We had the good fortune of connecting with Alina Cirstea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alina, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Portland, Oregon; however my parents were born in Romania and Ukraine! I grew up in a very strict and traditional family, and often times I felt as though I could not express my emotions. Art has always been an outlet for me and has given me a voice I did not have while growing up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Something I am most proud of is that none of my work is the same. I believe that color schemes and poses all differ based on the emotion that they represent. There are always doubts about people pursuing the arts, so there will always be people who are discouraging and therefore planting seeds of doubt in your mind. I’ve learned that we as artists can have our rough days or draw blanks, but no matter how long of a break we take; we always circle back around to doing what we love. A lesson I’ve learned is that many people do not have your best interests in mind like you do theirs. It definitely hurts, but in the end, I think everything happens for a reason. Seeding out the negativity has helped me move forward and progress. When people see my work, I want them to do a double take. I think in many instances I have achieved that since it really is my entirety going into every piece.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in east Tennessee, so there are countless mountain views, caves, and waterfalls close by that are definitely worth exploring. There are also spots near the downtown area full of graffiti and abandoned buildings that are mostly legal and definitely make for the most memorable experiences. There are so many fields and quarries that make for stunning shots! If you are more into studio art, there are also some indoor studios that we could visit! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest supporter throughout my journey has been my boyfriend! He is also a creative, so I can always go to him if I need feedback and encouragement. Alongside him, there are so many friends and others in the creative community who have helped me venture out of my comfort zone!

Website: https://www.redbubble.com/people/PixByAlina/shop?utm_source=rb-native-app&utm_campaign=share-artist&utm_medium=ios

Instagram: pixbyalina

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCaIyuUfwZyw8NLKZDG0Pd4Q

Image Credits
I have taken all of these photos.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.