Editorial, ArtistTeddy MarksSeptember 28, 2022Creatives in Paradise, Interview, Paintings, Painter, Graphics, Artist, Alina Poloboc

ALINA POLOBOC

Editorial, ArtistTeddy MarksSeptember 28, 2022Creatives in Paradise, Interview, Paintings, Painter, Graphics, Artist, Alina Poloboc

CREATIVES IN PARADISE

Alina Poloboc - THE MALLORCAN INSPIRATION

art: Alina Poloboc
t&p: Teddy Marks

When we first met here in Palma de Mallorca, the Moldovan artist Alina Poloboc immediately captivated us with her powerful and highly aesthetic paintings.

She loves to experiment with different materials and techniques and never tires of trying something new. Just before she moved to the US to prepare for her exhibitions in Miami and New York, which we can eagerly await this fall/winter, we met briefly, took a few photos of her and chatted about her life and work.

Alina, what's the best thing that's happened to you so far this year?

One of the best moments recently was celebrating Christmas with my family in Ireland, with the people I care about the most. The last time I did that was about 12-15 years ago when I was little. That's because everyone lives and works in different parts of the world. It was quite complicated to organize, but in the end everything worked out, and I hope it will be the same in the future. Family is the most precious thing in the world, and I have really come to appreciate that.

How do you start your day with pleasure?

Usually my day starts in the morning, not too early and not too late, depending on what I have planned for the day. I go to the gym and then have breakfast. After that, I always try to work a little earlier if I have natural light - but I don't always succeed! During the day, I always have something to do that distracts me from my work, and when that happens, I work in the evening or even late at night. Sometimes that is the only time of the day when I am calmer and my mind can connect with my artistic creations. Every day starts differently, but always with thoughts of gratitude for choosing to do what really makes me happy - painting!

“ART HAS BECOME AN IMPORTANT PART OF MY LIFE, IT FASCINATES ME SO MUCH THAT I CAN'T IMAGINE MY LIFE WITHOUT IT.”

**Ballet on Canvas (2022)** - Original Artwork available in our shop

Before we get into all of the exciting artwork you create, take us a step back to how it all started. When did you first realize that you would love to be an artist/painter?

Since I was little, I could paint very well. I was the best in class and was always passionate about art. I never thought that one day I could take art more seriously. I didn't see painting as a profession, because it seemed more like a hobby than a job. This is probably due to the mentality in the country I come from and the fact that I couldn't imagine that you could make a living with art. My life took a 360 degree turn 5 years ago when I moved from Italy to Spain. Here I started a new page in my life. On an incredibly beautiful, magical and very special island for my soul, namely on this island of Mallorca, I finally found my peace of mind and turned a hobby into a real profession. Art has become an important part of my life, it fascinates me so much that I can't imagine my life without it.

You moved to Mallorca 5 years ago. Your earlier works reflect your feelings and your wishes for the future, often in an abstract way, while lately you work more often figuratively and also increasingly digitally. Have the dreams you initially had when you came here already come true, and have your motives and themes changed or supplemented as a result?

One of the most important dreams of my life since I moved to Palma de Mallorca has definitely come true. This is because I have found my peace and emotional balance in life, and I have also fulfilled another dream that every person wishes for - I have found my favorite job, and that was the happiest decision of my life. Every morning when I wake up, the first thing I do is thank the universe for this opportunity. This new world of art has been mysterious and enchanting, and I have been fortunate to be guided and supported by many people around me. In this new phase of my life, many new dreams have appeared, and this is wonderful, because it gives me wings to fly and know myself better without limits.

“IN MOLDOVA THERE IS A SAYING THAT I THINK IS VERY TRUE: HASTE SPOILS WORK.”

**Ballet on Canvas (2021)** - Original Artwork available in our shop

Do you use photos for your paintings, or is it pure imagination?

For abstract paintings I usually use my own imagination and inspiration from the moment I am in. This style triggers special emotions in me, because here I allow creativity to completely dominate my mind and reason - I just let myself be carried away by the energy and feelings I have that day. For figurative paintings, I often take inspiration from certain images, ballet performances or dances. However, I always try to invent my own story and express it on canvas. I also have models who pose for me, so I can create something unique and very personal.

If you look back 5 years when you started painting, what would you do differently today from your perspective and experience?

Honestly, I think that in those 5 years I did the best I could do. I was always very active and sociable, eager to learn more and more in the field of art and life in general. I organized and participated in various exhibitions that dealt with certain cultural and ethnic themes. During this time I also met many artists and painters from different parts of the world, which broadened my knowledge and opened new horizons in the art world. I participated in several charity events where I donated both my time and my artwork to help needy children in the Balearic Islands and their families who suffered from the Covid 19 pandemic and other social problems that are important to me. One thing I have wanted and continue to want is a large studio where I can work more comfortably. The room I work in has been converted into my studio and is a little small. This motivates me to keep working to make my dreams come true and soon have my dream studio! Everything has its time and place, and for me the time is now! In Moldova there is a saying that I think is very true: haste spoils work. So I prefer to make a big effort than to be in a hurry without really being prepared.

ORIGINAL OIL PAINTINGS FROM ALINA POLOBOC IN OUR SHOP:

"ALINA POLOBOC" at MARLEY Shop

Your images are on the one hand very abstract and on the other hand also figurative or a combination of both and each time filled with aesthetics and harmony. Do the motifs and colors also reflect the feelings of your heart, so can you also let go sometimes when painting or do you proceed more planned? How do you prepare for a new work of yours?

I love to combine two different styles in painting. Abstraction helps me to detach myself from the mind and let myself be guided only by feelings. I love this style because it always surprises me with new textures, colors and shapes. Here I have complete freedom in terms of expressing feelings. I also like the figurative style because I love to paint the human body, sometimes naked. I get inspired by tight muscles, movements while dancing and certain positions. I feel the emotions in these paintings. These two completely different styles together create something magical and give me a sense of fulfilment. I usually start my work with music in the background (whatever songs inspire me at the moment). I try to completely disconnect from the real world and put myself in a completely different world where there are no boundaries, no fear and no suffering - where I am all alone in my creative world. For me, natural light is very important when working, and also having all the necessary colors and other materials. As long as I have that, I can paint just about anywhere. I feel more comfortable and confident in my abilities, which allows me to be more flexible.

Have you ever had something go wrong when you were painting and not turn out the way you wanted?

Yes, many times. When you learn everything from scratch, without formal training, you make many mistakes. For example, when I started painting, I spent a lot of money on products that I didn't really need. I also didn't know how to prepare the canvas properly before I started working, and I didn't know how to clean the brushes properly after use. Other mistakes were, for example, that I painted too much with oil paint without knowing that there are products that can be used to create certain textures and that you can then apply the oil paints on top to avoid unnecessary expenses. With oil painting, there are many blends and methods to create certain textures that save you a lot of time and materials, which I didn't know. Other things that are not always up to me are when I work with abstracts. Here you never know what you're going to create because it's a very improvisational and unpredictable style of working. Sometimes what comes out is incredible, but sometimes I can't use any of it at all. I always work with high quality materials and it's quite risky when you don't know if it will work or not. I look at the positive side of things and try to learn from my own mistakes so that I have less chance of making the same mistakes in the future.

**You And I (2022)** - Original Artwork available in our shop

What are your plans and dreams for the future? What do you want to achieve in the next 5 years?

One of the goals I would like to achieve in the near future is to organize my first NFT exhibition and develop further in this field. Another goal is to place my works with the best galleries around the world. I have many projects that I am finishing and I can't wait to present them. One of my plans is to work and live in America and start a new phase of my life there.

What age are you looking forward to?

Each phase of life is unique and in each phase we learn something new and become wiser. It is important that we never lose hope and confidence in ourselves and that we create new dreams and goals. I believe that this is what motivates a person the most, and that you are full of life and an inspiration to others.

For an artist it is essential to receive feedback on the work. When you talk to people who see or buy your work, what do they say or even experience?

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to art. Some people like what I do, others not so much, but I feel like I get more positive feedback than negative. I believe that there is no such thing as bad art. People either like it or they don't. Everyone has different visions, ideas and feelings and that's wonderful because that's how we learn about each other's world and see it through different eyes. Expressing ourselves through art is MAGIC! It is important that we do not let ourselves be influenced too much by the opinions of others. Do what you love and be the best for yourself, not for others.

“YOU ARE FULL OF LIFE AND AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS.”

**Between Two Worlds (2021)** - Original Artwork available in our shop

**The Place Of Peace (2022)** - Original Artwork available in our shop

What do others think about you that is not true?

Many believe that painting has always been my profession, but this is not true. I studied International Relations in the Republic of Moldova and also graduated in Broadcasting and Communication. After graduating, I worked in television and my last job before leaving Moldova was hosting a live talk show on TV. I also often get compliments and many questions about my appearance, what beauty products I use and how I find the time to always look my best. The truth is that I don't like spending money and time in beauty salons. I do manicures, pedicures, hair styling, make-up and many other things at home when I take a break from painting. I love taking care of both my physical and mental well-being. I exercise almost daily and eat a balanced diet. I dress smartly and often my outfits look expensive, but the truth is, if you know how to combine different pieces, you can have a great look quite cheaply. With the money I save, I invest in work and travel materials!!! A lot of people also think I'm an aloof person, but that's not true. I am very social and open to new experiences and challenges. When it comes to friendships, however, I am very selective. I don't have many friends, but the ones I have are very close to me.

What do you definitely want to do this year?

This year I want to move to the US to live and work. I want to start from scratch, that motivates me a lot! New people, places, lifestyle, sharing experiences with other artists. Who knows what great collaborations or projects are waiting for me. Happiness is within reach.

**Explosions (2022)** - Original Artwork available in our shop

Where do you go when you want to be with yourself? What is your favorite place?

When I want to be alone, I like to be isolated from everyone. Sometimes I love to stay at home and do nothing, so I can regain my energy and strength, both mentally and physically. Sometimes I also retreat to my studio and create day and night. I also like to travel a lot. One of my favorite places in the world is Bali, my place to regenerate. Travelling in general gives me new strength and inspiration and helps me to switch off from everyday life.

What are your plans for this summer?

This summer I plan to move to the US and work very hard. I want to organize the first exhibition in Miami, and maybe also in New York. Who knows????

Your artwork is …

My artwork is therapy for my soul.

Your life without art would be …

A life without art would be like a dark tunnel through which I would always be looking for a way out.

Thank you Alina for your time and words!

Biography

Alina Poloboc, was born in 1991 in Bender, Moldova. She commutes between her residences in Miami and Palma de Mallorca. She holds a degree in International Relations as well as in Political Science. In Moldova, she worked as an anchor for 3 television stations. She lived in Bolzano, Italy for two years where she discovered her passion for painting.

During a vacation in Palma de Mallorca, she was captivated by the special light of the island. She started painting and attending classes, and during the six years she lived on the island, her passion for painting was awakened. Since then she has been a professional artist.

Alina has two different styles of painting. One is figurative, with real ballerinas painted with elegance and delicate touches - it's like a living ballet on canvas, captured with the colorful paint on Alina's brush. You can see how the colors and textures come together to tell the story.

Her abstract paintings are more contemporary. They are dominated by the powerful color blue, a color the artist is obsessed with. The color blue, a color that reflects the color of the sky and water of Mallorca.