Artists & Ales 002: Chloe Rubenstein

By Brit Weidel

We’re back with our second installment of AERONAUT’s new blog series “Artists & Ales!” Twice a month we will publish a new interview where we feature a new artist. This series was created with the intention to tune into the art world and help support the art community through visibility and promotion.

Artists from near and far and from all walks of life will be featured here so be sure to check back often for all of our upcoming interviews. You never know who might be making the piece of artwork you can’t live without!

For our second post, AERONAUT is proud to present local artist Chloe Rubenstein!

Mx. Brit from Aeronaut: What is your favorite style of beer? (Aeronaut or otherwise.) 

Chloe Rubenstein: IPAs all day! Orangutan Skies will forever be my favorite Aeronaut beer.

Mx. Brit: What’s your background? 

Chloe: I am a visual artist with a concentration in illustration and mural painting. I have been practicing art my entire life. I have worn many hats throughout my career. I have 9 years of restaurant and bartending experience ranging from dirty dive bars to high-end fine dining. I worked for a food truck and craft beer festival company where I managed 1200 food trucks across the united states. Recently, I left my job working for real-estate giant WeWork to pursue my passion as a full time artist.

Mx. Brit: What does your work aim to say? 

Chloe: The messages portrayed through my work generally reflect the location they are in or the passions and personalities of the person or company I am working for. When working with clients I love to build a human connection that usually unfolds into a loyal friendship. This connection unfolds through colors, words, emotions, and stories we share with each other.  Because of the relationship built, I am able to create a work that has heart that can be felt by everyone who sees it. The messages of my work vary based on the subject I am working on. The end goal is always to make my work enjoyable or relatable to all audiences regardless of age or background.

located in Davis Square (Somerville)

Mx. Brit: Who and/or what are your biggest influencers? 

Chloe: My biggest influences usually come from the community I am working within. That said, I also draw inspiration from Liz Climo, David Hockney, Hayao Miyazaki, Gina Kiel, and Whales 🙂

Mx. Brit: Are you jiving on a project right now? 

Chloe: I generally have several projects going on at once so it is hard to pick a specific project at this time! I have been challenging myself to create more people in different styles. People have always been subjects that never really interested me since my love has always been creating animal art. Given the political climate we are in, I have felt more driven to create people and shine a light on the diversity that creates strong communities.

Mx. Brit: What’s your take on the Somerville art scene? 

Chloe: The Somerville art scene is up and coming and it’s super exciting to see!  I hope more and more opportunities become available whether it is a call for artists through the city or more businesses seeing how public art can impact their space. When I moved back home after living outside of MA for 10 years, my biggest issue was the lack of public art. I hated that I went from places that embraced murals to a city that did not. Somerville has been restoring faith in me that Boston and the Greater Boston Area are excited to bring more art into existence. It’s comforting to know this city is more than art galleries with overpriced nautical oil paintings and watercolors of swan boats 🙂

Mx. Brit: Can you describe your work space/studio setup? 

Chloe: I love having lots of table space, so the favorite part of my new studio is my wall-to-wall tables that let me spread out!

Mx. Brit: Do you have a favorite artist’s tool? One that you can’t live without in your studio or work space? 

Chloe: The one thing I cannot live without is my iPad Pro. I bring it everywhere I go. It makes sending images and ideas to clients super easy.  I try to not use it all the time because there is nothing that compares to putting ink on paper.

located at Lamplighter (Cambridge, MA)

Mx. Brit: How does your work comment on current events? Does social or political events affect how you approach your work? 

Chloe: As a queer white artist, I recognize my privilage in this world. I like to use my voice and actions to reflect my drive and beliefs against injustice. Whether it is donating to organizations, attending town halls, calling my representatives, or doing work at little to no cost for businesses I care about, I have found that has been a powerful way for me to be more impactful and intentional in my personal life and career. Most of my work is playful and generally has comedic undertones.  In the social and political climate we face, I hope that my art can depart the viewer from all of the rough things that surround us every day in person and on the news.  If my art can support a local small business gain attention or awareness that means a lot to me. This does not mean that all my art is not social justice driven.  When topics arise that I feel the need to speak up on, I try my best to do so. This is why I have been challenging myself to create for more people.

Mx. Brit: How does your individual perspective and/or personal lens add to the voices of art history? Do you bring something new? Do you honor something old? 

Chloe: I’m not sure my perspective adds to the voices of art history but I do strongly believe that knowing the backgrounds of famous artists’ processes has helped me greatly when it has come to bringing a creative lens to a more corporate environment or day-to-day tasks. Whether it is talking up a dinner special as a server or selling real estate, I frequently channel my education of describing fine art.  Art History has taught me to be patient and examine a picture, performance, sculpture, etc. more thoroughly. When you learn to look beyond the product and more into the process you find where the passion lies, and that excitement can guide you to embrace concepts or products in so many other facets of life.

Mx. Brit: What inspires you most? What keeps you making art? 

Chloe: Small Businesses are my biggest inspirations. Working with someone who would put everything on the line to share their creations with their community is so powerful and drives me to find ways to help them succeed through eye-catching imagery.

located in Portland, Oregon

Mx. Brit: How have you developed your career? 

Chloe: I believe in the human connection. If I go to a place that I really enjoy, whether it is something they sell, the mission behind the establishment, or even a blank wall that is screaming for a mural, the first thing I want to do is meet the owner or manager. If they are not available that day, I will get their business card or figure out when they will be in next so I can introduce myself. I also connect with the business or person on LinkedIn and Instagram. I think LinkedIn is an amazing tool that is often overlooked by artists. I highly encourage artists to get on LinkedIn and promote themselves there; businesses use LinkedIn so why can’t we? Getting an in-person meeting is key because you are viewed as a professional and as someone who is driven to do business. After I complete the project I know the owner of the business will remember me as someone who not only did great work but also built a relationship with them. They are more likely to recommend you to other businesses if they have a real connection with you.


Mx. Brit: What is the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?  

Chloe: You can check me out on instagram at @crubens01 or through my website www.chloerubenstein.com

Thank you Chloe Rubenstein! To see more of Chloe please make sure to come check out AERONAUT’s upcoming virtual event that she will be a part of called AERONAUT’s Artists and Ales Tasting Panel on October 21st from 7pm -8pm. Register for the event today HERE.

Brit Weidel is the Community Events Coordinator at Aeronaut. The views and opinions expressed on this web site are solely those of the original author, and they do not necessarily represent those of Aeronaut Brewing Co.