Page 111 - Winter Issue
P. 111

Growing up with an artist mother and an architect grandfather, how did these familial influences shape
             your initial views on art and creativity?
             Growing up with an artist mom and an architect grandpa gave me a deep appreciation for both beauty and structure.
             My mom showed me the emotional side of creativity, while my grandpa taught me about the purpose and precision in
             design.  Together,  they  shaped  my  view  that  art  is  about  blending  intuition  with  intention,  and  that  foundation  has
             influenced how I create today.
             In 2018, you decided to share your artistic vision with the world. What motivated this decision, and how
             did it impact your artistic practice?
             In 2018, sharing my art felt like a natural next step—as if my work was asking to be seen. Opening up to an audience
             pushed me to explore new techniques and think more deeply about the ideas behind each piece. It gave my practice
             more direction and turned it into a real conversation with others.
             As part of the R.J.S. duo, how does collaboration influence your process and creative direction? Are there
             specific projects or themes that emerge uniquely from working as a team?
             Collaboration in R.J.S. is unique because my main partner is my wife, Jenya Shtein, which brings a level of trust and
             shared vision that’s rare in creative teams. Working so closely means we’re constantly inspiring each other, keeping our
             direction fresh and evolving, and letting our ideas naturally reflect what matters most to us.
             Your work spans multiple mediums, including painting, photography, and collage. How do you approach
             integrating these techniques to convey the complex themes of your art?
             Blending techniques like painting, photography, and collage just happen naturally for me—I go with what feels right for
             each piece. Each medium adds something different, helping me capture all the layers of what I’m trying to say. It’s less
             about planning and more about letting the work take shape on its own.


             RS-5                                                                                        RS-6
             Acrylic on canvas,                                                                  Acrylic on canvas,
             40x30cm, 2024                                                                        100x80cm, 2024








































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