Page 111 - Winter Issue

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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