Meet Barbara Rubenstein | Abstract Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Barbara Rubenstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barbara, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I’m happy to say that there’s a whole lot that makes me happy! I’m not sure where to start so I will just jump in and share some of the things that come to mind.

First and foremost is my family’s extremely close relationship with each other. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world to have their unconditional love and support. The second thing that comes to mind is being able to do the things I love to do. Creating art is at the top of that list. Even when I don’t have a paintbrush in my hand, I almost always feel like I have a blank canvas in my mind. Whether I see a beautiful sight in nature or hear a song that brings back a memory of a moment in time, a sense of contentment overcomes me. I begin to imagine how I can capture my response and feeling through my art. Last but certainly not least, I am the happiest when am able to make someone else happy. There is no better feeling than knowing that someone loves my art enough to display it in his or her home.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as an artist started after I retired from a 28-year career in commercial banking. While I had a most satisfying and rewarding professional career, I longed for the day when I would be able to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. Others could not understand how such a left-brained person as I was perceived to be could become successful as an artist. I knew that the right side of my brain was equally strong and just needed the chance to be conditioned. By taking art classes and private lessons, participating in many workshops, experimenting with various mediums and processes and experimenting some more, my creative juices started flowing and haven’t stopped.

Today, my art takes me to a fanciful, fabulous place surrounded by beautiful colors and dramatic feelings. My creations are an expression of what I sense in the world around me. I strive to convey my feelings through the use of many layers of colors and texture, resulting in the sense of movement or stillness; light or darkness; earthliness or etherealness. My hope is that others will be inspired and energized by what they see…that they will feel a connection that evokes good feelings and creates a special memory. I long for my art to take others, as it does me, to a fanciful fabulous place”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am answering this question as if all of the special events that come to Houston occur during my friend’s visit! My goal would be to give my friend a taste of Texas as well as an opportunity to experience my favorite cultural and outdoor attractions that make Houston the 4th largest and most diverse city in the country while maintaining that small town feel.

The places and events on our itinerary would include…
– The Rodeo and Livestock Show
– A Houston Rockets and Astros game. A Texans game would not be at the top of my list!
– The Museum of Fine Arts
– The Azalea Trail
– Memorial Park and the Arboretum
– Sawyer Yards artist studios…first stop Studio #205 in the Silos!
– Bayou City Arts Festival
– A Houston Symphony POPS concert

We would drink and dine at some of my favorite places…
– The Original Goode Company Barbeque on Kirby with a piece of pecan pie for dessert
– The Original Ninfas on Navigation for the original fajitas
– The Original Carrabbas on Kirby since other cities offer only a franchise and it’s just not the same!
– Last but not least, my home; I love to cook and entertain friends and family

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Shoutout is dedicated to my husband who has been nothing but supportive of me in my journey. For a guy who never had an interest in art, he is my biggest cheerleader. He willingly goes with me to gallery openings and exhibits, frequently visits my studio, and even represents my work when I take a break during open studio events!

Website: barbararubensteinart.com

Instagram: barbararubensteinart

Facebook: barbarabahmerubenstein