Get To Know | Otilia Spantulescu
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The Vancouver-based visual artist explores the impact of memory, and its ability to give context to the formation of one鈥檚 identity.
This article originally appeared on the Emily Carr University Alumni Association's . It is a part of an ongoing interview series called Get To Know. Written by S谩ra Mol膷an.
Otilia Spantulescu (BFA, 2013) is a visual artist, born in Bucharest, Romania. Her studio practice pieces together memories, dreams, family stories to form new visual artifacts. The process bridges together both the familiar and unfamiliar aspects of her own history. To see more of Otilia鈥檚 work, check out her and .
WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR ART PRACTICE?
Otilia Spantulescu and I am a visual artist living in Vancouver, BC. I work primarily with collage and digital mediums.
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR PRACTICE RIGHT NOW?
I am interested in experimental, textural manipulation of objects, surfaces and materials. To further this new direction, I am looking forward to learning some computer programming.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY?
I am the International Student Advisor in the Student Commons.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY?
I enjoyed being a part of a community of people who not only work in an art + design university, but are themselves, creative individuals, often, with their own art practice. It鈥檚 great coming to work to be among like-minded, creative problem solvers. The university also provides support and encourages the pursuit of creative endeavours among its community members, which is pretty great!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ALUMNI LOOKING TO WORK AT EMILY CARR?
There are often opportunities coming up on the , check often! Also make contacts with staff and faculty!
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT PRACTICE IN THREE WORDS.
Exploratory, meditative, playful
NAME ONE THING IN YOUR PRACTICE THAT YOU CAN鈥橳 DO WITHOUT?
A routine. This is something I struggle with, but it鈥檚 really important for me. Especially when I鈥檝e had a bad day and I don鈥檛 want to do anything in the evening. I am trying to be better about pushing through the negative feelings and engaging with something creative or reading a good book or article.
WHAT鈥橲 THE MOST USEFUL PIECE OF CAREER ADVICE YOU鈥橵E RECEIVED AS A PRACTICING ARTIST/DESIGNER?
Always keep working. Keep working on projects even if it鈥檚 just for yourself. Welcome the support and advice of colleagues, friends and loved ones.
WHAT LED YOU TO STUDY AT EMILY CARR?
Since moving to Canada in the late 90鈥檚 I knew I wanted to pursue a fine art education. Early on I had heard of Emily Carr from school counsellors, and as I approached my last year of high school, I did everything I could to ensure I could attend Emily Carr (at the time, Institute of Art and Design). It was the only school I wanted to go to, and the only one I applied to.
WERE THERE ANY PROFESSORS OR CLASSES THAT INFLUENCED YOU?
A few professors that stand out to me when I was a student were: Magnolia Pauker, Paloma Campbell, , Celia King, , and Kathleen Oliver. Taking a creative writing course during undergrad was illuminating. Magnolia鈥檚 course was invaluable knowledge.
Featured image is Soft Forms, 2019, collage + construction paper. Image courtesy of Otilia Spantulescu.
This interview was originally posted via 's website.