily noticeable, is a special gift for an artist.

- Inspiration is sometimes harder to find, but the imagination is always there to find it. Imagination is a significant factor. Comics are inspired by the world, both the one that surrounds us and in general, but with the use of imagination that gives a lot of space for science fiction, humor, love. Everything comes from the idea, and certainly the main character is the most important, then everything is easier. I always advise putting ideas on paper, no matter what the motive. After that, everything will be easier and develop. Modifications are allowed. Artists treat works like children and that is why we try to be perfect - explains Josipa and reveals the identity of his favorite superhero.

- It's definitely Superman. He can fly, and flying is a skill I would love to possess. The freedom that flying represents is what we all strive for. Batman, Zagor are my shortlist. When it comes to my characters there is Jane (Eco Woman), an ecologist, a nature fighter. She is the heroine of my new comic. I think we need women as heroes. That is how we contribute to equality and a better world. I don't think they are sufficiently represented in comics, and a balance should be created as it exists in nature. If Jane can change at least something, and lead us to treat our environment differently, be more aware of nature and more environmentally responsible, then I am on the right track. The sentence I would use to describe it is "We will win" - says our interlocutor.

The era of digital technologies has a positive effect on the generations that are maturing, providing them with the opportunity to creatively express themselves to the media close to their sensibility and talent, Josipa estimates.

- I teach at school from time to time. In working with students, I noticed a lot of talented children, especially for digital drawing and ninth art. That is great for Sabac comics and our art scene. It is a trace for eternity, it remains written, it goes spontaneously and in digital form it can be preserved, reproduced in a million copies. That is why it is important to turn to modern art and what time brings. To love art is to love oneself.

Josipa Čok was born on February 14, 1984 in Šabac. She graduated from the High School of Applied Arts in Šabac, and then from the Higher Technological Vocational Studies. He is an IT Engineer by profession, dealing with graphic design, web design, 3D design, digital illustration and comic book drawing. As a comic book author, she has won several awards at comic book festivals. One of them is the first prize at the comic book festival in Šabac, as well as in 2015 and 2016 in Belgrade. Her works have been exhibited at numerous art exhibitions. Illustrations have been published in digital media, paper magazines and web magazines.

M. Ž.

Link: https://www.glaspodrinja.rs