Polina Ben-Sira Illustration

New Spring Pattern

2011-04-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a new seamless pattern for surface or textiles. The design and colors are inspired by spring tulips that are starting to bloom everywhere.

Updated website

2011-03-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

I recently updated my website and added some new work. Here are a couple of samples.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

May you have a wonderful Holiday Season. Happy 2011 everyone!

Art Show

2010-11-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

ThisSunday I will be showing my work at the B'nai Shalom of Buffalo Grove5th Annual Fine Arts/Crafts & Judaica Festival. I will displayrecently createdillustrated ceramic plates among other pieces. Take a look at the samples. Stop byand enjoy the show.

The show will take place on Sunday, November 14th 10 am - 5 pm in B'nai Shalom. 701 W. Aptakisic Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Shana Tova!

2010-09-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

Shana Tova! Happy New Year! May your year be sweet, healthy and prosperous!
Polina

Illustration for Luna Negra Dance Theater

2010-02-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

I just completed an illustration for a Chicago based Luna Negra DanceTheater. This project was pure enjoyment. The floral illustration isused for a postcard advertising Frida! - a show based on the life of Frida Kahlo. I had to paint flowers evocative of surrealistic style of Frida's artwork.

The latest hand painted shirts

2010-02-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

Some more hand painted shirts for True Blessyn. Painting on fabric surprisingly feels similar to working with watercolor. You give up a certain amount of control and just let the water control the paint. These were inspired by flowers I got for my birthday. Thanks, family!

Skokie Theatre drawings

2010-01-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

I recently started working on the posters for Skokie Theatre Music Foundation. These are preparatory drawings completed in ink and colored pencils. I've always been drawn to preforming arts and love doing ads and posters for actors and musicians.

Hand painted shirts

2010-01-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here are a few samples of hand painted shirts I created for a Chicago based company True Blessyn. As usually I started out with drawings.

Some of the earlier shirts had a graphic look, almost like a silk screen. Later designs became more painterly, especially floral images.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone! It's always a challenge to come up with an image that doesn't address a specific holiday, but rather speaks to many people. The linoleum cut with watercolor is inspired by stained glass windows found in churches and temples.

More monoprints

2009-11-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more monoprints I did recently. There's always an element of surprise when doing printmaking, which is my favorite part of the process.

IF Pattern

2009-10-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

A jazz performer. She's singing Falling Leaves or Autumn in New York.

Rosh Ha-Shana

2009-09-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

There's a mysterious painting by Paul Klee called 'Around the Fish'. I always imagined it to be about the Jewish New Year, even though there are no explicit symbols or explanations. After looking at it a couple of days ago I decided to create my own fish painting about Rosh Ha-Shana. The head of a fish is a symbol of a Head of the Year. Apples and honey for sweetness. May we all have a sweet and prosperous New Year!

A walk around Montrose beach

2009-09-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

One of the most unique sites in Chicago is a gorgeous lakefront with green parks, marinas and beaches. Chicagoans definitely appreciate good weather, and the second the sun comes our run outside. The other day I went on a walk around Montrose Beach. A man was lovingly taking care of his boat. I couldn't help but stop and draw him.

Monoprints

2009-09-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

I was recently experimenting with monoprints. It allows you to combine printmaking and painting.

Good Sports

2009-09-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

This summer I worked in Good Sports camp teaching art to children. It is a very rewarding job especially when you see how much kids enjoy the projects. They have a lot of confidence in their work and don't question it the way adults do. I enjoy watching them plunge right into the assignment as soon as I'm done explaining it.

They certainly have a lot of energy...

Ayala

2009-05-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

I needed an assistant in the studio, so I decided to have a baby. Ayala (Aya) is a already learning. Pretty soon she'll be able to wash my brushes, stretch canvases,answer emails and perform other tasks. For now she likes to nurse.

Aya also enjoys crawling around and playing with her doll.

...and playing with her colorful hat. I wished I had one of those...

Botanic Garden

2009-05-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Spring is gorgeous in the Botanic Garden!

Peets

2009-05-19T08:34:00.001-07:00

An afternoon at Peets Coffee and Tea in Evanston.

The Blue Shadow

2009-05-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite projects this year - a poster for Lifeline Theatre. The art will be used for the original play The Blue Shadow. It'll be featured on the website, brochures, posters and other promotional materials. I had to combine urban landscape and symbols from Asian, African and South American cultures. Sounds like a lot for one image, but in the end it worked out well.