Meet artist Raluca of MadeByRalu

We recently interviewed the incredibly gifted Ralu and got to learn about her artistic journey, as well as how a deep passion for nature and the sea has inspired her creations. 

Hi RALU, TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF … 

“A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step,” Lao Tzu said.
The universe has a funny way of making things happen.
I am Raluca and I am the artist/creator of MADEBYRALU.
What shaped me into who I am today is hard to say. I believe that all the experiences and people I’ve met along the way have had a major impact on my personality. I was born and raised in Romania, where nature surrounds you/where nature is at home. I wouldn’t know what else to say except I create with heart, not reason.

 WHAT HAS YOUR ART JOURNEY BEEN LIKE? 

I believe my passion for art started in my youth when I would lay my thoughts and heart on a canvas through colors; each time I would feel sad or happy, drawing and painting have always been part of my life.

For a long time, I mostly hand-painted t-shirts, murals, and canvas (acrylic and watercolour) for myself or friends. 

I find it more like a therapy than anything else. Sometimes I can simply get lost in the process. But in the midst of uncertainty, “madebyralu” was born in April 2020. I was thinking: I know how my loved and close ones see my art; therefore, I should try to somehow get out there to share my passion with the world :), but do I even have a chance if I want to do this in the future!?
 From there, the idea of creating a space to share my illustrations on and see whether it would be liked or not. So I created and created and got to where I am today. Turned out that sometimes the smallest step in the right direction can end up being the biggest step of your life. Somehow I’ve turned my passion into a profession, and I’m still amazed and grateful for all the support I’ve received.

HOW HAS YOUR ART CHANGED OVER TIME?

Abstract is my one true love. Then, I started drawing feminine characters in soft and delicate landscapes. I got caught up in the process (loved it). However, I still consider myself to be at the beginning of this journey, so I’m just trying to absorb every step and enjoy all the things I am learning. Of course, I am always open to new challenges that may teach me a thing or two.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU/YOUR ART? 

Nature, people, music, everything basically...life itself holds so much inspiration. Most of my art comes from my love for endless summer and the ocean. Being out in nature, wild elements are an amazing source of artistic inspiration & always trying to incorporate and immortalize feelings and situations in my artwork. My name Ralu (“ray of sun” in Latin ), and my love for the sun and sandy beaches inspired my artwork, so I hope to bring a little bit of sunshine, joy, and positivity to people’s lives through my creations.

 WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE AS AN ARTIST/ENTREPRENEUR? 

There are always new challenges along the way; the most important thing is to take it slowly and enjoy the ride, and most importantly, never give up. However, I guess the biggest challenge for me, being a self-taught illustrator, is building an unbreakable self-trust. As an entrepreneur, the bigger challenge is balancing my time between family and profession.

 WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Always live in the present time, never in the past or future. 

 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE AND WHY?

Every place I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting holds a special place in my heart, but if I really have to choose, I would say I have 2 favourite places so far. Menorca (Spain), where I have beautiful memories with incredible landscapes and hidden beaches, and Gran Canaria (Spain), I have a special connection with that place.

 ONE THING ON YOUR « BUCKET LIST »?

My favourite thing to do is spend time with my family, preferably outdoors, so I would say travel, travel, and more travel! Mostly in exotic places :)

HIDDEN TALENT? 

I don’t know if you can call it a talent, but I enjoy creating things through DIY projects and crafting.

YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

 “I always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect; they are much more interesting.“ - Mark Jacobs. This is one of my favourite quotes!

~Follow Ralu's journey on Instagram ~

https://instagram.com/madebyralu

Visit her Etsy shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/madebyraludesigns