Libby Klein, who just made her debut at Miami Art Basel, is an emerging artist, wife and mother to five children. She sat down with New York Weekly to talk about her artistic process, her inspirations, her traditions and her style.
CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?
I am a full time mother of five, a full time entrepreneur and a full time inspirational speaker. I was born in Israel and moved to the States when my dad passed away when I was five-years-old. Although I wasn’t old enough to remember the culture Israeli streets have to offer, I vividly remember walking the old city streets and I can still feel the cold stones on my fingertips to this day. Israel and my Jewish culture has definitely impacted my art, and is a large part of who I am as a person. Losing my father at a young age also gives me perspective on appreciating my family.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
I consider myself an abstract artist with just enough sketch to tell a story. I tell my story through textured art. Every piece has an energy that flows through the abstractness of the creation. In many of my pieces, I add gold leaf and even some gemstones to signify the legacy we are a part of. Most importantly, when the piece is done, regardless of the message, it must be beautiful. I try to represent the beauty in our lives.
HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE JEWISH CULTURE AND TRADITIONS INTO YOUR ART?
I don’t really have to incorporate it; it’s really who I am as a person. My heritage and traditions are in my bones, and my art is very much a reflection of it. My legacy is a big part of me .As an example, I am a grandchild of Holocaust survivors. My grandmother Rene Reichmann in 1943, during the heat of the war, smuggled herself back into Hungary to try and save her family (and strangers) from the Nazis . Having that legacy within me has given me my calling and a feeling of responsibility to impact the world. My only wish is that my children and grandchildren view me in the same light.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AS AN ARTIST?
The biggest challenge for me was, and always will be, letting my art leave my studio. Once I am done with the creation, I feel such a strong connection to the piece. I almost feel like I am giving away a piece of myself. It took some time for me to understand that my art in someone’s home can change their room, their perspective and their happiness. And that gives me joy. Another challenge, which I am grateful for, is running my business and caring for my family. People ask me all the time how I juggle both, and the answer is that it’s not possible without sacrifice. I also try to include my children in my successes. After finishing ten new commissioned pieces, we all went out to celebrate together, and instead of them getting frustrated with me, it became a family project. It was so beautiful to hear them cheer me on. It’s a daily struggle, but one that I am blessed to have.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH A NEW PIECE?
Before I start any new creation, I must connect to the energy and feeling I want to bring out. I often sit in silence for hours before I get started, which helps me to connect to that inspiration and energy. I use many different mediums to create the exact piece I envisioned: from cups to pallet knives to my hands. My friends laugh at me while I’m painting because I am totally consumed. I could be on the floor painting for hours. I am completely immersed in my work. I can only start a piece if I am in the right frame of mind. My kids know the best time to ask for stuff is when I’m in the middle of a piece.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE VIEWERS TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR ART?
That life is beautiful even when it’s not perfect. Nobody wants to see a picture of a giraffe that looks like a giraffe – you can just go to the zoo for that. I want my art to make you think. For example, when you see a beautiful bride going to meet her groom, the imperfection makes you think about life and the value of triumph and courage. I want people to walk away inspired, to appreciate the challenges and opportunities life offers. My logo and inspiration is a bee, because a bee doesnt know its limitations. It doesn’t know that its weight is too much for them to fly, but it flies anyway. In life we often don’t have a choice on our surroundings, but we do have a choice on how we react towards it. The freedom of brush strokes adds to that sentiment.
HOW HAS YOUR ART EVOLVED OVER TIME?
I am always learning and getting inspired. I don’t care how successful I am as an artist. Every person has something to offer and teach. I love people, and I connect to anyone that has something to offer.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING FEMALE JEWISH ARTISTS?
Don’t you dare give up. I honestly believe you can have whatever you want. I always tell my kids that everything you see around you was made by someone. Whether it’s a novel, music, a blockbuster hit or a skyscraper. There is someone in this world who made that, and they wear pajamas just like you!! Don’t ever give up. Life is in your hands. Also, don’t let perfection be the enemy of success, especially when it comes to art. There is a feeling of vulnerability when you display your creations and it’s normal to be hesitant to show your work.
DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH YOUR CLIENTS FOR THEIR COMMISSIONED PIECES?
Yes!! Maybe a little too much. But my goal with every client is to bring out their feelings and put it on canvas. I recently created a piece for a family that lost their father. It was a beautiful piece, showing the dad holding hands with his kids walking towards the sunset. I must’ve spent hours with the client to understand who their dad was and what he meant to them. It was truly powerful. I pick up on energies, so when I sit with a client I tap in to what motivates them, which helps me understand their unique story.
ARE THERE ANY ARTISTS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?
I am attached to Renoir and Chagall. Their whimsical approaches with just the right amount of sketch very much speaks to me.
Website: libbykleinart.com Instagram: @libbykleinart
