I See You. I Hear You: About the Book and Illustrations
I remember it like it was yesterday — Jovana and I on a Zoom call, both in tears, because I had just learned that Sanja, a dear girl we both knew, had lost her battle with a cruel illness.
As we spoke about her life and grieved together, this artwork came to life.
Sanja, Jul, 2023.
Toward the end of the call, I showed Jovana a drawing that had come to life during our conversation.
The moment she saw it, Jovana remembered how Sanja once wrote in one of her texts:
“I’ll add a golden strand to my hair — some magical woman will do it for me.”
She immediately exclaimed,
“Magda, that’s exactly what you just did!”
We both kept crying, grieving a life that ended too soon, and all the dreams that were left unlived.
That’s when Jovana told me about her wish to create a book in memory of their friendship — a book that would include her and Sanja’s texts, with all proceeds donated to NURDOR.
From the heart, I said:
“Please let me illustrate it.”
With every part of my being, I felt the desire to contribute to this beautiful, meaningful project — and to help Jovana bring her dream to life.
That’s how it all began, just over a year ago.
Here you can read Jovana’s story about how the book was created and what this project means to her.
The Illustrations
After a long creative block — one I had been actively working through in the year before our conversation — I began a personal 100-day project.
During that time, I committed to painting every single day, even if just for five minutes. Because painting is what brings me joy. It’s what moves me.
That’s when I feel happiest.
That’s when I feel most like myself.
Most of the illustrations in the book were created during that period. They brought me one step closer to the artist I had always been — and they hold deep emotional value for me, beyond their original intention.
Each illustration in the book is a response to the texts written by Sanja and Jovana.
Through every image, I tried to capture the essence of their words and translate it into visual form.
I hope that as you look through these illustrations, you’ll feel an even deeper connection to the powerful messages this book holds.
How You Can Purchase the Book
The book can be purchased directly from NURDOR.
Simply email them at novisad@nurdor.org and mention the title “I See You. I Hear You.”
NURDOR delivers books within Serbia, and if you need any help, Bojana will assist you with love and care.
Please note that the book is written in Serbian.
For international orders, the book is sent by Jovana personally.
The price is 33€ including shipping within Serbia, and 39€ for international orders (due to shipping costs).
If you order 3 or more books, Jovana has prepared discounts to make your purchase even more joyful.
You can place your order by clicking on this link.
May each book you buy or gift bring you presence and joy in the small, ordinary moments of everyday life —
because those are the moments we all quietly long for.
The blank pages inside are waiting for your thoughts, your memories, your reflections,
and the illustrations — for your colors.
With all my heart, I’m sending you love.