By Estee Klein
Why do I choose to be an artist; a profession fraught with uncertainty?
As any creative person knows, the need to create and express oneself is innate and essential. Creativity is a flame that never dies out completely and requires continuous refueling to burn brightly and productively.
The real decision was taking something I knew I needed to do, and turning it into a full-time career. I think every person needs to express themselves in some way.
As a young girl, I realized, that art was my way of expressing myself. Once I discovered how drawing and painting made me feel, I never stopped! I feel blessed to be able work with my art every single day. As Marc Anthony said, “If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life.”
As a Torah observant woman, I made the decision to avoid the secular world of art school and spent years studying and discovering art on my own.
I read everything I could get my hands on. I pored over volumes of books, delving into the techniques, the methodology and the history of art through the ages. I was enthralled with Rembrandt‘s portraits, Aravaggio‘s use of shadow and light, Renoir‘s use of color, Van Gogh‘s brushwork; contemporary artists, Vladimir Volegov, David Kassan, Susan Lyon.
The list goes on and on because I found something to learn from every artist. Each viewing brought new insight, understanding and appreciation.
I am a starving artist, in the sense that I am constantly hungering for more… more knowledge, more skill and more inspiration.
One may think that inspiration is awakened only by the monumental moments of our lives. However, as an artist, seeking the beauty in everything – allows everything to become beautiful, and generates an excitement that provides a wellspring of artistic creativity.
My growth mindset, has always helped me push through the challenges that arose. Instead of feeling discouraged when I gazed at artists, more skilled than I, I felt motivated, energized and invigorated! I knew that I could enhance my skills if I just worked harder, practiced more.
Motivation keeps my passion alive, as I anticipate all I have yet to accomplish and achieve! I know I am moving in the right direction when I look back at work completed, and see the growth and improvement I have attained! This motivates me even more.
I am endlessly fascinated by the diversity of people. The figures exhibited in my paintings are the central focus of my work. I find nothing more intriguing than that small furrow in the brow, the slight tilt of a mouth about to smile, that twinkle in the eyes; the unique shapes and myriad colors that comprise the human face, enthrall me.
I have always been drawn to figurative art, particularly portraits. Looking back at my school years, pretty much every textbook, notepad and surface was covered in roughly drawn portraits.
Sketches of eyes, mouths… repeatedly drawn, attempting to bring life to my paper, with whatever tools were at hand. That excitement still remains. My ability to render the human face and figure has dramatically improved since those early years.
My subjects are no longer teachers and classmates. My career as an artist began with custom commissions, that included a mix of grandparents, weddings, upsherin celebrations and a variety of different portraits. As much as I enjoyed being able to do what I love, I felt the drain of working at the request of someone else; acquiescing to their vision rather than my own.
My creativity was stunted and I realized I had to balance this with work that was completely my own. Eventually, I made the decision to paint a series that came from my heart. The work displayed here today is the result.
One of the things that I am privileged to do as an artist is to draw the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. Having no personal memories of the Rebbe, this was my unique way to create a connection to my Rebbe.
Working from photographs is not ideal, but after drawing the Rebbe so frequently, from a variety of angles and poses, I reached a point where every wrinkle, feature and uniquely beautiful characteristic, became second nature for me to draw.
My fingers seem to have a life of their own as the images come to life on my canvas. Some of my most treasured portraits are the ones I have done of the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin.
The figures I choose to paint are of the people nearest and dearest to my heart, my family. My art is inspired by precious moments gleaned from my childhood memories. Moments that open a nostalgic window into events that impacted my life. My work is based on my heritage. My identity as a Jewish woman is a crucial element, expressed in my art. I want the viewer to feel as though they are catching an intimate glimpse of a beautiful moment, celebrating the traditions of life.
One of the most important things to me, when choosing to create a piece, is authenticity. Being true to myself as an artist and a human being. To me, painting should not be a selfish endeavor, focused solely on what the artist wishes to express.
I want my work to resonate with others. I want it to touch their heart and their soul. The work that I do is as much for others, as it is for myself. What each person feels, gazing at one of my paintings, will vary, and that is what truly makes art special, so unique and yet so universal.
I am excited to share my current work with you. The mystery of what will be, and how I will evolve as an artist, is probably the most exhilarating part of what I do.
Artist Estee Klein will be presenting an exhibit of her paintings “Everyday Wonders – Meaningful Moments of Life” beginning Sunday, December 10 at 7:30 pm and running until December 28 at the Betzalel Gallery in Crown Heights.
By the Grace of G‑d 24 Adar II, 5711 [March 8, 1951] Brooklyn, N.Y. Greeting and Blessing: … I was extremely happy to read that you are working with your artistic talents, are preparing to hold an exhibition, and that you have already received favorable reviews in the press. Surely you will progress in the utilization of the talent that G‑d has granted you toward the strengthening of Yiddishkeitand G‑d-fearing behavior. As to the main point of your letter, in which you complain about your circumstances, your depression, your despair, etc., and express the wish that we should meet, so that we could discuss… Read more »
Saw the exhibit in real! Amazing!! WOW!!
Kol Hakovod! I LOVE YOUR STYLE!!! Very real, current, modern and inspiring. Hatzlacha!
These paintings touched such deep nostalgic feelings in me. Made me cry. Continue your incredible work with lots of Hatzlacha!
.. look like the artist.
If you start an art class for women, I would love to join.
Hatzlacha estee we love you!!
These paintings are truly wondrous!
Can we buy any of the artists work anywhere?
I, for one, would love to have her paintings hanging in my home!
Please let us know through COL
your art is really stunning
keep up the beautiful work
BS”D Wow,amazing,such detail,the people look so real,
as if they might just walk off of the canvas
Agree with #26, beautiful may you continue creating amazing and awesome creations
I’m so thankful to have gone to estee’s art class in high school. She helped each of her students develop our own styles and gave us an outlet for our creativity. Seeing her example as an accomplished, frum woman is amazing to have as a role model!
Congratulations Estee!
I remember the doodles on your notes in school, that you mention in the article, as well as your hand drawn rabbeim scrapbook in 8th grade. While those were well done, you certainly have come a long way in terms of developing your style and perfecting your artistic skills. Im amazed- though not surprised- by the artist you have become. Wishing you tremendous success in doing what you love and finding happiness. Keep up the awesome work!
Esty Newfield
I’m not into art, but as a simple person all I can say is: Wow, so real and beautiful!!! Keep it up!
KH what a wonderful gift the Aibishter has blessed you with. May you go from strength to strength in expressing yourself and sharing that inspiration with others.
Yasher Koach!
Looking forward to the opening tonight 7:30 PM BE”H!!
well done! both young boys eyes are really life like . excellent . keep up the good work !
in an instant i recognized moishe klein
Thank you for sharing your really beautiful art work!
May you continue on this path of creating such lovely pictures!
The painting with your father is superb!
What will be the opening hours?
I don’t paint but I draw and color with pens, so I can relate to this a lot. It’s sooooooo inspiring and beautiful each and every painting you did!! Hatzlacha estie in everything you do!!!!!!!
Very nice keep up the good work it looks beautiful
I am impressed by your interview as much as your art. A true shlucha.
I want to bring my children to your art show to inspire them to find joy in their creativity and to use it to reveal G-dliness in the world. Thank you for your living example!
What time is it open
I like the last portrait, of one of your favorite relatives! Continued hatzlacha with everything.
Estee, you brought the joy of painting to my entire family. I can’t wait tho see your art in the gallery. May Hashem bless you to go from strength to strength.
Hey Estee. I’m a great audience and love your art. It really does carry a meaningful streak
I love all the art shown here but the boy shaking the lulav…. I can’t take my eyes off! Just beautiful!
I’ve been watching Estee’s art for some time! I am so excited she is finally having her own art show! Will definitely be there to show support for one of the most incredible artists in the Jewish art world.
Estee you incredible talent true gifted an amazing asset of our community!!! Way to go !!!!
That looks exactly like the real man!
the kind of art I love! Keep up the good work!
Really beautiful!
Can’t wait to view your exhibit! Your art is so inspiring and authentic. Lots of Hazlacha on your exhibit!
What gorgeous paintings! Kol hakavod!
They are beautiful!
It looks like a lot of thought and love was put into them!!!!!!
Proud of you Estee!
Beautiful holy paintings!!!
estee is wonderful
she is talented and nice, and patient. she did a great birthday evening for adults of all ages and stages for my daughter’s birthday, and EVERYONE just enjoyed it tremendously
Amazing paintings! Keep it up!
BS”D
Hashem has bentched you! Hashem bentches you! Hashem will bentch you! Hatzlocha Rabba Ihye