What is the best thing that I love about my work?

Living my passion, this is the best thing that I love about my work. The freedom that comes with expressing my deepest emotions and feelings through my art.

Discovering my love for painting three years ago was a life-changing experience for me. Prior to that, while working as a bookkeeper my entire life, I never truly understood the meaning of passion. Now, my passion flows through my veins and fills every cell of my body, every fiber of my being, igniting a fire that keeps me motivated and moving forward. 

What is my idea of happiness?

To me, happiness means having the freedom to be true to myself and pursuing the things I love, such as being creative, painting, dancing and singing. Living a life that aligns with my passions is a great source of joy for me. I believe that happiness is not a destination, but is about enjoying the journey!

What is my greatest fear?

Up until now my greatest fear used to be not finding myself, the inability to discover who I truly am, but now is the fear of losing myself. 

I also fear that I may not have the courage to pursue the things I want or I am passionate about, and this is something I am committed to overcome.

What is the trait I most deplore in myself?

The term ‘deplore’ is not a part of my vocabulary.

I choose not to focus on negative traits of emotions, but rather work on self-improvement and personal growth. Instead of deploring any particular trait in myself, I work hard to identify areas that need improvement and work towards becoming a better version of myself.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

Me, the new me, the journey of self-discovery and growth that I am on.

And I admire anyone who’s creating without limitations.

What is my greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is investing in myself and my passions, as well as daring to be alive in a world of walking dead.

My willingness to start a new life at a time when many people are already thinking about retirement is another example of my extravagance.

I firmly believe that anyone can achieve their dreams and goals at any point in their life as long as they have the passion and drive to do so. To me, being able to pursue my passions and create without limitations is a true luxury that I am grateful for every day.

And a bonus extravagance is my closet full of very high heels.

On what occasion would I lie? 

I strongly believe that honesty is a fundamental aspect of a fulfilling life. Honesty allows me to stay true to myself and my values, which is essential for my personal growth and self-awareness. Although I cannot say to have never lied, I now prioritize honesty in all my interactions. I believe that lying should be avoided whenever possible, except in situations where it may be necessary to prevent harm to others. In those cases, I would carefully consider the situation and make a decision based on what I believe is best for everyone involved. 

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

I find it challenging to place a value on my work, particularly when it comes to pricing. This is the aspect of my work that I struggle with the most.

When and where was I the happiest in my work?

The happiest moment in my work was during my first exhibition ‘Naked’ in Bucharest. The exhibition was held at the beautiful Palace Noblesse, where I was surrounded by my loved ones, including family, friends and many others whom I care deeply about. At that moment, I felt as if I were on the top of the world! I felt like a queen!

If I could, what would I change about myself?

Nothing! 

I’m learning to love and accept myself for who I am, flaws and all. Every experience and challenge I’ve faced has shaped me into the person I am today, and I wouldn’t want to change a thing. I appreciate my strengths and weaknesses and I’ve learned to embrace them both. Overall, I’m proud of the person I’ve become.

What is the greatest achievement in work?

One of my greatest achievements in work is being able to create and showcase my art through my exhibitions. It is an incredible feeling to see people connect with my work and to be able to share my vision with the world. Additionally, I am proud that almost all of my work has been sold, which shows that people appreciate and value what I do. These achievements give me the motivation to continue pursuing my passion and to keep creating.

Where would I most like to live?

If I had to choose just one place, I would say Sardinia. I would love to live in a house with an atelier, near the beach, where I could swim daily, soak up the sun and indulge my passion for painting. However, I also dream of living in other cities that I adore, such as Paris, Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, New York, Barcelona, Lisbon, Tokyo and the list can go on… I am fortunate to already be living in one of my favorite cities, Amsterdam.

What is my most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is the intangible essence of who I am, my soul and my inner being. It contains all of my values, beliefs and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. This essence is priceless and is unique to each individual. It is what makes who I am and I hold it dear to my heart above all other material possessions.

What is my most marked characteristic?

The most marked characteristic I would say is my authentic naturalness. 

What is my most inspirational location in my city?

Definitely all the channels in the centre of Amsterdam are my most inspirational location. The combination of water, architecture and the busy surroundings creates a unique ambiance that always inspires me. 

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

My top favorite place to eat in Amsterdam is ‘Taiko – Contemporary asian cuisine by Schilo – at The Conservatorium’. The building is  beautiful, the service is great and the food is wonderful. Every dish is like a work of art. I also enjoy dining at Neni, Tasca Portugalia or Ku Kitchen.

When it comes to drinks, I love to have a matcha latte or a tea at places like Venu, Carmen, or Cafe Cito. Amsterdam has so many great spots to choose from.

What books influenced my live and how?

As a child, I was enchanted by all the stories, fairy tales, legends and true stories my father used to tell me. They sparked my imagination and filled me with wonder. As an adult, books have continued to be an essential part of my life, particularly in recent years. They have helped me grow and learn, shaping the story of my life.

You only die once. What music would I listen on my last day? 

My last day of this life, I would spend it dancing to party music all day long, taking some breaks to rest and reflect on my life with gratitude while listening to some piano music, and then get right back to dancing.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

There are many fictional characters that I admire, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Mary Poppins. Her mysterious and charming personality, combined with her confidence, adventurous spirit and creativity make her a true inspiration to me. The way she brings joy to those around her through her magical ways of living still inspires me to this day.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real live?

There are many people in real life who I consider heroes and heroines, those who show courage and kindness, those who make positive changes in the world, those who keep going, trying and always find the strength and resilience within themselves. But I believe that we all can be our own hero, even when we feel broken inside or lost.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? 

It’s challenging to recommend just one movie for a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience, because are so many great films out there. However, I highly recommend watching all of the Disney Classics for their timeless stories.

When I was a child, my father told me the real-life story of the sinking of the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic. Seeing it on the big screen with the added love story made it unforgettable to me.

Also, ’Somewhere in time’ is a romantic fantasy drama that I still adore. The beautiful music composed by John Barry, a variation of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s ‘Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini’ is something I play very often.

What role play stories in my live and work?

Stories play an incredibly important role in both my personal and professional life. I love stories and the emotions they evoke, and I feel that our entire lives are made up of stories. I believe that stories have the power to connect people and inspire them to take action. I see my life as a canvas on which I paint my own story!

What do the words “you are the storyteller of your own life” mean to me?

To me, the words “you are the story teller of your own life” are the truth. This quote reminds me that I am the author of my own story and is up to me to make it a bestseller.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My greatest fans are my best friends, who always supported and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.

I am my greatest sponsor yet, as I believe in myself and work hard to achieve my goals.

Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2023?

As an artist, I would love to work with galleries in Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Florence, New York, as these cities are home to some of the most renowned and innovative art scenes in the world. I am excited about the possibility of showcasing my work to new audiences and collaborating with galleries that share my passion for art. Additionally, I am open to collaborating with companies that align with my values and artistic vision, as I believe that meaningful partnerships can lead to new opportunities and creative breakthroughs. 

What project, in 2023, I am looking forward to work on?

In 2023, I am most excited to work on my owm personal projects, which involves a long-term plan for my artistic career. This includes a list of paintings that I have been dreaming of creating for some time. I am looking forward to dedicating my time and energy to bringing these pieces to life and sharing them with the world.

Where can you see me or my work in 2023?

For sure, you can see my work on my website roxanastan.com and on my social media accounts @RoxanaStan_Art.

Any upcoming exhibitions or shows will be also announced on these platforms.

What do the words “passion never retires” mean to me?

To me, “passion never retires” means that one’s passion or enthusiasm for something does not fade away with age or time. It is a constant flame that keeps burning within, providing motivation and purpose throughout one’s life. Passion continues to drive me forward towards my goals and aspirations. 

How can you contact me?

You can contact me through my email at info@roxanastan.com or visit my website at roxanastan.com for more information.