My Life
I am one of nine children born into a family of subsistence farmers. I attended Colegiul de Arte Plastice Alexandru Plămădeală (Moldovan College of Fine Arts) in Moldova’s capital Chisinau, and I graduated, specializing in painting in oil on canvas, academism, and creating elaborate set designs for theater.
I worked as a set designer at the national theater and painted on commission, mostly for clients throughout Europe. I even created imitations of my favorite works by the masters I studied, challenging me to develop my techniques and experiment with my mediums. Eventually, I developed a steady hand in oil and specialized in painting large, detailed still life and landscape scenes that took months to layer and layer and perfect.
My journey as an artist started as a young adult in Moldova, East Europe.
I immigrated to the US with my family in 2004.
I quickly lost hope of continuing my profession as an artist here, so I had to put my dream aside for 15 years while I worked other jobs to support my family. I was a janitorial custodian by night, a courier, and a building superintendent. I occasionally painted to manage my stress. Several years ago, I started selling my paintings at the local beach and invested in new, quality supplies.
In January of 2021, my daughter and I started my art business, Certan Artwork, and I dedicated more of my time to painting. We set a goal to replace one of my jobs with my work as an artist, and she started to manage the business and represent my artwork. With my wife’s help and support, I freed up 20 hours a week that are fully dedicated to exploring and creating my art!
I am a proud husband & father!
I am proud to call this a family endeavor because my passion and my identity as an artist and creator wouldn’t exist without the support and love of my family. If you’d like to get to know us more personally, enjoy the photos below! I live in MA with my wife and youngest son, and I visit the beach several times a week to jog, clear my brain, photograph, and gain fresh inspiration. We send out monthly newsletters sharing updates, new artwork, and sales — sign up through the Contact Me section. And if you’re interested buying one of my artworks or commissioning a custom painting — please reach out!
The Certan Artwork Family Team
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My Wife
PARTNER
I married my wonderful wife in 2017 and we currently live in a small town on the coast of Massachusetts. She is supportive, patient, and kindhearted, a devoted and considerate partner in life and friend, and caretaker of our family and pets. I owe my peace of mind and progress to her.
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My Daughter & Son-in-law
MANAGER & REPRESENTATIVE
My daughter is my biggest motivator. She pushes me to be the best man, father, and artist I can be, and to make her as proud as I am of her. She is driven and determined, stable and balanced. She currently manages my business form Washington D.C., where she resides with her husband and their Cat.
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My Son
FAN & OCCASIONAL HELPER
My son is navigating the young adult stage in his life. He is lively, energetic, and keeps me on my toes. He is innovative, compassionate, and capable. I try to set a solid example for him as he grows up and gains maturity. I want to offer him stability and to encourage him to identify his passions and follow them as I am.
