Steven Rudin is a visual artist, teacher, and psychiatrist based in New York City. He is inspired by collage as a metaphor for memory and identity. A blend of precision and whimsy, Steven’s multilayered compositions draw viewers into a dialogue about the dynamic nature of the mind. His collages have been incorporated into many interior design projects and can be found in numerous esteemed art collections. Learn more about Steven and his collages in today’s Maker Monday.
“Any Minute”, 36” X 42” X 3”, LED Lightbox, Woven Polymer Fiber stretched over aluminum frame, Edition of 5; Photo Courtesy of Staci Munic Interiors.
Andrew Joseph: Can you describe your art philosophy in three words?
Steven Rudin: Layers, perspective, depth.
AJ: What inspired you to become a collage artist?
SR: Collage really chose me. I am drawn to cut things apart and put them back together in new ways. It’s how my mind works. I am always thinking about how different ideas are connected.
AJ: What is a tool that you can’t live without?
SR: A sharp pair of 8” forged metal tailor shears. Many people imagine that I cut with an exacto blade because of all the fine detail. But, I actually use fairly large scissors.
“Waiting to Go Out”, 47” X 60 X 4” LED Lightbox, Woven Polymer Fiber stretched over aluminum frame, Edition of 5.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
SR: I love to explore NYC on foot. My studio is in the garment district, just south of Times Square. The mix of architectural styles along with the energy of the people gets my mind whirling. A lot of my “aha” moments come when I am wandering through the city. Even though I’ve lived here a long time, I am still very much a tourist.
AJ: Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of?
SR: I am proud of my Psychology of Collage Workshops and Artist talks. Helping people tap into their creativity is really exciting. What started as a guest lecture at the New York Film Academy has evolved into an extensive curriculum. I’ve taught in many places including the Art Students League of New York, Columbia University, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum. My live online classes bring together people from all over the world.
“Bar Mitzvah Noir”, 32” X 40”, Analog Collage on Mat Board.
AJ: How do you incorporate viewer feedback into your art practice?
SR: For me, art is very much a conversation. I love when people pause, look more closely, and then start talking. I learn a lot when people point out aspects of the work that I wasn’t even aware of. Sharing my art reminds me of all the different ways to see the same thing, which is such an important lesson.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
SR: Break tasks down into manageable steps. With the right setup, even the most difficult challenges can become just a matter of connecting the dots. You’ll figure this out eventually. It’s a good thing you have a lot of energy.
About the Maker | Combining contemporary and classical aesthetic principles, Steven Rudin’s seamless tableaux are filled with opportunities for discovery. Sweeping vantage points are designed to catapult the viewer into the scene. Flowing compositions are symbolic of the similarities between memories and dreams. He has developed a philosophy called the Psychology of Collage, which utilizes art as an experiential learning tool.
Steven’s work has been exhibited internationally in galleries, public spaces, and art fairs in New York, Miami, Puerto Vallarta, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Cannes. He holds degrees from Columbia University, Cornell University, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. As an instructor at the innovative Art Students League of New York, he leads in-person and online workshops that delve into collage as memoir.
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