“‘What do you want to be when you are big?’ Growing up, we’ve all got that question from one adult or another. My response was always the same- a big toothy smile and the reply ‘I’m going to be an artist!’ While I remained young this answer was greeted with indulgent smiles and encouragement. When I graduated high school my words were no longer hypothetical. They became a decision. They became a fight. They became a dream that would not die.”

“From a young age, Esther decided to become an artist after understanding the pasek in Az Yashir, “This is my G-d and I will beautify Him.” Connecting to Hashem and sharing the authentic charm of Yiddishkeit through her artwork turned into her goal.”

“Ever since ninth grade I’ve been drawing portraits. It started with the girls in class and then spread out to the people around me- particularly the Jewish people around me. Faces hold the most potential for communicating, and I enjoy the process of methodically capturing the character behind each portrait I complete.”

“I’ve spent my whole life drawing. My school notes were decorated with princesses and castles, English essays were accompanied by illustrations, and when I finished a test early I would while away the extra time by drawing on the back of the test”

Meir Kruter and I discuss my journey towards full-time art, commission vs gallery work, and where I want to take my art in the future.

In this interview Bracha and I discuss my job switch, my challenges as a full-time artist, and my inspiration behind the Ketubah series I created.