Interview: Roxana Saraev | Romania

The ICBSS has conducted a series of online interviews with women artists from the Black Sea, who shared insights into their work through their contributions.

 

Roxana Saraev, Recycled Material Jewellery Creator | Romania

Please introduce yourself to our audience. Share with us some key information about yourself and your career, such as your educational background, participation in events like festivals or exhibitions, and any awards you have received.

My journey as an artist began at the age of fourteen, when I started creating paper jewellery as a response to the emerging recycling movement. At the time, I had no idea this passion would shape my future, but 18 years later I’ve fully embraced my path as a jewellery artist. After finishing high school, I spent a year studying Jewellery Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, gaining valuable experience through an internship at a local jewellery business which influenced my artistic direction. Upon returning to Romania, I pursued my long-held interest in performance by studying Acting and Puppetry at the National University of Theatre and Film in Bucharest. In retrospect, I recognise how these academic experiences have helped me to develop a unique approach to my art, combining craftsmanship, storytelling and community engagement. Four years ago, I moved to the stunning Danube Delta, a place that has profoundly transformed my artistic practice. Inspired by the region's natural beauty, and alarmed by the impact of plastic pollution on its waters, I started making earrings from recycled plastic bottles and hosting creative workshops for children across Romania. This work has also led me to found an NGO in Sulina, combining art, sustainability, and education to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Tell us about the art form(s) you work on. Share with us some interesting information about the creative process.

I create contemporary jewellery using recycled materials, especially paper and plastic. My pieces are both wearable art and statements about sustainability. What started with paper jewellery has evolved into transforming discarded plastic bottles into colourful earrings, necklaces, and other accessories. My creative process begins by collecting and cleaning discarded materials before experimenting with how to cut, shape and combine them in unexpected ways. I often let the form and texture of the material guide the design, enabling each piece to tell its own story. As I work with recycled materials, each item is unique. I also enjoy sharing this process with children and communities through workshops, where participants learn to transform waste into beautiful and meaningful creations. For me, making jewellery is about more than just adornment; it's about sparking conversations on sustainability and inspiring creativity as a tool for change.

If you had to present us just one of your artworks, which one would you select? Share with us the details and the message you want to communicate through this artwork.

If I had to choose just one piece of artwork, it would be the creations made by the children in my workshops. To me, these pieces represent the most powerful outcome of my work. Using discarded plastic bottles collected from the Danube Delta, the children transform waste into colourful earrings, brooches and small sculptures. These creations tell a bigger story than any piece of jewellery I could make myself. They reflect curiosity, creativity and an emerging understanding of the impact of our choices on the environment. Through the creative process, the children gain a new perspective on plastic pollution and discover the potential to transform something harmful into something beautiful and useful. By presenting their work, I am demonstrating that art can be both a form of personal expression and a means of collective action; a tool for learning, empowerment and change.

Women artists still face many barriers and disparities. What inspires you to continue being creative and staying focused on doing what you love?

What inspires me to continue creating, despite the barriers women artists still face, is the incredible speed at which technology is evolving. I’m endlessly curious about the new possibilities it offers, whether in terms of materials, techniques or ways of sharing our work. Technology has opened doors for artists like me, enabling us to experiment, connect across borders and reach audiences that would have been impossible to access before. Equally inspiring is the sense of community that has grown among artists worldwide. The ease with which we can network, exchange ideas and access inspiration online gives me hope and energy. It reminds me that creativity is a collective force and that, even in the face of disparities, we can support one another and continue to shape the future of art together.

Art can be a catalyst for intercultural dialogue, gender equality and social inclusion. What is your vision for the role of your work in addressing these issues?

My vision is to use art as a bridge between people, communities and ideas. By transforming discarded materials into jewellery and by hosting creative workshops for children, I aim to show that art is not only about beauty but also about responsibility, inclusion and dialogue. Working with recycled materials provides a shared foundation — waste and pollution impact us all, regardless of our cultural, gender, or social backgrounds. In my workshops, children from different communities work together, learning to collaborate, respect the environment, and value their creativity. Through these activities, I hope to encourage intercultural dialogue, empower girls and women to express themselves creatively, and foster a sense of social inclusion where everyone feels their contribution matters. Ultimately, my work is about transforming not just materials, but also mindsets — inviting people to see connections where they might not have seen them before.

Is there anything else that you would like to discuss?

I would like to emphasize how much my work is rooted in collaboration and education. Beyond creating jewellery, my greatest joy comes from seeing how children and communities respond to the idea of transforming waste into art. These moments reaffirm my belief that creativity can be a powerful tool for environmental awareness and social change. I’m always open to partnerships, exhibitions, and projects that connect art with sustainability, education, and community building. To me, the future of art lies in collaboration, innovation, and using our skills to create a positive impact on both people and the planet.

Sources and Photographs:

https://www.facebook.com/rneagu3/

https://www.facebook.com/ateliersaraev/

Photograph No 1: Roxana Saraev

Photographs No 2 and No 3 were taken during workshops organised by the artist, who shared them with us.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks go to Roxana Saraev for generously sharing her valuable insights with the ICBSS.

The ICBSS also extends its sincere appreciation to Ms. Roxana Iacob, Senior Project Expert at Association Local Action Group Danube Delta (GAL DD), for facilitating this meaningful connection.

DISCLAIMER

This post was prepared by the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS). It reflects the views of the interviewees only, and does not necessarily represent the views of ICBSS or its affiliated institutions. The ICBSS cannot be held responsible for any use of the information contained herein.

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