Romanian-born and educated graphic artist Oana Befort illustrates with beautiful reflection, Romanian folk culture and happy childhood memories…
memory maker Oana Befort
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP IN ROMANIA?
I grew up in a city in the northern part of Romania, surrounded by mountains. Even though we lived in a flat, my sisters and I spent a lot of time outdoors because our grandparent's lived in either a house in the city with a garden with cherry trees that we often climbed, or a house in the mountains where we could explore forests nearby.
PLEASE SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR MEMORIES OF ROMANIA AS A CHILD.
I could say I have many beautiful memories, but the first one that often comes to my mind is sitting on top of the roof of our grandparents home, eating cherries from the tree and drawing away in my sketchbooks. My most favourite memories are the ones spent outdoors exploring, caring for, or playing with animals and pretty much drawing all the time.
YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS HOLD COLOURFUL STORIES OF EVERY DAY LIFE BUT THERE IS ALSO A BEAUTIFUL LINK TO ROMANIA IN YOUR STYLE. WHAT IS ROMANIAN STYLE TO YOU?
Thank you! To me, the Romanian style is heritage. I was blessed to grow up seeing my great-grandma and one of my grand mothers work on various textile projects, either using a weaving loom or working on embroidered pieces. Some of these folk motifs stuck with me and I have since learnt to appreciate them more and more, the further removed I became.
YOU HOLD A MASTER’S DEGREE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN AND VISUAL COMMUNICATION AND NOW A VERY BUSY VISUAL ARTIST IN HIGH DEMAND. WHAT WAS STUDENT LIFE LIKE AT THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ARTS IN BUCHAREST? DID YOU EVER IMAGINE MOVING TO THE USA?
It was crazy-busy, scary, fun and a good learning experience overall. When I went to college I practically had to learn how to live on my own, while learning how to navigate a huge, new city, make new friends (I still have them now), and do my best.
In 4th year, I started working as a full-time graphic designer in an international ad agency. Shortly after that, I started my Masters, got married, then a few years later, decided to freelance. I never imagined I would end up living in the States, but I always aspire to do the best I can in the place where I am. With all of its ups and downs, this is still what I try to do now.
YOU LIVE IN MID-WEST USA NOW. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE SO FAR FROM ROMANIA? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST?
I mostly miss the people. My parents still live in Romania and so do a few of our close friends. We were planning a trip with the kids to visit some favourite spots in Bucharest, (my home for about 12 years), as well as outside the capital city.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PAST TIME OR PLACE TO VISIT IN ROMANIA?
I still can’t decide if I like the mountains or the seaside more but there are so many beautiful places to explore along the Carpathian Mountains… the castles and lakes, or in Bucharest… the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum is a must visit.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A FELLOW ROMANIAN HOPEFUL TO FORGE THEIR FUTURE, WHILE LIVING IN ROMANIA TODAY?
I think this is a little tricky because I don’t live there now, but like I said before, while I was living in Romania, I tried to do my best in the place with context to where I was. I also try to treat others the way that I want them to treat me. At least maybe this is a start. To make the most of where you are with what you have, and to do things you enjoy, everyday.