DPW Spotlight Interview: Rina Lubov

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Rina's painting "Just Wondering" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Rina's DPW Gallery Page:

Rina Lubov lives in California with her husband, beautiful two kids, dog and bunny. Originally from Russia, educated in LA, NY and Florence, Italy.

Over 25 years of painting and I am still learning to paint, unfolding complexity of playing with the paint and having fun.

Artist for life.

What did you want to be growing up?

I loved school and I wanted to be an elementary teacher.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I started to draw a little at school, but really my journey began when I was 16 years old. My father told me that we would be immigrating to America and I should learn some skills that might help me there. Since he was connected to some artists, I begun taking private classes for drawing and painting the year before we left.

Just Wondering
(click to view)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing Rina's interview.

Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?

No, I really didn’t have any periods without painting. If I don’t paint for a couple days, my mood shifts and I become unpleasant. Painting is my Prozac.

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

Every time I paint I am concerned about learning to paint, which to me means, "how can I do this better, more poetic, what new thing can I discover." I am not concerned with finding my voice or style, for me it will be a cage, a limitation, stagnation, kind of, "this how I sound, this is how I look, this is me." No I don’t want that, I have split personality disorder when it comes to my painting - one day I paint happy flowers, another day I paint cloudy sky, I just make sure I do the best painting I know how at this day.

Perrot, The Hairstylist
(click to view)

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

It’s a long list, but David Leffel will be #1. He has taught me so much and I am forever in his debt.

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?

Get as strong of a foundation as possible and build any sandcastles that you want on top.

My Name is Sunshine
(click to view)

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

I really don’t have those. Painting feeds my soul, cleaning, laundry or anything else doesn’t. My choice is always an easy one.

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

Critical doubt is constructive, self-doubt is not. I always tell myself that painting is challenging and it’s a problem-solving experience, so if I can identify the problem I can search for the solution (try different variations, look at other artists and how they solved similar problems or just erase and start over.) I always  say to myself, "I can do it!"

Sofia's Garden
(click to view)

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

I have no goals, I just want to paint, be inspired, learn more, take classes, the rest will follow by itself.

What does success mean to you personally?

Success means freedom, I can do more of what I love.

Natalie
(click to view)

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

When I first erased my painting, I realized that we have complete freedom over our creations. Having a great show is also a burst to my ego, but the next show could be not a success and it’s the same paintings (so I feel not so proud about the same paintings.) I really think an artist is vulnerable to so many exterior conditions that we become insecure in our creations. I suffer from it too, except deep inside I know it doesn’t matter.

Guardian II
(click to view)

Thanks, Rina!

© 2021 Sophie Marine