From shells and ocean finds to distinctive pieces that reflect individuality and the beauty of the natural world
More than a soothing backdrop, the sea has long been both a source of inspiration and of raw materials for artists all over the world. For Dana Georgescu, originally from Constanta – home to Romania’s largest port – this connection to the ocean predates her move abroad.
Yet it was in the Algarve that her relationship with nature deepened and she found her creative expression.
Known artistically as Dana Shell Art, she has developed a singular body of work that brings together shells from a variety of shellfish such as clams, mussels and oysters, alongside natural fragments shaped by the sea like dried coral and remnants of fishing nets, resulting in striking pieces.
It is at her studio in Ferragudo that her most imaginative and original compositions take shape, allowing her to communicate through the language of natural elements.
Drawing on materials she gathers herself from local beaches, as well as from nearby restaurants such as Salga and Barril, and from Finisterra S.A. (an organic mussel farm based in Sagres), Dana nurtures and sustains her bond with the sea. This closeness, rooted in her childhood, has only intensified over time and continues to shape her artistic voice.
“I remember spending entire summers on the beach when I was a child. The sea has always been part of my life,” she recalls.
Despite this enduring affinity, her professional journey did not initially follow a creative route. Dana trained in Education at the Elena Cuza National College in Bucharest and spent nearly a decade working as a primary school teacher in Romania.
Whilst she regarded teaching as a vocation, changes within the education system, coupled with a desire to live new experiences, led her in a different direction. She went on to work in hospitality across several European countries, including Switzerland and Italy, before eventually embarking on a career aboard cruise ships.
It was during this chapter of her life that her personal story took a new turn. After meeting her Portuguese partner, Dana settled in the Algarve in 2006. Embracing new cultural perspectives and experiences, over the following decade, she dedicated herself to the real estate sector and the management of tourist accommodation.
Later, during the pandemic, a shift occurred. Regular walks along the region’s beaches rekindled her innate connection to nature and inevitably she began collecting shells and small fragments carried ashore by the tides. “It started as a hobby, something to keep my mind busy,” she explains.
Her first piece was a simple candle holder adorned with shells and, from that moment onwards, her creative process began to take shape in an almost instinctive manner. “I’ve always been good with my hands, but I had never done anything artistic before, not even painting,” Dana admits.
What had initially been a relaxing activity soon became an exercise in creative discovery. She realised that shells could be arranged according to their patterns and textures, forming intricate and layered compositions.
What began as a simple pastime gradually evolved into a full-time occupation, and what she once created solely for herself soon attracted the attention of an ever-growing audience.
Although she did not begin with the intention of selling her work, the moment she sold her first piece she recognised the significance of what she was creating – both for herself and for those who chose to bring her work into their homes.
“My idea was never to sell, but when people buy my work and want to live with it, that is a huge recognition,” she notes.
At the heart of her practice lies the use of natural materials, all of which undergo a meticulous and demanding preparation process. “Everything that comes from the sea carries salt and an odour, so it has to be thoroughly cleaned,” she explains.
After an intensive washing process, the shells are left to dry in the sun for several days before Dana begins working with them. The next stage involves sorting them by colour, size and orientation, paying close attention to their natural patterns.
“Some curve to the right, others to the left. I have to position them in a way that creates movement,” she emphasises. Her creative method resembles the assembly of a 3D puzzle. She starts by sketching the overall composition lightly in pencil onto the canvas, establishing a framework for the piece.
From there, she builds the work gradually, placing each element with care and precision. Every artwork is approached with a strong sense of intention and individuality, resulting in exclusive designs and compositions.
“I don’t repeat pieces; I don’t like doing the same work twice. There are always different details, and every piece comes with a certificate of authenticity,” she stresses.
This philosophy is closely tied to her broader artistic outlook, in which works are expected to emerge organically and intuitively, rather than being shaped by commercial concerns. Dana firmly believes that art should come from the heart, free from financial motivations.
This conviction led her to move away from producing smaller decorative items for craft shops and instead focus on larger, more ambitious works. Some pieces take weeks to complete, whilst others require several months, particularly when factoring in the drying process, which demands patience and cannot be rushed.
In recent years, she has showcased her work in a number of group exhibitions and artistic events throughout the Algarve and in Lisbon, with many of her pieces finding their way into private collections in countries such as the United States, Denmark, Norway and Spain.
Today, visitors can arrange to visit her studio in Ferragudo or follow her ongoing work through her website and social media platforms.
Looking ahead, her goal is to continue refining her artistic language and to introduce her work to new audiences by joining both national and international exhibitions. Throughout this journey, her focus remains firmly on the essence of her practice – one that is defined by its authenticity and a deep appreciation for the beauty of natural fragments.
“We can impart value to things that seem insignificant and transform something simple into something beautiful,” she concludes, highlighting the importance of natural imperfection, further reflecting her personal and artistic philosophy: “We don’t have to be perfect, because perfection does not exist. It’s our asymmetry and individual characteristics that define us.”
Follow Inside Algarve Magazine on Instagram and Facebook for more news!
