by artist Joanna Katchutas
Artist Statement: The beavers base palette is painted in the same shades as the team jersey. Mainly of rich and darker shades of blue, with lighter blue and accents of yellow and white. The soccer ball is painted to be the current flag of the country. The front of the beaver is peppered with yellow Fleur-de-lis, which are a key symbol known locally as zlatni ljiljan (“the Golden Lily”). This represents the House of Kotromanić, the ruling dynasty of the medieval Kingdom of Bosnia from the 14th century. The Fleur-de-lis is a cherished and beloved historical, integral and cultural symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina and represented on the coat of arms and first flag created in 1991. The beaver is holding a bouquet of real golden lilies (or the “Lilium bosniacum” flower) that the Bosnia and Herzegovina Fleur-De-Lis is based on.
As The Bosnia and Herzegovina football teams nickname is Zmajevi (translated to “the dragons”), the beaver also distinctly features three large, light blue dragons that are outlined in yellow. The dragon designs wrap around the back and sides of the beaver, and the natural shape and texture of the sculpture gives them movement and prominence. Zmajevi (“the dragons”) moniker has come to be a clear symbol, fans believing they capture the fierce and fighting spirit of the football team. They are also representative of medieval Bosnian history and a symbol of strength and resilience – which has also made them a prevalent symbol to Bosnia and Herzegovina football fans!
Artist Bio: As an OCAD University graduate (2009) Joanna has an extensive background in Fine Arts. Joanna was a Teacher’s Assistant (TA) to the 2011 undergraduate thesis class at OCADU through the Photography & Friends residency program. Joanna’s fine artwork typically features surrealist imagery combined with emotional themes. Her love of art for art’s sake shows through her photography, sculptures and mural paintings. Joanna’s work has been on display in over 40 exhibitions, published in 28 books, newspapers and magazines and has won several awards. Joanna has also been commissioned for many public art programs in Toronto, Vaughan and Simcoe.
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