S2E28: Irina Neascu, Botanical Artist

The Romanian Botanical Artist Irina Neascu began her career in architecture and now her journey transcends academia, science, art and illustration. Irina says: “I approached botanical art to continue investigating the cultural landscape from a natural perspective of the reciprocal influence and fragile intersections between culture and nature.” Irina was born in Bucharest in 1982, the only child of Daniela and Mihai who are both economists. She attended the Architecture University in Bucharest, Romania where she graduated with both a BA and MA. Irina then earned a postgraduate MA in Fine Arts at Rome University of Fine Arts. Following her graduation, she turned to interior design where her name became an international brand, with exhibitions at various fairs and events throughout Europe. The main collections focus on bespoke upholstery and chairs, crafted with textile collage techniques and digital printing. Irina has worked on both old and new furniture, restoring and customizing items according to the specific needs of her clients. Her interior design collections include home accessories and furniture, in unique series or limited series. In 2016, Irina moved north of Bucharest to the Transylvania area to be closer to nature; hiking is one of her favorite activities. Here, she opened the Irina Neacșu Studio then founded an art school, Cembra School of Botanical Art and Design, where she teaches courses and workshops in painting, drawing, textile art or design and encourages creative knowledge inspired by nature and heritage. Irina is currently  a PhD candidate at the Art University in Bucharest, and later this year she will be a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Yale Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, History of Art Department. Irina lives in Brasov with her Weimaraner, Scala. Irina’s website: https://irinaneacsu.com/Instagram: @irinaneascu https://www.instagram.com/irinaneacsu/ Some favorite feamle artists:Georgia O’KeeffeRachel RuyschGiovanna GarzoniHillary WatersJackie MulderChristiane Fashek Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.