Khasawneh Catalina Mihaela – Artist and Dental Professional
Background
I was born with a deep love for creativity, which first took shape during my years at the National College of Arts “Octav Băncilă” in Iași, Romania, where I graduated in 2004 with a specialization in drawing. Although I had strong artistic foundations, I chose to pursue a career in medicine. I completed my studies at the Dental Technician College and later earned my degree from the Faculty of Dental Medicine at “Grigore T. Popa” University in Iași.
Professional Experience
For ten years, I practiced dentistry in my own clinic in Romania, offering dedicated care to my patients and building strong, meaningful relationships within my community. In 2020, as the world shifted during the COVID‑19 pandemic, my family and I felt it was the right moment to embrace a new chapter. We decided to relocate to our second home in Jordan, seeking a fresh environment and new opportunities for growth, stability, and connection.
Return to Art
My move to Jordan marked a profound turning point. Although I had studied drawing in high school, I had never painted before. In this new environment, with space to reflect and reconnect with myself, I picked up a paintbrush for the very first time. I began with watercolor—and it was love at first sight. What started as a simple experiment quickly became a renewed passion. Since then, I have been largely self‑taught, exploring and mastering multiple mediums including watercolor, acrylics, oil, and digital art.
Artistic Vision
Although I enjoy experimenting with various subjects, portraiture remains at the heart of my artistic identity. Capturing human emotion feels like a form of therapy—both for me and, I hope, for those who view my work. Painting allows me to explore the psychological depth of my subjects, transforming emotion into color, light, and form.
Conclusion
My journey has taken me from the world of fine arts to dentistry and back again, weaving together science, empathy, and creativity. Today, I stand firmly rooted in both my artistic and medical backgrounds, grateful for the unique perspective each has given me and inspired to continue growing as an artist.