Medium : encaustic, mixed media

Born in Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia, but in 1993 she and her family moved to Canada and settled in Toronto.

Formally educated in landscape architecture, Emilija had always enjoyed drawing and painting, but her new life sparked an artistic rejuvenation. She became involved in the vibrant Toronto art scene, joining "The Scollard Street Artistic Co-operative" and "VAO" (Visual Arts Ontario), and was encouraged to utilise her creative gift.

Always unconventional, she began by painting on silk, intensely detailed semi-abstract still lives and figures; she then went on to explore a variety of media, most recently experimenting with the encaustic method. This is an ancient technique, blending bee's wax and oil paint which can then be applied to paper, board or canvas; careful layering and scratching is then used to add depth and character to the compositions. The delicacy of the images is offset by robust Mediterranean shades of crimson and ochre, bringing a contemporary feel to a traditional technique.

Now an established artist, Emilija's unique style has won her a dedicated following and she has exhibited her exquisite paintings across Canada and the USA.