“Being in nature allows me to slow down, observe, and reconnect with a sense of calm that often finds its way into my work.”

Artist Diana Elena Chelaru creates vibrant expressionist works that explore human emotion and the cosmos. She uses form, lines, and color to bring her imaginative compositions to life, with inspiration drawn from Byzantine mosaics and Gustav Klimt's decorative patterns. Diana works intuitively in her home basement studio, with music as a constant companion. When she's not making art, Diana enjoys spending quality time with her family.

In this interview, Diana talks about her art and inspirations.

What’s your home life like?

My lifestyle is wonderfully hectic. I share my days with my dog, my husband, and our two children—a 10-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son. In the rhythm of a busy household, I seek out moments of peace and quiet, and lately those moments of calm are what I tend to capture in my artwork.

What are you most proud of—whether in art or another part of your life?

I am proud of many things in my life, but what I’m most proud of is creating space for art while navigating life’s responsibilities. Finding moments of stillness, reflection, and creativity within constant movement has become both a personal and artistic achievement. I often believe I could do better, do more, and push further, but I am learning to accept that progress doesn’t have to be perfect. I allow myself to recognize growth along the way.

Do you have any studio rituals that help you get into a creative flow?

My days begin with a busy morning routine as I get my kids ready for school. After they head out, I take my dog for a walk in the woods, which helps me ease into a creative flow. With children to care for, I never quite know what the day will bring, so my work time isn’t in one continuous block—it’s scattered throughout the day, wherever it fits.

How do you structure your day?

I don’t have a specific studio ritual to get myself into a working mindset, except when I’m beginning a new series. During those moments, I prefer not to be distracted by anyone or anything, and I put on my favorite music. I usually start three to five paintings at once - I refer to them as “mini series.” I begin by sketching each composition with a brush or marker, almost as if I’m downloading my ideas directly onto the canvas. When the ideas stop flowing, I stop sketching. In the days that follow, I return to the canvases to build color, texture, and patterns, and that part of the process feels wonderfully playful.

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

Nature is my greatest source of inspiration—the colors, rhythms, and textures I encounter outdoors continually reset me and open space for new ideas. Being in nature allows me to slow down, observe, and reconnect with a sense of calm that often finds its way into my work. I’m also deeply inspired by the work of other artists. Seeing how others translate emotion, movement, and ideas into visual form challenges me to grow, experiment, and push my own creative boundaries. Together, these influences help shape both the direction and the spirit of my art.

Tell us about your evolution as an artist.

My evolution as an artist began early, in sixth grade, when my art teacher encouraged me to pursue art seriously. At her advice, I began studying with established artists from eastern Romania, laying the foundation for my artistic path. I earned a BFA in Mural Painting from the “George Enescu” University of Arts in Iași, Romania. During this time, I became immersed in Byzantine art, developing a deep appreciation for symbolism, structure, and the sacred over strict realism. I later continued my studies with an MA in Art History from the City University of New York, Queens College. It was during this period that I was influenced by Gustav Klimt’s decorative language, and my work evolved toward a more personal visual language—one that balances ornament and movement.

How do you decide when an artwork is finished?

I like to step back—both physically and mentally—and observe the work as a whole. I look for harmony in composition, color, rhythm, and movement, allowing my eye to travel naturally across the surface. If my gaze moves through the piece without getting “stuck,” and each element feels intentional, and in conversation with the others, then the work may be finished. I also pay attention to whether the painting still feels alive rather than overworked. When additional marks no longer add meaning or energy, and the original intention of the piece feels fully expressed, I know it is time to stop and let the artwork stand on its own.

What is the most interesting observation someone has made about your work?

It brings me great joy when my work moves the viewers in any way, but I am especially grateful when some of my works inspire other artists. American poet Michael H. Hason wrote poems in response to my paintings Coffee with Friends and Hidden Faces. Scottish poet Donna Ashworth wrote a poem based on one of my artworks titled The Passing of Times. Canadian tapestry artist Áine Humble contacted me several years ago to ask permission to reinterpret one of my paintings as a rug. She later presented the piece at Sauder Rug Hooking Week, where it received an Honorable Mention in 2022.

Is there an artwork from another artist that has had a significant impact on you?

As an art student in both high school and college, I studied Byzantine art, a style characterized by rich tones, elongated figures, and stylized faces. It emphasizes divine presence over realism, creating a timeless, sacred atmosphere through the use of mosaics, icons, and decorative patterns. These Byzantine influences are embedded in the compositional structure of my paintings. After graduating from college, I moved to New York to pursue a master’s degree in Art History. It was there that I discovered the work of Gustav Klimt. I immediately connected with his work. As a muralist, I was drawn to his decorative approach and his masterful use of pattern.

What’s your favorite museum?

I don’t have a favorite museum, but I enjoy visiting museums in New York City. It has become a meaningful activity that I love sharing with my family.

Is there anything else you’d like to share to help viewers better understand your work?

I draw inspiration from the beauty found in everyday life—light, color, movement, and quiet moments of stillness. These influences often guide my choice of subject matter and color palette, shaping the emotional tone of each work. Rather than illustrating specific narratives, I aim to create spaces that invite reflection and allow viewers to connect through their own experiences and perceptions.

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If you enjoyed this article about Diana Elena Chelaru's life and artwork, we recommend reading about our interviews with expressionist artists Gail Ragains and Allen Wittert.