Laura H. Rubin is an award-winning digital artist recognized for her talent in creating realistic portraits that encapsulate the strength and essence of female characters.
Laura’s contributions to art and literature have been significant through publishers in Paris, England, and Switzerland. Her artistic and educational books have enriched and inspired readers and art enthusiasts alike.
Laura’s work has been exhibited in various cities, including San Francisco, Munich, Zurich, Paris, Basel, and Milan.
In 2022, Laura’s work was selected for the Lunar Codex Project’s Polaris Collection. This contribution will be preserved in a lunar time capsule and left on the moon for future generations.
1) Your work seamlessly combines digital art with literature, creating a unique synergy. How did your journey in both fields influence each other, and what role does storytelling play in your artistic process?
I have always loved reading and discovered my passion for mythology about 10 years ago, which I then began integrating into my work. During a rather dark phase of my life, I developed an interest in poetry and psychology. These areas have enriched my work and helped me deal with my own emotions more effectively. Originally, storytelling wasn’t particularly important to me; I simply wanted to express my emotions and feelings in some form. Eventually, this led to a sort of storytelling developing quite naturally.
2) Having exhibited your art in various cultural hubs globally, from San Francisco to Zurich, how do diverse cultural landscapes influence or inspire your creative process? Are there specific experiences from these international exhibitions that stand out to you?
It feels wonderful to have had the opportunity to exhibit my work in so many different places. I am quite shy and prefer to stay in the background, so I rarely visit exhibitions… even if they are my own. However, I recall one exhibition where I observed an older woman standing in front of one of my paintings for a long time. After a while, she noticed me through the crowd and gave me a long look that made me feel as though she understood everything I felt while painting that piece, possibly because she had felt it herself at some point. Maybe I misinterpreted the whole situation, but that woman gave me the feeling that what I do has value, which was hard for me to comprehend at the time.
3) Your artwork was chosen for the Lunar Codex Project’s Polaris Collection, a remarkable honor. Can you share the emotions and thoughts that went through your mind when you learned about this recognition, and what does it mean for you as an artist?
When I was informed about the selection, I must have read the message about 5 or 6 times because I thought I was reading it wrong, as English is not my first language. I think I’ll only truly believe it once the Polaris Collection has been placed. If this is all true and not just a bad joke from the sponsors and SpaceX, it’s impossible to put into words how infinitely grateful I am for such an honor.
4) Your portraits often feature strong and dynamic female characters. What drives this thematic choice, and how do you hope your depictions contribute to broader conversations about empowerment and representation in the art world?
My early career was marked by sexual assaults and harassment. As someone with a rather quiet personality, I was not taken seriously by my male superiors. My skills, despite my qualifications, played no significant role. Since I eventually began to feel exactly as I was treated, I wanted to express in some way that I also possess strength. The characters I created took on a kind of role-model function for me. It’s difficult to say whether I hope this leads to a discussion in the art world, as I am simply sharing my journey in the search for myself.
5) The intersection of art and technology is ever-evolving. How do you navigate the rapidly changing landscape of digital art tools, and what technological advancements have had the most significant impact on your creative process?
I think the biggest impact for me was the Procreate drawing app that became available for the iPad a few years ago. Until then, there were no good drawing apps for the iPad, and the better ones like Photoshop were not yet available for it. And then, of course, there are well-known artist no-gos like Midjourney, Dall-E, or other AI tools. I’ve tried these apps, but I’m still not sure if and how these tools could support me. Sure, they can make the work easier or take it over completely, but where is the dopamine hit when you don’t achieve anything yourself?
