Simona is one of the talented international artists who has made Australia her home and is part of the International Harmony Exhibition.
Where did your love of art begin?
I was born in Romania, where I studied painting, sculpture and technical drawing at the School of Fine Arts in Constanta, Romania. I exhibited paintings and sculptures in local galleries. I was not able to work full-time as an artist, so I studied and completed an engineering degree at the. Institute of Construction Bucharest, and worked as a surveyor for nine years.
When did your International travels begin?
When the walls of communism fell, I traveled to the United States to study for my Master's and Doctoral degrees, and also illustrated children's books, which I loved. When I returned to post-communist Romania, I discovered orphanages full of neglected children infected with needle-acquired HIV/AIDS. I had to do something, so I co-founded and became a director of a charity working to move the children into group homes for a better life.
How was it that you came to Australia?
In 1998, one of the charity's sponsors from Australia became my husband! Two years later, we moved to Australia. In Australia, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma of Science and Information Services at Edith Cowan University, which led to my work in the WA Parliamentary Library. Due to my very busy working life, I had not painted for 25 years.
When did you start painting in Australia?
When they heard that I used to paint and would love to do so again, my colleagues in the library encouraged me to start again. The beautiful architecture of Parliament House also inspired me, so I began painting once more. I was lucky enough to receive commissions for artwork and portraits, and I painted pieces that I gave to people who had inspired me.
What are some of the achievements you are most proud of?
In 2016, I was the first artist in Western Australia to have an open exhibition at Parliament House. "Life inside Parliament House" included ten of my artworks that hang permanently in Parliament House, along with artwork from former Members of Parliament and staff. In 2019, I was so proud to win the prestigious Julie Michael Overall Winner Award. I have since won several other awards.
What most inspires you?
I love to paint architecture, urban landscapes, and the ocean. I like exotic flowers, and absolutely love the unique Australian native flowers. They have made a great impression on me. Oh, and I also like painting portraits, especially searching for the best way to interpret the person, the atmosphere, and their story.
What is your favourite medium?
My favorite mediums are watercolor and ink, but recently I have been experimenting with polymer clay and resin, which is a lot of fun. I love to keep trying new things.
Connect with Simona:
Website: Mileasart.com
Instagram: @mileasart9
Mob/SMS 0413417056
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