Livia Falcaru is an illustrator & visual artist currently living and working in Bucharest, Romania. Her work is above all influenced by her personal experiences as a woman living in these days. The Romanian illustrator often finds herself fascinated by the daily life and the emotions we might all feel but never care to mention.
Livia's illustrations have not only inspired my personal style as an illustrator but has consistently enriched my life, on good days and bad.
I'm incredibly delighted that she agreed to do this year-end interview about the year that was:
How has this year been for you?
Pretty intense I’d say. Did my best to remain sane in the actual context but I’d say I managed well in the end. I tried to use the extra time inside to think and make some plans for future.
Did you learn anything new this year?
Not so much. I stuck with what I love the most: drawing. :)
What was your routine like during the pandemic?
Nothing much has changed during the pandemic for me. I was already working from my home studio. Usually I woke up early and made a warm cup of coffee. Then 30 minutes / 1 hour of reading a book. And then work, work, work! I kind of immersed myself into work during the pandemic. All I wanted was for time to pass honestly. I also started therapy this year and it has helped me a lot.
What dish did you cook the most in 2020?
All kinds of salads! I’m definitely a salad person and experiment a lot with ingredients.
What's the biggest obstacle you've overcome this year?
Accepting I can’t fix myself alone and that I needed therapy to heal my traumas.
What was one of the moments you were most proud of this year?
I can’t pinpoint one honestly. I’d say I like to celebrate and be proud of my achievements a little every single day.
Who really enriched your life this year in a big way?
My boyfriend. The pandemic was a bit more bearable together.
The nicest thing you’ve done for someone in 2020?
I think one of the nicest and most fulfilling things for me I’ve done in 2020 is donating regularly to people that take care of animals or animal shelters.
The book that helped you the most in 2020?
Couldn’t say it helped me but I definitely loved it: Peggy Guggenheim’s biography.
The song you heard on loop this year?
Favorite film/TV show of 2020?
The Queen’s Gambit
What's a lesson that this lockdown has taught you?
It’s okay to seek out help if needed.
It’s okay to not be productive all the time.
What is one question that you found yourself asking over and over again this year?
Do I actually want to have all these things/people in my life?
A recent epiphany you've had?
Trauma work is very important.
What’s your number one bucket list item for 2021?
Finally moving into my new studio! :)