How We Started Our Journey into Art Collecting
Every story has a beginning — and ours started with a quiet pull toward beauty we couldn’t yet explain.
At first, we weren’t collectors. We were simply Jana and Lazar — a couple with curious minds, creative instincts, and a desire to make our home a space that felt alive. We loved things with soul. We cherished stories. And without realizing it, we began surrounding ourselves with objects that carried both.
The First Spark
Our journey didn’t begin at an art fair or a gallery opening. It began in a much more intimate setting — during a visit to the home of a respected Serbian art collector, a longtime family friend. We were newly married, and he wanted to give us something meaningful for our wedding — not money, not an object, but a work of art.
That afternoon, surrounded by walls filled with stories, he invited us to choose a piece from his collection. We remember standing there, taking in the quiet power of the paintings. It wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was about emotion, memory, legacy. One painting in particular caught our eye. And in choosing it, something changed.
What began as a generous gesture opened a door. That moment made us realize that art doesn’t just belong on museum walls — it belongs in homes, in lives, in families. It was our first experience of living with art. And we were never the same after that.
From Curiosity to Commitment
That first experience led to more — gallery visits, conversations with artists, evenings spent flipping through monographs. We asked questions, listened carefully, and let ourselves be led by instinct. We weren’t trying to build a collection. We were simply following a feeling.
But over time, the intention became clearer. We didn’t want random pieces — we wanted meaning. We started thinking more deeply about what we were drawn to: works from the Yugoslav and Balkan region, voices that felt urgent, emotional, or quietly timeless.
We began to understand that collecting isn’t about possession — it’s about participation.
Our First Purchase
The first work we acquired ourselves — beyond that unforgettable wedding gift — came, once again, from the same esteemed collector.
It was a painting by Radomir Damnjanović Damnjan, Sandy Shore (1962). The moment we saw it, we both felt an unshakable connection. The colors, the atmosphere, the quiet poetry of that canvas — it was unlike anything we had experienced before. But the price was far beyond what we could afford at the time.
Still, something inside us shifted. We knew this was not just admiration — it was the beginning of a pursuit.
For the next twelve months, Sandy Shore became our silent obsession. We spoke about it often, set new goals, and focused on making it ours. It was no longer just a painting — it became a symbol of what we valued and a milestone we were determined to reach.
A year later, we brought it home.
That moment marked a turning point. Acquiring Sandy Shore wasn’t an impulsive purchase — it was an intentional act of commitment. It taught us that collecting is not just about taste or market value — it’s about emotion, perseverance, and the belief that art belongs in the life you’re building.
A Collection with a Soul
The Zepinic Collection has grown gradually, and always with heart. We focus on artists — both emerging and established — whose work resonates with us emotionally and intellectually. Some pieces are abstract, others figurative. Some are vibrant, others meditative. But each one carries something we feel compelled to live with.
The Zepinic Collection delves into the vibrant world of Yugoslav and contemporary Balkan art, sharing a passionate commitment to preserving and celebrating this unique cultural heritage. Through thoughtful curation and insightful commentary, we offer a personal perspective that honors our region’s artistic lineage while inspiring a broader appreciation.
Why We Collect
We didn’t come to art from academia — we’re not art historians by profession, and that, in a way, made us a blank canvas. There was no pressure to get everything right from the start. We approached the art world with curiosity, not credentials — and that gave us freedom. Freedom to ask, to explore, to feel, and even to make mistakes without fear of judgment.
But while we began freely, our commitment to learning grew quickly and steadily. We became deeply dedicated to educating ourselves — not just through conversations, but through books, essays, catalogs, and monographs. By now, we’ve spent countless hours — and gone through hundreds of publications — refining our eye and deepening our understanding of the art and artists we collect.
Collecting has become more than a passion — it’s a discipline. One that constantly sharpens our perception and broadens our worldview. And yet, even with all we’ve learned, we still consider ourselves students. The more we see, the more we realize how much more there is to discover.
Today, collecting art is woven into our life as a couple, as parents, and as people who believe in beauty with meaning. Art lives on our walls, in our conversations, and in the way we see the world. It sparks reflection, connection, and wonder — not just for us, but for everyone who steps into our home.
If you’re just starting your own journey, our advice is simple: don’t chase names or numbers. Follow the work that moves you. Support the artists who take risks. And remember that collecting isn’t about having — it’s about caring.
This is how our story began. And it’s still unfolding.
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