Artist in conversation: Nicoleta raportaru
“I want my art to invite viewers to immerse themselves in a world where imagination takes center stage”
Employing a vivid and luscious palette, Nicoleta Raportaru's artworks resonate with life, particularly through the vibrant hue of pink. In her abstract compositions, pink emerges as a central force—an embodiment of contrasts, stirring powerful emotions and invoking a sense of optimism, positivity, and hope. It is a color that mirrors the complexities of life, evoking a spectrum of feelings within her art.
Her distinct style, rooted in intuition and inspiration drawn from nature, emotions, and fleeting moments, births unique creations that possess the transformative power to infuse life and character into any space they inhabit.
Nicoleta Raportaru's artistic journey is a testament to the fusion of emotions and nature, culminating in pieces that transcend mere visual appeal. Each artwork created by Nicoleta is a catalyst for personal introspection and a portal to an imaginative world that resonates deeply with viewers, infusing homes with an indelible spirit and energy that lingers long after the gaze has shifted away.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I didn’t grow up thinking I wanted to be an artist, but I’ve always had a creative side and I’ve loved art, especially modern art. I’ve tried to embrace my creativity in everything I did, from my work to the way I think. When Covid took over the world, I felt the need to bring more optimism and colour in my life, and I started painting using a spare canvas and acrylic paint my sister had around her house. I‘ve loved it so much that in a few weeks I already had 5 paintings done! Since then, I’ve continued my development journey as an abstract artist, to define my style and to continue learning. I already see a huge difference between my first paintings and where I am now, with the only constant being the optimism and positivity that my paintings inspire.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
The first thing to know about me is that I am a very curious person… I love experimenting with new things, learning and challenging the status quo. Combined with an imaginative mind and the playfulness that I bring in my day-to-day interactions, I find inspiration in nature and emotions. The beauty and complexity of nature is a constant inspiration, challenging me to bring to life some of its magic. I love how abstract art can make people see a painting in so many ways, all based on their emotions and state of mind at that moment in time. I am also an avid traveler, and some of my paintings are inspired by the places I’ve been – the latest being “Serenity in Dubrovnik”.
You believe that art is a deeply personal and introspective journey. Could you share how this belief influences your creative process and the themes you explore in your abstract compositions?
Painting offers me a channel for self-expression and self-discovery, and serves as a conduit to explore the boundless possibilities of the world. I want my art to invite viewers to immerse themselves in a world where imagination takes center stage.
My creative process often involves a profound exploration of my inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences and this helps me create art with a strong sense of authenticity and emotional depth. I use my paintings to explore emotions, but also to help in my self-discovery process – from own identity to personal growth.
I am a passionate and authentic individual, and I try to bring that in the art I create; a lot of my themes are shaped by memories and nostalgia, or the nature of reality. For example, my flowers paintings express the admiration I have for this amazing creation of our world and the impact they have on me. At the same time, I like creating art that helps my viewers imagine their own story of the painting as that helps them explore their dreams and desires allowing for new connections and meaning in the art.
My desire is to create art that fosters a connection with the viewer, whilst inspiring a positive and happy feeling.
Your paintings are known for their vibrant colors, particularly pink, which evokes strong emotions and inspires optimism. Could you elaborate on why you are drawn to this color and how it enhances the messages conveyed in your artworks?
If people were represented by colours, I would be pink. Not only is this my favourite colour, but pink is the colour of opposites. It evokes strong emotions, inspires a sense of optimism, positivity and hope which is exactly the message I want to communicate with my paintings. Soft shades of pink and gentle gradients, shape serene and calming atmosphere. Vibrant pinks help reveal a playful and youthful spirit, imbuing my compositions with energy and vitality. Ultimately, for me pink evokes a sense of joy and carefree enthusiasm and that is the atmosphere I want my paintings to create.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
“The garden” is one of the first paintings I’ve used texture, layering and mixed media. This is still one of my favourite paintings and I’ve learned to be patient to allow for the layers to emerge whilst the colours shape the story I wanted to tell. Despite looking at videos and reading about the different techniques, until you actually do it, it’s hard to know if it will work. With “The Garden” I’ve challenged myself and moved away from brush and knife palette to using beads and gold leaf to create the atmosphere I wanted to shape. The colours are a mix of cold and warm, and the gold leaf brings everything together in a warm embrace.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
As a new artist, I am still discovering the art world and I would welcome any recommendations and feedback. As I am at the beginning of my journey, I focus on few key areas to continue my learning and development, and hoping to enhance the list with activities as I continue my growth:
Art events and museums: I am trying to participate as much as I can in local art exhibitions, gallery openings, art fairs, and art-related events to interact with fellow artists, curators, and art enthusiasts. I find inspiration at Tate Modern and the smaller galleries.
Online art communities and social media: I’ve joined art-focused online platforms and social media groups such as Instagram, YouTube, Artfinder, Saatchi and the Other Art Fair and more
Workshops and classes: I am also participating, when I can, in art workshops, classes, and masterclasses to learn new techniques.
Art blogs and magazines: I have registered with a few of the art platforms I am aware of to keep updated on what's happening in the art world - Artsy, Saatchi, ArtNews, Contemporary Art Daily, Hi-Fructose, ArtForum
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 think feedback can be a valuable way to grow and improve as an artist. As part of this, it's essential to strike a balance between external feedback and my own artistic intuition. For me the message is important, if a specific technique makes it better, that is perfect! However, it is important to stay true to what I believe in and not all feedback will resonate with me and align with my artistic direction. Every artist has a unique artistic vision and voice, and feedback can also help define patterns and themes that are worth exploring further, either to change or continue with them. For me the positive energy, colour and optimism are the themes I use in my paintings and it is important that they continue to inspire these emotions in viewers.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Like the messages I try to bring to life in my paintings, I am an optimist. This means I will look at the good in everything; every setback is an opportunity to reinvent myself and learn…Even in the bad days, a bouquet of flowers or a walk in nature can provide me with the energy to paint. Actually, sometimes painting is what brings me back in my positive mindset as it takes me away from my thoughts.
Don’t get me wrong, that also means I do have paintings that I don’t really love, but every little step helps me go back to what inspired me to paint to begin with.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am thrilled to have my art exhibited at The Holy Art Gallery. This is my first exhibition and I am very grateful for being given the opportunity to showcase some of my art here.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
As this is my first exhibition, there is so much to be done moving forward. I want my art, and my story, to be an example for all the individuals out there that want to experience new things but don’t have the courage to. As a self-taught artist, I don’t know how my artistic journey will continue to unfold, but I do know that I want my paintings to continue to ignite a sense of wonder and bring joy. Creating affordable art is one of my personal goals and I hope to achieve that with my paintings.
As I’ve embarked on the artistic journey without formal training, relying on my passion and curiosity, I want to further grow as an artist. I will continue to explore various techniques and experiment with different mediums, to push the boundaries of my artistic abilities, allowing my style to emerge organically. And hopefully, that will also lead to more exhibitions as well 🙂