For Bow Arts’ next Artist Spotlight, Ioana Elecfi reflects on moving more slowly, and the challenges she faces as an artist.

Introduce yourself! Can you tell us a little about your practice?

I am Ioana, a former actress, an illustrator and a self taught painter, from Romania. My work is practice-based mainly painting and illustration, and my interaction with the media involves improvisation and experimentation. I have been living and working in Bucharest, Barcelona, Balearic Islands and London for the past years.

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently, I’m dedicated to self-improvement. Over the past six months, I’ve been intentionally moving at a slower pace, taking a step back to evaluate my work, assess my perspective on it, and determine the direction I want to pursue next. Sometimes, pausing and reflecting can be highly beneficial.

Over the past six months, I’ve been intentionally moving at a slower pace, taking a step back to evaluate my work, assess my perspective on it, and determine the direction I want to pursue next. Sometimes, pausing and reflecting can be highly beneficial.

Ioana Elecfi

What themes are you interested in?

I am intrigued by a wide range of themes connected with the human experience. These themes encompass the realm of the unconscious mind, the intensity of profound emotions, trauma, the power of ordinary moments, the pure essence of human connection, and the profound exploration of our very existence.

Is there a specific artist / art movement that you are particularly inspired by?

Naive art, Expressionism and abstract expressionism.

How has having an affordable studio impacted your practice/what is it you like about having your
studio?

Having a studio has profoundly shifted my perspective. The ability to create a clear distinction between my living and working spaces has had a significant impact. Despite nearly a year passing, I am still adapting to the space. It has afforded me the opportunity to evaluate my work objectively, and the physical separation from working at home has made me more accountable for my work.

Has having access to a studio in central London affected your practice?

Extremely convenient!

I live very central, so being able to walk to my studio is extremely easy and practical.

How did you find out about Bow Arts?

I discovered Bow Arts through a Google search.

What are the challenges you face as an artist/designer/maker?

As an artist, I currently grapple with several significant challenges. Firstly, I often encounter rejection, which can be demotivating. Secondly, it’s challenging to find and engage with an active artistic community that truly makes me feel like an integral part of it. Lastly, achieving financial stability solely through my artistic work remains an ongoing struggle.

Keep up with Ioana’s work on her website and on Instagram.

About Ioana Elecfi
b. 1989, Romania 

Elecfi is a multidisciplinary artist and performer based in London. She is a self taught painter who studied Performing Arts at The Caragiale National University of Theatre and Film, in Bucharest, followed by a MA in Illustration at  Camberwell Collage of Arts in London. 

Her work is practice-based mainly painting and illustration, and her interaction with the media involves improvisation and experimentation.

Human experience is an important element of Elecfi’s work, with the process of creation playing a vital role. 

Her work can be found in private collections in Europe, United Kingdom and USA.