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About Catalina Novac
Biography
I am an artist drawn to the exploration of happiness, joy, and well-being, expressed through gentle, radiant abstract paintings. Studying at the Art League in Old Town Alexandria under the abstract artist John Blee, alongside my background—a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Rochester, where I studied motivation and well-being—has shaped both the heart and motivation of my work.
Guided by Self-Determination Theory, my paintings celebrate autonomy, competence, and relatedness, inviting viewers to pause, feel connected, and experience quiet joy. I am inspired by Artfinder’s dedication to original art and meaningful connections, and I hope my work can bring warmth, light, and a touch of happiness into everyday spaces.
Biography
I am an artist drawn to the exploration of happiness, joy, and well-being, expressed through gentle, radiant abstract paintings. Studying at the Art League in Old Town Alexandria under the abstract artist John Blee, alongside my background—a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Rochester, where I studied motivation and well-being—has shaped both the heart and motivation of my work.
Guided by Self-Determination Theory, my paintings celebrate autonomy, competence, and relatedness, inviting viewers to pause, feel connected, and experience quiet joy. I am inspired by Artfinder’s dedication to original art and meaningful connections, and I hope my work can bring warmth, light, and a touch of happiness into everyday spaces.
Education
2001 - 2005
University of Rochester
Education
2001 - 2005
University of Rochester
Awards
2026
The People's Artist - 2nd place in group finalist
Officially ran to be featured in Artforum Magazine, take home the $25,000 grand prize, and exhibit my work at The Art of Elysium’s Salon in Los Angeles.
Awards
2026
The People's Artist - 2nd place in group finalist
Officially ran to be featured in Artforum Magazine, take home the $25,000 grand prize, and exhibit my work at The Art of Elysium’s Salon in Los Angeles.
Upcoming events
- Event:
- Rome International Art Fair, Rome, Italy
- Dates:
- 8 Jul 2026 - 19 Jul 2026
- Venue:
- S. Cecilia in Trastevere, Roma
- From July 08 to July 19, 2026, the historic ITSLIQUID Art Space – Trastevere within a magnificent 15th-century palace, will host a curated selection of contemporary works from around the world. This international showcase invites artists to engage in a vibrant dialogue between photography, painting, video art, sculpture, and performance, right in the heart of one of Rome’s most authentic and artistic districts.
Events
Upcoming events
- Event:
- Rome International Art Fair, Rome, Italy
- Dates:
- 8 Jul 2026 - 19 Jul 2026
- Venue:
- S. Cecilia in Trastevere, Roma
- From July 08 to July 19, 2026, the historic ITSLIQUID Art Space – Trastevere within a magnificent 15th-century palace, will host a curated selection of contemporary works from around the world. This international showcase invites artists to engage in a vibrant dialogue between photography, painting, video art, sculpture, and performance, right in the heart of one of Rome’s most authentic and artistic districts.
