Part 4/11:
A central tenet of Rubin’s philosophy is staying true to oneself. He emphasizes that what we create is a reflection of our current state of being—our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Importantly, no two artists will produce the same work from the same source material because every expression is inherently unique, shaped by individual perspectives and life circumstances.
He warns against the destructive pressure artists often feel to produce "the greatest thing ever," which can lead to paralysis and self-doubt. Instead, Rubin encourages embracing risk, making work that genuinely interests us, and understanding that artistry isn’t a competition. There is no hierarchy of creativity—every piece is a mirror held up to the artist at a particular moment.