Born in communist Romania, I emigrated to Italy, then moved to France, and later to Belgium, where I have lived for over 10 years.
Inspired by the diverse cultures of both Eastern and Western Europe, I see my artistic work as a kind of patchwork – a fabric woven from many threads and colors that intertwine and break, knot and re-knot… a witness to the world around me, and a reflection of the relationships between human beings, life, and time.
Initially drawn to the mystical dimension of icons painted by anonymous monks and peasants in 18th-century Transylvania, I began with reverse glass painting. In my work, I reinterpreted the traditional icon model, adapting it to contemporary themes.
Later, I discovered the art of glass which, beyond its technical challenges, offered me a new approach to light, transformation and biomorphism. I love glass because it captures light – and I believe that through light, living beings connect with each other.
Today, through sculpture—with its tactile and sensual nature -I express myself most fully.
A recurring theme in my work is the animal figure – not only for its profound symbolism and their power to reflect human emotions, but also to evoke the ancestral connection between humans and animals, and our mutual dependence on nature.
Outside of my artistic career, I am involved in social projects and international exchange programs .
Dana Blanaru 