Ivan P Dobranic, Sarasota
Member Since June 2008
Artist Statement Ivan P. Dobranic
Dobranic was born Nice, France in 1960. He moved to Chicago a year later with his parents, at the age of 6, he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy , and has spent most of his life in a wheelchair. He continued to develop his artistic talents and majored in art with three years at St. Xavier college. His first two one man exhibitions were at St. Xavier college and the Beverly Art center in 1987 and 88. His work was then shown on the muscular dystrophy telethon in 1988, 1989 and 1990.
In 1990 the family moved to Sarasota, Florida to better accommodate the progressive nature of his disease. He now requires a ventilator to breathe, and has only limited movement in the wrist and fingers on his left hand. Despite all this he continues to overcome every setback with his unfailing optimism and the caring support of his family.
His determination and creative spirit shine through his painstakingly crafted oil paintings and drawings. Dobranic has filled his life with paintings; he favors realistic landscape genre, and succeeds in imbuing them with a peaceful serenity. Each painting is characterized by rich color harmonies, sometimes somber and brooding, sometimes bright and cheerful. His work speaks of a focus of energy, a spirit that will not accept limits.
In Florida, Dobranic has exhibited in several one man and group art shows:
Sarasota visual arts center from 1993 to 97, six juried and members show;
Art Target art center, juried show 1996, members show 1997;
Sarasota County arts council, members show 1996;
Sarasota County arts council, one man show, Sept. 1996;
Florida wine fest and auction, honorable mention $250 prize, April 1997;
Fulton Burt Gallery, one man show, Sept. 1997
Discount mobility store openings, 1997, paintings were featured;
John and Mabel Ringling Museum, 1997, paintings were featured at a lecture on art and the disabled.
Sarasota visual arts center, juried show 1998, members show, April 1998.
Art Targets, juried show 1998 members show, May 1998
Lieberman Gallery, one man show, July 10 August 11, 1998
Raymond F. Kravis center for the Performing Arts, one-man show, Feb. 1 through March 31, 1999
Sarasota Visual Arts center, one-man show, April 16 through May 3rd1999
Represented Florida at Art & Soul Festival Los Angeles, Cal.,May 28 through June 2nd, 1999
Art Day 2000 & 2001 and 2002
Painting was featured as 2001 Christmas Card for Habitat for Humanity
Village of the Arts Veranda Gallery and Studio one man show Bradenton, Florida, 2002
Artworks for Dreams Group Exhibition Crosley Museum, Bradenton, Florida, 2002
Dobranic over comes disability to paint with a passion. His landscapes are expert, even haunting. His control in picture making it is remarkable. Joan Altabe , Art critic, Sarasota Herald Tribune
"It Was such a pleasure showing your beautiful work at my gallery" Gale Fulton Ross, artists and gallery owner.
"Dobranic conveys a sunny optimism in his work" Roberta Nelson Herald feature writer.
"Dobranic's paintings are remarkably beautiful in their own right, and incredible when seen in the context of his special strength". Brent Wall, Art instructor, St. Xavier.
Contact information e-mail: Dobranic_us@yahoo.com / phone 941-351-9394
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