ALINA POLOBOC TALKS DANCER UNDERWATER PAINTING

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

You were born in the Republic of Moldova but now live and work in Palma de Mallorca. How do you think moving to different surroundings and culture influenced your art?

My move to Palma de Mallorca, Spain was somewhat impulsive. I did not have a set plan, and decided to take a chance. It was a dream of mine to live here. I had no safety net, and had to commit a hundred percent to my new surroundings. I am proud that I had the courage to do this. For me it was the beginning of a transformative adventure that evolved with the help of the natural beauty of Palma, my new little corner of heaven. I was looking for a change, and while searching for this, I found inspiration all around me. My enchantment with the island was immediate, from the climate, the sun light, the people, the culture, the food and nature, it just touched my soul, and awakened my creativity on a far deeper level than ever before, this is why I decided to create my first collection of paintings here. By the time I organized my first exhibit, I had the support of many people, including fellow artists, and many other creative and interesting souls. You never know how your surroundings in a new place will influence your creative process. There is only one way to find out-take a chance! The chance I took began a new stage in my life!

Is a change of scenery important to feel inspired?

One of my major sources of inspiration is traveling. I try to do it as often as possible and devote a considerable amount of time and resources to it. It is an investment in myself and my art. I thirst for the discovery of new places and ideas that I then incorporate in some of my works. I love immersing myself in different cultures and being surrounded by different types of nature, wether it be by the ocean or in the middle of the jungle with all of the sounds that envelope me, monkeys, birds, the rustling of the trees to the sounds of rain and waves crashing on the shore. Music is also very important for me, and I always have it playing when I paint.

How did you get into painting?

I always enjoyed painting, but it was not something I thought I would ever commit myself to full time. It is actually the opposite what I thought I would do, as a profession. I graduated university with a degree in international relations and political science. After brief military training, I worked in both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Parliament. I realized that this type of work was not fulfilling. I went back to school and studied media presentation and diction which enabled me to begin working in one of the largest and most prestigious television studios in Moldova. I worked for three different channels as both a reporter and as a host. I really enjoyed my time there, and look back on it fondly. In the end this to did not fulfill me, so before moving to Mallorca, I spent a year and a half in Italy. Once I settled in Spain, I dedicated myself to art, and finally realized that this was what I had always dreamed of!

What is art to you?

I chose to be an artist as it brings me complete happiness! I have the freedom to be me and give this freedom to my work. To be able to create unique things, colors, textures and shapes as well as communicate feelings, moods and thoughts is magical and energizing, and at the same time relaxing. Even if I am exhausted at the end of the day, I feel a sense of accomplishment when I see what I have created.

What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?

I love to paint in my studio. It is my favorite place in the world. I can be isolated in the perfect setting for me to immerse myself in the creative process. I detach myself from the outside reality and begin to imagine what I will paint. Once I start, I can paint for an hour or for fifteen hours without stopping. I usually light a few candles to give me a sense of peace and tranquillity, and then put on music which always gives me great inspiration. I must admit that the place that I paint is very special and important to me.

How long does it take to finish a painting?

I never know how long it will take me to finish a painting. It depends on many things, including the techniques I work with, the complexity of the work, the size of the canvas and the time that I have. Some works are commissions that are for a special occasion while others are for a collection that I am putting together for a show. On average an oil painting takes me anywhere from three days to several months.

How do you choose the subjects of your paintings?

I choose the subject of the painting in relation to the collection that I am working on. Many other times, I don't have any idea what I would like to create, and just begin by improvising until it starts to develop central theme, this method has produced some of my coolest paintings.

On this art piece you've used oils. Did you paint with oils from the very beginning?

When I started my career in art, I only painted in oil. I had no experience in working with this method, and was self taught through much trial and error. My errors included many ruined paintbrushes and other materials. To a certain degree, I don't consider this a waste, as this helped me become very familiar with what I could and could not do. I experimented and continue to improve through trial and error. Painting in oil lends itself to this as you always have the opportunity to change or add on to a piece that I am working on freely without any time constraints. At the same time, I also like to work with a mixed technique of acrylic and oil together.

Do you paint with your fingers as well?

Fun question! Yes, sometimes I paint with my fingers, but not so often as I love for my manicure to be perfect. I do however use different, less common tools.

What are some places people can go to see and perhaps buying your paintings?

My works can be seen on my Instagram page, in my studio and at various shows that I have exhibited in. At present I am also collaborating with the HMH Gallery in Palma de Mallorca, Port Andratx.

Is there any dream gallery where you hope to be able to exhibit your art someday?

One of my goals is to have my art represented in various international galleries in Japan, United States of America, England, Italy, Germany and Amsterdam. At present I am working on an exhibition.