Nadina speaks with a gentle intensity about photography as an ongoing journey of discovery, “a constant process of knowing and introspection” where every image becomes a question rather than an answer. Whether she’s piecing together collages from found materials or letting memory and nostalgia guide her lens, her creative method is deeply intuitive: materials, memories, and discussions all simply converge until a work takes shape. Even her venture into video emerges from a slow, careful unraveling of thought, a six-month thought‑puzzle that she approaches like a poem rather than a polished film. 

1. WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR SOUL SING? WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

Definitely music, good food, long conversations, and playing outside with friends like we’re kids all over again.

2. A CHILDHOOD STORY THAT ANNOUNCED THE CREATIVE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY

One of my earliest memories: I was three or four years old, and while at the beach with my parents, I asked them what the sheep were doing in the sea. I was referring to the stabilopods.

3. BEST CONTEXT EVER FOR INSPIRATION WAS

Leaving my hometown. Now, every time I return to Constanța and visit the beach of my childhood, I feel inspired and at peace. One of my favorite films is Caro Diario by Nanni Moretti, and there’s a quote from it that stayed with me:

“Dear diary, I’m happy only at sea, sailing from the island I’ve left to the one I’m going to.”

4. THE PROJECT YOU LOVED MOST

Without a doubt, Nesting Has No Voice is the one closest to my heart.

5. THE PROJECT OTHERS LOVED MOST

Hmm… I’d say Nesting Has No Voice again. If it’s my favorite so far, I like to think others feel the same way haha!

6. THE BEST THING ABOUT ROMANIAN CREATIVITY IS

Maybe the way we see life through a tragi-comedic lens.

7. BEST STATEMENT OF ROMANIAN HUMOR

“Haz de necaz” which means laughing in the face of sorrow.

8. ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL HEADHUNTERS, RELATED TO ROMANIAN CREATIVES

I haven’t met one yet, but my advice would be: look for the stories behind the work—the drive and the deeper motivation behind everything.

9. BEST PLACE IN BUCHAREST

Cișmigiu Park. It was one of the first places I visited in Bucharest, and I keep going back. It always feels right.

10. BEST PLACE IN YOUR COUNTRY

There are so many beautiful places, including ones I haven’t yet explored. But the first image that came to mind was the cemetery in Sighișoara’s citadel.

11. MOST DISTURBING CLICHÉ ABOUT ROMANIA, IN THE MEDIA OUTLETS OF THE WORLD

Honestly, I find clichés funny, there’s always a seed of truth in them. I just think Romanians haven’t yet figured out how to fully own and capitalize on them.

12. ROMANIA SHOULD BE KNOWN FOR

Its nightlife—we really know how to have fun.

13. YOUR VIEWS ON SPIRITUALITY

If your intentions are good and you can truly see and listen to what’s around you with care and empathy, I believe you’re on the right path. Stay connected and present in the world.

14. YOUR VIEWS ON MONEY

Money can bring happiness, but it shouldn’t be the goal. If you follow your passions and do what you love, the money will follow. Work hard, play hard, and all the other clichés. Also, give me money today and I’ll know exactly how to spend it by tomorrow!

15. AN INSPIRATION SOURCE YOU RECOMMEND FOR A YOUNG CREATIVE

Watch Ed Wood by Tim Burton, and if you’ve already seen it, watch it again!

BIO:
Nadina Stoica is an emerging artist whose work explores themes such as memory, personal identity, and inhabitable space. Her artistic practice is centered around photography, which she incorporates into photobooks, collages, video, objects, and installations. Her works have been exhibited at Diploma and Art Safari, as well as in international exhibitions in the United Kingdom (Finding Home digital display, #EVERYDAYDORAMAAR UNIQLO TATE LATES – TATE MODERN), China, and Serbia.