My first encounter with admiring a painter's work occurred when I was a young girl visiting my relatives in Boteni, a small village in Dâmbovița, Romania. Lady Silvia Arsene, our neighbour, was always extremely elegant, even though she lived in the countryside. She was something else, and I remember admiring her clothes, her way of speaking, and how she embodied femininity and grace.
She used to paint houses, landscapes, and many flowers, particularly chrysanthemums and female nudes. As a child, I remember thinking her work was out of this world, almost magical. How can someone paint a house that appears so real? Or the flowers? Not to mention the female body.
I relived my deep admiration for this kind of gift—painting—some years later, when I first stepped into Diana Cojocaru's atelier in Bucharest and saw her breathtaking paintings, which depicted flowers and female nudes.
So I began searching for other extraordinary artists online or through recommendations from my community of inspiring women, and I came across my today's interviewee, Elleny Gherghe, through another incredible artist, Mădălina Andronic.
What was Elleny Gherghe like when she was a child, and when did her artistic ability, ambition, and passion first surface?
I am delighted to share my story and passion for art with you and your amazing community.
As a child, I loved drawing and painting more than anything else. I grew up in the beautiful, small city of Comănești, always surrounded by and connected to nature.
I had my first art lesson at 7 years old and immediately fell in love with painting. Since then, I have dedicated my life to this passion, dreaming only of creating.
Recently, I came across a childhood self-portrait note in which I wrote about my struggle to create beautiful paintings and my dream of becoming a painter. Though I still face challenges, I am incredibly happy that my dream has come true!
Birds, flowers, and women seem to be the recurring themes in your artwork. Please elaborate on these choices.
Growing up surrounded by nature and spending holidays in my grandparents’ village greatly influenced my art. Each place I've lived has left its mark on my paintings. Five years ago, I moved to Alcaidesa, a wonderful village by the sea in Spain, where I found peace and inspiration. Moving 4000 km away, I developed a strong connection with birds, which became a leitmotif in my art.
My subjects are based on personal experiences and emotions, with stories behind each painting. I love that viewers can see different stories in my work. To stay connected with myself and express emotions more effectively, I paint many self-portraits of women.
My art relies on nature's beauty to portray women as archetypes of a bygone era, merging with vegetation and animals in pursuit of a kinder existence, emphasising the urge for empathy with the natural environment.
Tell me more about the creative process. I often believe that when singers perform on stage, they go into a sort of trance, letting go of the real world and entering another one where they can be completely themselves. Is this also the case when you are working on a painting?
Indeed, my creative process often induces a magical, meditative state where I transcend the boundaries of the tangible world. During these moments, I become a mere observer, as if the brush and hand possess their own consciousness.
I grant myself the freedom to allow the artwork to evolve organically. While I sometimes begin with a preliminary sketch transferred to the canvas, the final painting frequently diverges significantly from the initial concept. Within this element of unpredictability, I have discovered the true beauty of the creative journey.
I am eager to visit your art studio, located near Sotogrande, Cadiz, Spain. I think your studio has some Romanian folklore-inspired details; is that true? And could you please tell me how anyone can schedule an appointment?
I am fortunate to have the studio outside my home, my favorite place. My studio feels magical—like entering my soul. It is filled with paintings, bird nests, feathers, plants, books, colours, and other collected items.
A 100-year-old handcrafted traditional Romanian folklore rug from my family that gives me a sense of home and keeps me connected with my roots has also inspired me to create a good few paintings, such as Romanian Legs or Dor.
I would like to invite each of you for a studio visit, whether in person or online. Find all contact details here, and feel free to get in touch with me directly at any time. It always brings me joy when someone new discovers my studio, and I get to share a unique angle with each person who enters this space.
What role do you think art plays in our lives?
For me, art is as essential as the air I breathe; it nourishes my soul, compelling me to create and express myself with authenticity.
Art profoundly enriches our lives, shaping our understanding of ourselves, fostering connections with others, and altering our perception of the world around us.
What are your sources of inspiration? Do you have any muses?
My biggest source of inspiration is Mother Nature. I often look to nature for subjects or a colour palette that helps me convey emotion. I feel inspired almost all the time, whether at the easel or outside. My sketchbooks are full of ideas that sometimes wait years to be transposed on canvas.
Regarding muses, there are many outstanding artists who inspire me. Every art movement in history holds importance and beauty for me. I am particularly drawn to and inspired by Renaissance, Baroque, Pre-Rafaelite, and Surrealist artists.
"Details matter. They create depth, and depth creates authenticity" is one of my favourite quotes. What meaning does it have for a complete artist like you?
This resonates deeply with me! Attention to detail is crucial; it adds layers and richness to my work, making it more engaging and immersive. This depth and authenticity connect deeply with the viewers, making my work feel real.
Do you ship across all of Europe?
Yes, my paintings are in private art collections around the world, in Europe, as well as in the USA and Asia.
While I was living in Bucharest, Romania, I founded Connecting Women Entrepreneurs, a series of events honouring exceptional Romanian women entrepreneurs. Now I want to turn this into an international community. So, I was wondering if you could recommend any inspirational women.
Katy Hessel is a woman I admire and find inspiring. She is an art historian, broadcaster, writer, and curator, and she wrote one of my favourite books, The Story of Art Without Men. Her work is incredible and truly valuable.
Under her work’s spell, I have even included her book in one of my paintings, entitled Whisper.
