Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andreea Bodnari. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Andreea, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
As a serial entrepreneur deeply entrenched in the realm of business risks, I found an unexpected intersection between my startup ventures and my artistic pursuits. I believe in the power of user testing, even within the domain of my creative expressions. For me, art is not just a personal indulgence; it’s a service to the people, a means to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. My artistic journey is a quest to convey a universal truth that resonates with a diverse audience.
To ensure the sensitivity of my artwork, I took an unconventional approach by transforming my Brooklyn loft into a temporary gallery. Here, amidst the familiar faces of friends, I sought candid opinions on my creations. What did they feel? What thoughts did the pieces evoke? Admittedly, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive – a testament to the support of my close-knit circle. I understood though that for true validation, I needed to step beyond the comfort of friendly reassurances.
To refine my craft, I decided to plunge into the vibrant chaos of New York City. Setting up a makeshift art sales table in the heart of SoHo, I positioned myself alongside established artists and seasoned street vendors. The city’s energy, like a palpable force, surrounded me as I faced the unknown. It was a raw and somewhat crude beginning, but the lessons learned were invaluable. On a particularly cold winter day, with an array of my creations on display, I found myself side by side with accomplished artists. It was here that I discovered the art community’s welcoming embrace. Collaborators like photographer Rob Hann and David Parise of “Vintage Barbie and Ken” shared insights, support, and camaraderie on that chilly sidewalk.
As the day unfolded, the reactions of passersby became my gauge of success. To my delight, many appreciated the aesthetic of my artwork. Their genuine interest and positive responses became a motivating force, a validation that I was onto something. The streets of SoHo, with its eclectic mix of onlookers, became my impromptu focus group, offering unfiltered reactions that propelled my artistic evolution.
This venture into the public domain taught me that the beauty of art lies not only in self-expression but also in its ability to connect with others. It became a pivotal moment in my artistic journey, reinforcing the idea that taking risks and embracing vulnerability are essential components of both entrepreneurship and creative exploration.
Andreea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a deep appreciation for beauty. From the idyllic village of “Beautiful” in Romania, where the love of my parents and the embrace of towering mountains cocooned my childhood, my journey as an artist has been an exploration of beauty in its many forms. It all began with a serendipitous encounter – a risk taken by an artist painting the local church walls. In that moment, a brush dipped in a unique shade of blue was handed to me, and I was entrusted with adorning the interior frescoes of the newly-built local church. This shade of blue, reminiscent of the Voronet monastery’s exterior frescoes, became a symbol of my artistic genesis, holding memories of summer days spent in that UNESCO heritage site.
Life took me on different paths, and my artistic pursuits took a backseat until a transformative year abroad in Paris during graduate school. The city pulsated with artistic manifesto, reigniting my desire to create beauty. Over the years, and particularly during the contemplative stillness imposed by COVID-19 lockdowns, my artistic purpose crystallized. Influenced by the curatorial brilliance of close family members and inspired by contemporary thinkers like Alain de Botton and artist Makoto Fujimura, I’ve gradually refined my WHY as an artist.
Aligning with Makoto’s concept of “culture care,” my mission as a multimedia artist shifted towards creating beauty that challenges viewers to traverse boundaries of understanding, reconciliation, and healing. This purpose has found expression in my latest collection, aptly named ALIVE, where the traditional medium of oil painting collaborates with generative AI to weave a narrative that transcends the conventional.
In my artistic evolution, I’ve come to appreciate the symbiosis between technological advances and creative expression. Just as technology aids end users quickly find answers to burning questions, it also empowers conceptual artists to swiftly iterate across forms, enabling them to mold ideas into their desired final shapes. The intersection of art and technology has become my playground for innovation and a canvas for pushing the boundaries of artistic creation.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming gallery show at Van Der Plas Gallery in NYC on December 7th, where ALIVE will unfurl its narrative, I find myself not only relishing the present achievement but also eagerly concocting my next artistic endeavor. My future artistic project promises to be a multi-disciplinary production, a testament to the ever-expanding horizons of artistic explorations.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The profound joy I derive from my artistic endeavors is deeply rooted in a singular purpose – to craft pieces that possess the transformative power to comfort weary souls and rouse those who may have grown numb to the world around them. This aspiration is more than a mere artistic preference; it’s a commitment to creating a visceral connection between my work and the emotions of the beholder. The delight I take in crafting art that comforts the soul and awakens the numb is an affirmation of the profound impact that art can have on the human experience. It is a celebration of the capacity of creativity to serve as a balm for the wounded spirit and a beacon that guides the emotionally dormant back to the realms of feeling and appreciation for the beauty inherent in life’s intricate tapestry.
In my pursuit of offering solace, I am acutely aware of the weight that life can place on the shoulders of individuals. My art becomes a refuge, a sanctuary where one can seek solace and find a momentary escape from the tumultuous realities of existence. It is a deliberate effort to infuse beauty into the mundane, providing a gentle reminder that amidst life’s challenges, there exists a haven of tranquility.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I do believe in the power of a community and my social media presence is testament to this. I started to see more engagement on social media the more I connected in person with local artists and curators. Through active engagement in real life, my social media channels became vibrant hubs of dialogue. Whether it was attending gallery openings, participating in collaborative projects, or simply sharing insights with like-minded individuals, these real-life interactions created a ripple effect that echoed through the digital realm. The authenticity of these connections translated into increased engagement—from comments and likes to shares and discussions. I do encourage folks who are just getting started to spend time outside their studio connecting with peers and neighbors. And if you’re based out of NYC, my friend Maxime Laharrague is building a local community for creative talent at @hi.crescendo – check it out!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.andreeabodnari.com/
- Instagram: @bodnaristudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreeabodnari/