Self - Contemplation (acrylic on canvas 100 cm x 120 cm)

I was born in Timisoara, Romania.My fascination with portraiture started very early in my life, as a child I would draw all types of faces from my imagination and then spin stories about these "people" I created.I spent my primary and secondary schooling in art institutions, then pursued a degree in Fine Art at the local University.In my last year of college I met my husband Jason, an American student who was conducting research in Romania.  We soon fell in love and married the next year--the year I graduated.  In the summer of 2002 my life completely changed when I moved with him to America. 

As my artistic style developed during this period, I found myself drawn back to my love for portraits.  My childhood fantasies involved imaginary people and fanciful stories; now I paint portraits of real people--people I know or have encountered in my life and travels--but I still try to tell stories.  The faces are recognizable, but the style is not meant to be realistic.  By playing freely with the colors and textures, I create my own interpretation of the subject by depicting both their personality as well as my own.  Indeed, my portraits are intended to say as much, if not more, about me and my vision of the subjects as they say about the subjects themselves.