Malina Cipleu shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Malina, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I’m working in my studio, time kind of disappears. I’ll look up and realize hours have passed, but it only felt like minutes. Working with glass pulls me completely into the moment, and that’s when I feel most present and most myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a visual artist based in Austin, TX, originally from Romania. In my practice, I explore ideas of impermanence, connection, and continuity using kiln-formed glass as my primary material. My process balances intuition and deliberate decision-making—each piece begins with an instinctive response to material and form, then evolves through intentional choices that shape rhythm, color, and structure. I see the heat of the kiln as a collaborator in this process, one that reveals subtle transformations between fragility and strength, transparency and depth.
With a background in psychology, I’m intrigued by how visual environments influence our inner landscapes. My work reflects on the threads that connect us—to one another, to nature, and to the wider universe—even as everything around us continues to change.
I’m currently working on a few series that explores the rhythms of stillness and movement in natural forms, continuing my interest in how material and energy flow together. For me, glass is a way to make the invisible visible—to give form to the quiet connections that shape our shared experience.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe it’s empathy, and the quiet power of listening. When we listen with openness, we acknowledge both difference and commonality—we begin to recognize ourselves in others. In that shared space, connection becomes possible again, even after distance or change.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Little one, you don’t have to have it all figured out. The world can feel big and uncertain, but you already carry so much light inside you. Trust your instincts, even when others don’t understand them. Keep making, keep feeling, keep noticing beauty—it’s what you do best.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no. Like my glass work, every person has many layers and textures. In my case, the making happens in private, shaped by silence and focus. But when I share my work, it enters a communal space where it takes on new life through connection and conversation. Both are me—the private and the public—just seen from different angles.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I really do love what I do. Every morning, walking through my yard to the studio feels like the start of an adventure. And honestly, opening the kiln is still one of my favorite moments—it’s like opening a present to see what’s waiting inside. No matter how well I plan, there’s always a little surprise, and that keeps the process exciting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.malinacipleu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malinacipleu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malina.cipleu
Image Credits
Malina Cipleu
