We recently connected with Ira Stein and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ira thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I have many “Most Meaningful Projects”, but one that deserves attention is “THE MOON MADE ME DO IT” Acrylic on Wood, 65″ × 53″ × 2″.

This primal portrait represents the sexual angst of the biblical Eve. Originally, the inspiration was from my friend who desperately yearns for sexual liberation, but is chained to a lackluster marriage. She modeled for me with the caveat that her identity would be disguised. Using a neo-expressionist attitude, and playing off Munch’s Scream, I morphed her identity with Eve’s to protect her from her husband, but also to express the ultimate symbol of human consciousness.

This “Eve” is breaking a biblical commandment – adultery. To me, she represents the bullshit of attributing cause to environmental factors. That is such a cop-out. It is her genetics that dictate all the shit she does – not the moon or a serpent.

Can you think of something you do that is not a cause of your genetics?

This Eve says she is just like her mother who at her age had an insatiable desire for sex. And just like her mother, she could not resist the powerful urge for sex when she was menstruating and a full moon was present. There was no way out for her. She had to cheat on her husband, who she loves very much, but who cannot satisfy her. The power of her biology (her genetics) fuel her behaviors.

In this work, I show her agonizing over her marital fidelity/conventions. I see her wrestling for a justification of her actions. She cannot resist taking the “forbidden fruit” which causes her both pain and pleasure.

Similarly, the rough, abstract sensuality of the paint applied here stems from my resistance to artistic conventions/commandments. I’m fusing symbolism, gestural painting and ideology to impart knowledge to the world. Creating Art about Genetic Essentialism or Genetic Determinism causes me both pleasure and pain as well. It is my genetics that propels me to expose a raw vision of humanity through art. I just can’t help myself.

You see, Eve’s story reinforces my belief in the primacy of genetics have in determining the life we lead. I don’t believe her behavior was learned. She didn’t watch her mother and decide she wants to do the same things. She inherited these traits.

It took me 18 months to complete the work. When I showed it to Eve, she saw herself in every paint-stroke – struggling to come to grips with the genesis her sexuality.

Ira , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Listen, I can’t do pretty art. If the world needs more seascapes, landscapes, and still lifes – I’m out! My work concerns big issues that are difficult to talk about – sexual and physical abuse, social responsibility and the dumbing down of society.

I believe in genetic essentialism – that certain human conditions are connected to a particular gene (or set of genes). This is not a politically correct standpoint, but I ask you, can you think of something that can happen without your genes?

You see, my art tells the stories of the relationships between me and my models. Before one brushstroke is put to canvas, I need to know absolutely everything about her. My artistic process requires time and a commitment to paint the unmediated truth discovered during this close relationship. It is an agonizing process but I am compelled to continue asking difficult questions.

Over the past years, I have painted the most unique women to me based on our chemistry and their story. I believe that their behaviors are genetically determined and not a result of experience or societal influences. My paintings, mixed media collages and sculptures will not necessarily go with the furniture but it will leave you with the unbelievable documentation supporting my belief that behaviors are predetermined by genetics.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My works confront issues that are difficult to talk about – sexual and physical abuse, social responsibility and what he feels is the dumbing down of society. As you will see, his works are bound together by his fascination with genetics and how it determines “all the shit you do.” I confront the viewer with important questions through my art. “Are any two Fingerprints alike?”. If not, then why would anything be alike. “Do you think about your Genetic “Fingerprint” before making a baby?”. and “Where is the Father?”.

I am a trained artist, a Vietnam veteran, former commercial airline pilot, and I was a renown Los Angeles jeweler. With such an interesting and varied personal background, My works convey a well-rounded, multi-dimensional and inventive interpretation of the world surrounding us. My sculptures, mixed-media collages and figurative paintings all provide a glimpse into my mind’s eye as I grapple with the notion of genetic “essentialism” as viewed through the perspective of the troubled, vulnerable, and the erotic.

IGallery presented by Ira Stein is located in Brentwood, California.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being an artist, the most rewarding aspect of my creative journey is the ability to educate through my art. It’s a form of self-discovery and self-expression that allows me to communicate with the world in a unique and profound way.

After a lifetime of career, creating art provides me with a sense of freedom to make commentary on societal ills through my works. When I paint, draw, or sculpt, I enter a meditative state where time seems to disappear, and I am completely absorbed in the process. This sense of flow and immersion is incredibly fulfilling, as the process can take months, and sometimes years.

Moreover, sharing my art with others and seeing how it resonates with them is a deeply profound experience. Art has the power to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and even inspire change. Knowing that my work can touch people on a personal level and potentially make a positive impact on the lives of others is a source of great satisfaction.

In essence, being an artist allows me to connect with others, and contribute to the larger cultural tapestry. It’s a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and connection that I find immensely fulfilling and rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: irastein.com
• Instagram: @artbyirastein
• Youtube: eyeonirastein