Jacques Leiberman

Yet another move. This time to New York City, where you call home. What were your first impressions when you first arrived?
After ten years in Israel, I came to New York to study architecture and design at Pratt Institute. My interest in art grew, and I heard that many artists established their studios in Soho; therefore, I wanted to see what it was all about. Soho was where I opened my first gallery and has been my home ever since. I still believe that Soho is one of the most artistic neighborhoods in New York City.

What were your earliest memories and your exposure to the arts?
When I was hiding in France, my family, who adopted me, gifted me a box of colored pencils. Gifts were not common in the household, so I was static about this gift. Every day I would sketch drawings that expressed the fear I felt. The drawings were my only outlet; my parents were gone, I was alone, hiding, wishing I could live a normal life. Art was the one thing I could hold onto after everything was taken away from me. Everywhere I went, I held my box of colored pencils. When my daughter turned five years old, I gifted her a box of the same colored pencils, passing on my passion for art.

What was your inspiration in starting Rinna Beauty? 
It really started with people asking me what lip color I was wearing and where I could get it. And I thought, well, why am I not making my own.

You started the full lip trend before anyone else—Angelina,Scarlett, et al. Did you know that you would be a trendsetter when you started your career in the early 90s? 
I did. And I say that with a wink and a nod when I say that I’m the lip pioneer. But when I was 24 years old, I went with my girlfriend and we had our lips done, and it was crazy—nobody was doing it.

Unlike other celebrities, you’re intimately involved in creating Rinna Beauty and all its products. Was that a condition in starting the line? 
Absolutely. I really think long and hard about it. When I created my clothing line for QVC, I still made sure that I made it authentic to myself. You can’t just put your name on something unless it’s fabulous!

Was there one person who influenced you the most?
Victor Vasarely was my biggest influence. He taught me that art did not have to be representational but rather abstract and contemporary. His use of geometric shapes was fascinating and impacted the Op Art movement. I identified with his art, and I would do anything to go back in time and thank him for inspiring me into the artist I am today.

When is your favorite time to create art?
When I first began painting, I would wake up at 5 am and start creating colorful shapes on huge canvases. It was the best way to start my morning. When Apple introduced the Macintosh, I was one of the first artists to use that computer with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Painter to create art. I was addicted to it; I would work 18 hours a day, starting at 2 am. Once I even worked for 24 hours straight. Art is the best way to start the morning.

How would you describe your art? 
My art doesn’t represent anything other than itself. I can’t even describe my art or replicate it. Every piece is unique. That’s why I love it.

Today, artists are going down other avenues to showcase their works—including exhibiting at hotels, restaurants, and other venues. Have you ever considered this?
What’s interesting is until now, I have never promoted my art. Art is my passion and creating always came before selling. The fact that people want to see my art is incredibly heartwarming because I create art for people to love and be happy when they see it.

For more information on Rinna Beauty,
visit rinnabeauty.com

Tell us more about today’s art scene in NYC?
Most art galleries moved from Soho to Chelsea; many young artists are extremely talented and make me excited for the next generation of artists in New York City. Although many galleries have moved, I still believe Soho is as artistic as it was in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

What are your inspirations / reference points for creating art?
I adore shapes of all colors and sizes. With my background in architecture, I have learned about lines and how specific shapes complement each other. I love creating abstract art that doesn’t have a deeper meaning.

What is it that draws you personally to painting?
I am fascinated with geometric shapes, and painting allows me to create shapes of all sizes and colors. If I make a mistake, I can paint over it and create a new shape. The possibilities are endless!

What is your ideal studio setup? Is it small and confined? Or an airy loft-like situation?
My ideal studio setup is a large New York City loft, with huge windows—there needs to be light. All I need is a desk and a computer, no furniture, I need a space where ideas can flow.