Meet Ivana Jovanović | Journalist and Poetess

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivana Jovanović and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivana, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I come from a complex and beautiful country, Serbia, more specifically, from a small place in the east called Knjaževac. This country is full of history and its culture, diversity and complexity create a special type of woman or man. We are impulsive, fair, moral and full of agitated blood, which creates a person who can come across as unapproachable at first glance, but is sensitive in the very core of the personality. This whole combination of diversity had an impact on my childhood, youth, and later life. That desire to fight, to defiantly achieve the goal, comes from there, as well as enjoying the moment, little things and life in general.
The hands buried in the ground, hugging and protecting our roots is the ancestry. Sometimes those roots and those hands bind and suppress us, and sometimes they are the wings of birds that offer freedom.
What I learned is that if I want change, I have to show it and advocate for it so that it has an impact, I have to fight against unjust things in my environment, but at the same time, never forget the good things, the stories of brave women and men, and all that inspired me to become who I am today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As I mentioned, journalism met poetry, love happened, and from that my first literary child ,”Хронике”, was born. I am the author of the poetry book Хронике, published in 2019. It is my accomplishment of which I am very proud. The very effort of finding an adequate publisher, recognition of my work and talent, organizing a literary evening was difficult, but also strangely satisfying. The process itself changed the way I look at people, relationships, and life and reminded me why it is important to write it down. What people must know is that language is a powerful tool that should be used for good purposes because words have an edge that can cut deeply and leave scars. My poetry is of the kind that heals, ennobles, nurtures, empowers women and men, accepts all people as they are (with all their characteristics), encourages change and appreciation of who we are, and reminds people of their authenticity. I also hope that it brings them the scents of the sea, summer, first love and carefreeness.
“Хронике” are gentleness, because gentleness is always more powerful than roughness, even though it is underestimated.
The shell opens gently and carefully to reveal the pearl. Let’s keep that in mind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have no doubt that everyone would take the opportunity to describe the spectacularity of Belgrade, the capital, but I will take you further east, to the town “where friends live”, Knjaževac. We would visit its seven bridges, which is why this city is also called Little Venice. Maybe we would get into the gondolas and for the first time, we wouldn’t have to imagine Italy because we would be fine right where we are. We would visit all the places of historical importance, we would hike on the nearby Stara planina mountain, we would eat the original dishes of the eastern region, and we would probably end up in one of the many cafes or wineries to poetically end the evening. This is a small town with a big heart. You don’t come here for sightseeing, but for the feeling, the spirit, the relaxation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We are nothing without friends and people who love and support us. I would have to mention the extraordinary learning and teamwork that I experienced working with Vajb Magazine, as well with Insp. Magazine. Somewhere there, my love for journalism met with poetry, and they have been an inseparable duo ever since. My family, friends, my special someone, especially the new family member, Jakov, deserve a shoutout for all the love, understanding, and strength they give me.

Instagram: ivanajovanovic_ , hronike_jedne_ivane

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivanakiki.jovanovic/

Image Credits
All were taken by friends, and none of them is a professional photographer.