Mella Roman
Mella Roman - An Artistic Journey Across Borders and Mediums
Early Life and Education in Bucharest
Mella Roman’s story begins in Bucharest, Romania, where her artistic potential emerged at just ten years old. Teachers quickly recognized her talent and encouraged her to embrace an artistic path. This led Mella to the Fine Arts Academy in Bucharest, where she graduated with a BFA in 1988. Under the guidance of Romanian artist Ion Salisteanu, she developed her foundational skills, with a particular interest in the techniques and traditions that defined Eastern European art.
Emigration to Canada and New Beginnings
In 1992, Mella and her family emigrated to Toronto, Canada. This move revitalized her aspirations, and she soon became active in Canada’s art community, participating in numerous art shows and juried exhibitions. By 1996, she had co-founded “Gallery 104” with nine other Canadian artists on Scollard Street in Yorkville, Toronto, a cooperative art space that allowed her to connect more deeply with fellow artists and showcase her work.
Artistic Evolution: Rediscovering Old Techniques
Mella’s work reflects her passion for reviving traditional techniques with a modern twist. Her journey included exploring Byzantine frescoes and various painting styles on wood, canvas, and paper, but it was reverse painting on glass that captivated her. This unique under-glass effect, with its depth and interplay of light, became her chosen medium—a language through which she could convey her artistic voice.
In 1997, Mella developed a proprietary technique for painting on glass, combining gold and silver leaf with specialized colors that, once fired, achieved a porcelain-like finish. This technique laid the foundation for her company, Romans Fine Arts Inc. (RFA), which produces an array of decorative and functional glass items. Her hand-painted glass pieces, infused with vibrant colors and intricate designs, have gained a reputation across North America and are found in private collections worldwide.
Philosophy and Business Growth
Mella’s work is driven by a philosophical approach rooted in ancient decoration traditions
“food feeds the body and the art decoration feeds the spirit and soul”
Reflecting on how ancient people adorned their pottery and home items to enrich the spirit as well as the home, she saw her art as a bridge between utility and aesthetic pleasure. This philosophy helped propel her business, enabling RFA to supply art galleries and high-end stores throughout North America.
Recent Work and the Romans Fine Arts Gallery
After relocating to Kleinburg, Ontario, in 2019, Mella expanded her exploration of reverse painting, this time experimenting with plexiglass. Her newer works consist of layered plexiglass panels that can be rearranged to create shifting compositions, adding a dynamic, interactive dimension to her art. This revival of an ancient technique with contemporary materials and forms continues to characterize her innovative approach.
In 2020, Mella opened the Romans Fine Arts Gallery in Kleinburg, Ontario, a space dedicated not only to her evolving art but also to other talented artists. The gallery has since become a local hub for creativity, where the community can engage with both traditional and experimental forms of art, in the spirit of Mella’s own artistic journey.