Renowned journalist Željko Žutelija visited the Jakšić family in their workshop in Donji Humac on the island of Brač, where he experienced their work first-hand. The result is a comprehensive and compelling article about their artistic practice, published in Navigare, a supplement of the magazine Nacional. His text goes beyond a simple overview of the family’s work, offering a deeper reflection on their relationship with stone, time, and creation.
Žutelija recognises the uniqueness of the family from the very beginning, writing:
“In Donji Humac on the island of Brač lives a unique family whose work proves that art can grow out of stone.”
This sentence captures the essence of their practice – a fusion of tradition, material, and contemporary artistic expression.
Throughout the article, the idea emerges that working with stone is far more than a craft – it is an ongoing dialogue with the material, passed down through generations. This is why the author emphasises that the Jakšić family has “turned their inner quarry into art,” highlighting the deep personal connection each member has with stone as the fundamental medium of their expression.
In describing the work of individual family members, Žutelija highlights their distinct artistic contributions:
For Ida Stipčić Jakšić, whose design work carries a strong artistic identity, the text suggests her ability to transform materials and ideas into a recognisable visual language, rooted in years of artistic exploration and experimentation with diverse materials.
For Dražen Jakšić, who continues the stonemasonry tradition through a contemporary approach, the idea of continuity stands out – his work embodies a balance between tradition and functionality, where stone remains the foundation while gaining new purpose through design.
Speaking about sculptor Lovre Jakšić, Žutelija clearly underlines his artistic relevance. Statement affirms his position within the contemporary sculpture scene, as well as the consistent quality of his work.
For painter Dina Jakšić Pavasović, the author emphasises both her connection to the same creative roots and her individual artistic development:
“Dina Jakšić Pavasović has presented her works at many exhibitions and received high recognition.”
This highlights her presence within contemporary art and her ability to develop a distinct visual language in dialogue with her family heritage.
The article gains additional depth through a quote by the late academic sculptor Marija Ujević Galetović, which Žutelija includes to further explore the symbolism of stone:
“Man, like stone, strives to endure. Everything he does is a struggle for permanence.”
This thought strongly resonates with the work of the Jakšić family, whose artistic and stonemasonry projects stand as lasting imprints in stone.
From the Egyptian pyramids to Dalmatian dry-stone walls and Brač memorials, stone has long been a symbol of permanence. It is within this broader context that the Jakšić family works – their creations are not merely aesthetic objects, but part of a larger narrative about time, heritage, and the human need to leave a lasting trace.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Željko Žutelija for this outstanding article, which recognises and eloquently conveys the value of our work and family tradition.
👉 You can read the full article here:
