(1) How would you like to Introduce yourself?
I am Cristina Dinu, aka BonTon Boutiq for those who know me for my art. I am a self-taught artist hailing from Romania, and I have been living in Qatar for almost 11 years now.
(2) Tell Me Something About Your Family & How they have Supported you in achieving your Dream?
A lot of my family life events took place in Qatar: I met my future husband here in Doha, we got married here and our two wonderful boys aged 5 and 7 who were born in here as well. I have always said that I am blessed with the best husband, he has been the top fan of my art and supported me in every way all through these years. He is my rock and I definitely have to thank him for achieving my dream of being an artist and a mother at the same time.
(3) Tell Me About Your Best/Memorable Childhood Memory.
I have lots of super memories from childhood, as I have a twin sister with whom I shared every moment of the magic of this age.
But one of the most memorable memories I hold is when I turned three years old and I got my first eyeglasses ever. Small children sight problems often go unnoticed until they reach school age so I literally think I started to see the world right there and then, I remember a feeling of fantastic revelation as the true colors and details of all things around me started to unravel before my eyes.
(4) One of the craziest thing you have done in your life
Oh my word! what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas if you know what I mean LOL
Ok, I had a bath in the Danube while I was on a rowing boat in Vienna some years back. It was such a beautiful, glorious day and the river had this unique charm that I just could not resist and I jumped in for a swim.
(5) What do you love most about yourself?
What I Iove most about myself is my modesty! I am modest and I like it this way. Hope that doesn’t change.
(6) Tell me about your hobbies.
I like to paint, but that is turning into more than a hobby. I like to travel and see new places, I like to sing in choirs, I like dancing too.
(7) What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
My bucket list is extensive, I’ve got lots of things I would really like to do such as fly in a hot air balloon, visit Switzerland, spend Christmas in Vienna, write a novel, win the lottery 😊
(8) Tell me about your journey as an artist.
I discovered my passion for painting in my forties. I might be the living example that it is never too late to start something new as long as you enjoy it. I started to paint as a pure hobby only a few years back and used to share my art with close friends. Following the warm receipt received for my art from my close circles, I have created my art brand for social media BonTon BoutiQ to showcase and sell my pieces to larger audiences.
(9) What has inspired you to become an artist ??
My inspiration towards creative art came primarily as a consequence of maternity, and I will explain: I have always been a free spirit, a very active and independent person, and indulging in my own free choices but becoming a mother to two beautiful boys brought about a major change in my lifestyle both in terms of free time and priorities.
I had a solid period of 5 years in my life where I did not allow myself to stray too far outside of my maternal role as, like all parents, I wanted to ensure for my children the best start in life there is. While that was being achieved as I intended, my creativity was building up latently inside of me too, to the point where it immediately materialized as my boys became old enough to attend nurseries and preschools and I had my first alone time in a long while. And so, I started painting in my mornings with other friends who were mums like me – we would encourage and motivate each other and we swore to stick to it for as long as our hearts told us to.
(10) What kind of paintings do you generally do?
I love to paint emotions, subjects related to life in the Middle East and subjects inspired by nature. Animals too. I have recently attempted a more abstract approach in my paintings, and I was quite happy with the results. When I started painting I used watercolors more often than not, for its convenience and versatility to go, but most recently I have started transitioning into using oils as I have gained more confidence in my expression.
(11) How will you define Art in your own words?
Based on my experience so far, art is everyone’s own truth: art is a journey into your own mind and I think we all ought to give ourselves a chance to be creative at some point in life. It can be truly liberating and profoundly insightful at the same time.
(12) If you could live one day of your life over again, what day would you choose?
I would choose one of those perfect childhood days at Christmas time when Santa was about to visit and I was so transported into the magic of holidays, when all my family was gathering, and we were singing carols together.
(13) How do you want to help society?
Mainly by doing my share, by following the rules.
My special contribution is probably through my art. I am trying to transmit joy to my audience by creating unique, original paintings that can also serve as a source of aesthetic pleasure to others.
(14) A Few words about Qatar & how this place has helped you in fulfilling your dreams?
When I came here, Doha was booming, infrastructure was frantically developing, investments were pouring, life was full of enthusiasm and high hopes for the future. I arrived in May 2010, just around the time when it was announced that the bidding nation of Qatar had won and would be hosting the World Cup 2022. People of all walks of life and nationalities were all happy to be here and share Qatar’s story of success. I remember my first impression of Qatar as a nation was that it had strong leadership and a great vision.
I had no idea back in 2010 that I would become an artist living in Doha! I think Qatar is very supportive of art and artists at this moment in time, which of course is a great encouragement for emerging artists. There are lots of art supply shops with quality products and I believe the opportunities are favorable to individuals to join artists communities and art events.
(15) What message do you want to give to our viewers?
My message to the viewers is to always THINK BIG and always FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS.
(16) A Few Lines about Essence of Qatar.(Our Website) as well as People of Qatar Series.
Congratulations to the entire team of Essence of Qatar, your energy and enthusiasm fully transpires on the website. Best of luck for the future and keep up the nice work you are doing in reaching out to the blended communities that make the People of Qatar.
Cristina Dinu
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