Artist in conversation: Roxana Nicoleta Ilasoaia
Art has always been a quiet undercurrent in my life, present even when I ignored its call. For years, I believed that creativity was a luxury, not a path. Yet, despite my best efforts to distance myself, I kept returning to it—whether through painting the walls of my childhood home or the precise technical drawings from my engineering studies. Motherhood reawakened my artistic voice. It taught me to create freely, to embrace play, and to question my own identity as a woman. This introspection fuels my work, where I explore themes of femininity, universality, and transformation. I often depict figures without defined identities, inviting viewers to see themselves reflected in shifting emotions and experiences. Living in Constanta, a city rich in cultural diversity, has deepened my understanding of love and acceptance—elements that permeate my paintings. My practice blends contemporary and traditional techniques, with acrylic as my primary medium. Gilding, learned during my studies in iconography, has become a signature element in my work, infusing my pieces with a sense of warmth and illumination, like sunlight captured on canvas. Art, for me, is an ongoing journey of unlearning fears and rediscovering authenticity. Each painting is a revelation, a moment of clarity, a step toward breaking old boundaries. Through my work, I invite others to pause, reflect, and connect with their own evolving narratives.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
My first inspiration was my father, a man who loved wood sculpture and technical drawing. He taught me to pay close attention to detail, and ever since, I’ve found inspiration in everything around me. Over time, my style has grown organically from this foundation, deeply observational, emotional, and textured by personal experiences.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
Each project begins with a feeling, an emotion or experience that moves me. From there, I build gradually, layering in images, textures, and materials that help express that initial emotion. It’s an intuitive and fluid process, almost like storytelling through form and colour.
How do you hope your audience connects with your work, and what emotions or reflections do you want to evoke in them?
I want people to connect with my work on a deeply personal level, bringing their own interpretations and emotions into the experience. My hope is that my art creates space for reflection, whether it's about identity, presence, or the quiet strength of the feminine. I love when people find something of their own in what I create.
How has your artistic journey evolved over the years?
I didn’t allow myself to fully explore my artistic side until a few years ago. I had a background in engineering, and for a long time, I lacked the confidence to embrace “Roxana the artist”. But about three years ago, I made the conscious decision to study, learn, and invest in my artistic path. Since then, it’s been a period of intense growth, both creatively and personally.
Can you describe your favourite piece you've created and why it's meaningful to you?
My favourite piece is the first one I ever exhibited. It’s called “O.” It holds many layers of meaning. To me, it represents a female figure holding a round braided bread, an offering, a symbol of nourishment, and a cluster of circles that reflect the cycle of life. But I love that others see their own universe in it: inner worlds, care, creation, and connection. That openness makes it even more special to me.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I listen carefully to feedback. It helps me understand how others experience my work. But I always return to my own intuition and emotional truth when creating. That balance between outside perspective and inner voice is what keeps my work honest and evolving.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Honestly, I rarely feel blocked. If anything, I struggle with not having enough time or space to bring all my ideas to life. Each day, I take on different roles, and that variety keeps my creative energy flowing. There’s always something inside me waiting to be expressed.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
It’s an honour to exhibit with The Holy Art Gallery. Their platform offers artists like me an opportunity to share our vision with a wider, international audience, and I’m truly grateful to be included.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term goal is to dedicate each of my 24 hours to a balanced life where personal well-being, family, and art all have their place. As much as I love engineering, my heart is moving toward creating full-time. I know that by staying grounded and committed, I’ll get closer to living that vision.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Emotion is where everything begins for me. It’s the spark behind every piece. Through texture, shape, and composition, I try to translate that emotion into something others can feel too, even if it’s different from what I felt while creating it. I think that emotional connection is where true art happens.
