I was born on February 5th, 1981, the year MTV launched in the United States, and in Mexico City Tohui was the first panda born in captivity. Picasso’s painting Guernica was moved from New York to Madrid and the Boeing 767 made its first flight. Other than that, Wikipedia states it was a pretty terrible year.

I frolicked on the hills of Transylvania (Romania) until I was 17 years old, when I was willingly, yet abruptly, transplanted to New York City. I still remember today the feeling of awe mixed with irritation at the sight of what seemed to be interminable skyscrapers. Where was I?

My love affair with art started early and by chance, at 11 years old, when a family friend and artist glimpsed real talent in my drawings. And just like that, years of artistic training began.

Like any relationship, it held highs and lows but it was ever-present. Always there, in times of need, in proper studio spaces, and basements, and living rooms covered in painter’s cloth after the house went to sleep. Always there. Mostly without the spotlight of fame and accolades but always leaving an impression on anyone witnessing it. And that’s how I liked it. It was my secret weapon, something I didn’t have to explain or validate through others. My hidden factor of coolness.

Hold up. [insert sound effect] Rewind, please. “Hidden factor of…” what? During my first year in the US, my high school art teacher told me “you might be afraid of success”. Yes, foolish of me, right?

I decided I can handle it. Now I have to look for it, chase it. Because it’s not just about art behind closed doors but art that I want to share with the world. So I can have strangely satisfying conversations with dreamers and visionaries, experience the unifying nature of art across races, and languages, and Google maps. Because art is embedded within me, forever. Still my secret weapon, but now I know how to wield it. And it’s fun.

I invite you to join me on this journey, support me when I need it, scold me if necessary or simply take delight in my creations. I’m always up to something. Click here to become part of my extended family.

Sincerely,
Calina