This June, Bay-area artist Tess Rubinstein returns to Stephanie Chefas Projects with her latest collection of work: A Jug of Wine, a Table in the Sun. Drawing from a well of personal inspiration and shared symbolism, Rubinstein renders moments of pure joy in their simplest forms: a stretch in the sunlight, a ripe pear, an afternoon in the shade, a tender conversation. As such, she honors the sacred and subtle--but nevertheless revelatory--sensations we cultivate from overlooked and everyday experiences.  

The power of womanhood holds a central place in Rubinstein's work, and her latest output is no exception. Exploring the connection between women with their inner selves and their environments, she transforms physical figures into permeable abstractions, thereby creating an exchange between internal and external experiences. To capture a palpable feeling of the senses, Rubinstein employs emotive colors like the soft purple him of dusk or the warm golden hue of sunshine on skin. Ultimately, the work encourages a nurturing of the self, the environment, and above all else, the present moment. 

Sit down. Feel the warmth. Take a sip. 

Words and images via Stephanie Chefas Project.