Interviews

Meet the Artists: Rebecca and Sasha Rubenstein

Mulberry Street Library is proud to host a one-of-a-kind art exhibit: Reflections: Rebecca and Sasha Rubenstein. Mother and daughter Rebecca and Sasha Rubenstein love to draw, paint, take photos and visit museums together. Sasha is four years old and she brings a unique perspective to her artwork; whether she’s drawing super heroes or taking photographs of their dog Weezy, there is joy and freshness in her work that reminds her Mom of why at a young age she wanted to become an artist herself. Art remains a major part of Rebecca’s life these days, in conjunction with being a librarian and a writer.  The exhibit is on view through September 12 on the Children's Floor (L1) at Mulberry Street Library

I spoke with Rebecca and Sasha recently about their art-making. 

Tell us a little a bit about your background as an artist? Who are some of your greatest inspirations? What mediums do you like to work in?

I have enjoyed drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. Art helped me relax, it helped me focus (as it still does today). My parents encouraged my creative spirit and also found joy in artistic endeavors themselves—my mom was a photographer and quilter and my dad is a writer and poet. Fast forward a few years to undergraduate school—I spent some of my junior year at an art school and traveled around Italy. After this experience I knew I wanted to further explore art and all the creative freedom it offered me. In 2000 I entered Pratt Institute’s MFA program and while there I began to discover possibilities of making art on the computer via use of a Wacom tablet and a scanner. I employ some of these techniques into my art making practice today. I mix the digital techniques with physical art materials—colored pencils, paint sticks and acrylics because, to me, nothing can replace the real stuff! My greatest inspirations are artists who can take their favorite materials to their fullest potential- to where the viewer right away recognizes something in their work that they can connect with and this stays with them. 

You work as a reporter for The Library As Incubator Project, what motivates you to write about art in the library? What about showing art in the library makes it a meaningful experience for you?

Most people go to libraries to do things like read, browse the shelves, do computer work but they don’t realize that many libraries (especially these days) offer more then that. I am happy to support the work that LAIP does—focusing on the creative activities of libraries. And the desire to share information and ideas is something I think that artists and librarians have a lot in common. And sharing is something mothers and daughters do often as well. This show highlights our love of books and at the same time speaks to the bond we have formed through making art together. I am happy to exhibit our work specifically at the Mulberry Street Library because I was an intern at this library and I think they do amazing work showcasing community artists.

You are an artist, a librarian, and a Mom—tell us about how you manage this amazing balancing act!

Well, it’s an adventure! But the fact that Sasha and I create art and read together makes it fun. We also carve out lots of time for adventures like going to parks, museums and movies.

How did you introduce Sasha to art-making?

My husband, Paul and I encouraged her to draw and paint as early as two years old. We’ve dedicated a corner of our living room as her art space and my art space is right next to her’s. Paul is a musician and he has introduced both of us to new modes of music making and has helped us develop an appreciation for music from all over the world.

For Sasha: What do you like to take photos of and draw pictures of?

I like to take photos of my super hero drawings and I like to take pictures of my dog, Weezy. Weezy has a camera and we like taking pictures together. I like to draw pictures of Mommy and me at the Y.

What are some of your favorite stories and characters?

My favorite stories are Spiderman comic books and Frog and Toad and Batman and Wonder Woman and Batgirl.