We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stefania Nistoreanu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stefania below.

Stefania , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Beyond the poetry of an artist’s life, it’s no secret that earning a full-time living from your creative work can be challenging. Oftentimes, your hard work, dedication, and competence aren’t enough. You need to develop business skills, be a good communicator, have charisma, and luck. On top of that, it’s great if you can surround yourself with people who think way outside the box. They can give you great ideas.

What also matters a lot is to not be naive and let setbacks discourage you. Don’t think about quitting. If there isn’t yet a public audience for your art, build it. Find that niche and capitalize on it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in a very beautiful and comfortable environment, in a culture-loving family. I started drawing and painting early. By the time I was 12, there was no doubt that art was going to be my path.

My family supported my choice from the start. My father, who is a priest, encouraged me to study Byzantine iconography first, and then monumental art. Both are reflected in my current style – very personal, honest, rich in themes, ideas, and symbols. The most common themes in my work are ancestral scenes and primordial stories.

You can tell a lot about an artist – but also about yourself – when you look at a painting. My expression is pure, intimate, generous. I don’t hold back. That’s because I’m inviting the person that’s looking at my paintings to do the same with themselves. So every time you look at one of my paintings, it can be a journey, often within yourself. My paintings are modern icons and they work like an antivirus: they cleanse you and allow you to see yourself.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Artists fight themselves first. There were a few times when I wanted to quit. I felt paralyzed but quickly understood that I couldn’t give up. Without my painting, I couldn’t make sense of anything. So I’d go back to it every time and heal myself. I could live again – and do it joyfully.

Of course, I was also blessed to have support from those around me every time I needed it. There are many great artists that never break through a certain threshold. All they need is a boost to succeed. But it’s important for them to seize that moment and make the most of it.

For instance, when the crypto era was in its early stages, my painting “Cryptsy” was listed on BitPremier, the biggest platform selling luxury goods with Bitcoin. Two collectors were interested in buying it, but neither of them did. I knew I had missed a great chance for visibility and success. However, I kept going, kept working, and followed my purpose.

About two years later, one of those collectors bought the painting, and that purchase got a lot of attention in the art and financial world. This success had only been postponed. I was happy and didn’t regret that it didn’t happen earlier. Work and patience are virtues that are rewarded sooner or later.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Immortality! Your immortality and the immortality of those who inspire you.

This is the most rewarding and most incredible aspect – that a part of you, your emotions and thoughts, stay in this world after you’re gone. I know that long after I’ll be gone, there will be people who will look at my paintings and imagine who I was. Just the same way I do now looking at the work of many artists, known and unknown, who have left this world a long time ago, but continue to live through their work.

And to those who aren’t artists, my wish is that they will be an inspiration for artists. It’s a blessing for all involved.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stefanianistoreanu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefania_nistoreanu/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefanianistoreanuartist

Image Credits
Credits: https://www.stefanianistoreanu.com/, private photo collection