Interview by Sandra Ictech | Photos Courtesy of Sabrina Bernstein

Sabrina Bernstein, who refers to herself as a poet, book reader, playlist-crafter, and NYC living lady, has gained recognition for creating a fire escape artwork series that has garnered attention on TikTok. Using her skills in illustration, graphic design, and social media marketing, she has amassed a loyal following that enjoys seeing each of her creations. She talked to NYOTA about her artistic journey and her goal of one day having her work in a gallery.

Art is a hobby for some and a passion for others. Have you always been interested in pursuing art? What was your starting point? 

Art has always been a throughline of my life. I have drawn and painted and loved to create art since I was a very little girl; it’s one of my first memories. It feels like a means of expression that requires little said from me: my thoughts are suddenly shareable and visible and on paper.

Does living in New York City influence your work? If so, what in particular influences you? Is it the people, your experiences in the city, or something else entirely?

Oh, of course. New York City is a natural muse for me. The constant energy and undying chaos, the overlap of millions of little stories, all rebounded and crisscrossed over one another. For someone very inspired by human beings, I can’t help but step out of my door and feel naturally drawn to capture what NYC makes me see and feel. This is the kind of city that cries out to artists to come and use it as their inspiration and calling.

Some artists plan what they will create, and some jump in. Can you describe your process when starting a new piece? Are there certain materials you like to begin the process with?

I jumped in headfirst, for sure. So much of life requires meticulous planning. I try not to bring that discipline into my art. My process is just to acquire the necessary materials to bring my idea to life, hopefully that same day (or same hour) as I have an idea. I make mistakes in my art all the time and enjoy the creative challenge of fixing them. That’s likely why drawing has always been my backbone; it just takes a writing utensil and a surface. I don’t ever need anything fancy. I’m satisfied with cocktail napkins and notebook margins.

Where do you find your ideas for pieces? Do you prefer pulling inspiration from your imagination or real life?

Depends. This fire escape series is very life and human-focused, so it just comes from the people who organically stroll by me. In general, I think a good walk outdoors, a great record, or a fantastic book page is plenty to get me ready to create something. My favorite book for inspiration is Just Kids by Patti Smith.

You have gained attention through social media, due to the videos of you drawing strangers from your fire escape. How did this idea originate, and what made you continue working in this drawing style?

It began organically as a practice I was doing on my own. I sit on my fire escape all the time as a spot to write, draw, and read. I began to notice how much people love to watch art videos online, and as someone who works on a social media team, I thought to myself: why not share this? I created a few videos drawing from my perch and an audience quickly discovered them. I’m so grateful they did. People liked it, so I continued. Now it has been about a month and a half, and they’ve amassed millions of views.

For many artists, there is a personal meaning attached to their work. How do you want people to feel when they see your art?

I suppose I don’t think people should feel something in particular; I just want to create art that makes someone feel something in general. Whatever emotions or memories or feelings it conjures is between the viewer and the work. But I do feel really grateful when I read comments saying someone teared up at the content, or shared it with a friend, or that it reminded them of someone. We live in a densely oversaturated digital world. If I can post something that creates a raw reaction and drives people to connect with one another, I’ve succeeded in my mind.

As a young artist today, what has been a moment you are most proud of?

I suppose just the success this series has seen, and the community it’s building. People are saying they’ve dug out their art materials and begun to draw again. People are sharing and tagging videos with me where they’re also drawing passersby. It’s wonderful. I’m so grateful that my practice is becoming the practice of others.

Do you have a bucket list item you’re working toward? Such as collaborating with a specific brand or artist?  

My bucket list goal is that I’d love for this to all live in a gallery one day. I can so clearly envision how I’d spread out the drawings themselves, show the videos with their unique soundtracks on screens, and have an area where people draw the others in the room. I’d melt. When it comes to specific brands or artists, I’m grateful for whatever comes my way. The fact that I’ve gotten to chat with a few artists already who have connected with me because they noticed and enjoyed the series is a dream come true, and I can only hope that the community continues to expand and stretch in the way it has been going.

This story first ran in NYOTA’s Art is Life Issue. Read more from the issue here and purchase a print copy here