Philip Rubinov Jacobson
Philip Rubinov Jacobson is is an artist, writer, teacher, philosopher and traveler. Recognized as a central figure in both the Fantastic and Visionary genres’ of art, artist and author Alex Grey refers to him as “the lynch-pin of Visionary Art”. Considered a ‘prodigy and problem child’ by the public school system, he was sent to the University of Rochester at the age of 13 for studies in Biology and the Fine Arts in an experimental four-year program. His difficault experiences with the public school system would later contribute to the innovative educational and cultural enrichment programs he developed for a number of city school districts.
[nggallery id=39]He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees (BS, MA and MFA) in Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture, with additional studies in Psychology, Philosophy and Comparative Religion. In 1973 – 74, Philip traveled to Vienna to live with and study painting under his mentor, Ernst Fuchs, the renowned artist and founder of the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism. In 1997 he was formally charged by his mentor to carry on the visionary lineage and teach the knowledge of the old masters in the art of painting. Philip has participated in more than 100 exhibitions internationally and his writings have been read worldwide.
He is the author of DRINKING LIGHTNING – Art, Creativity and Transformation from Shambhala and Marja Publications and PROMETHEAN FLAMES – Rekindling and Re-visioning the Creative Fire with a Foreword by Prof. Michael Schwartz and Preface by Robyn Sean Peterson, from Betty & Books, Bologna, Italy. This trilogy of books on art and consciousness will culminate in his monumental work- EYES OF THE SOUL – Exploring Inspiration in Art with a Foreword from his friend, Ken Wilber. He has penned numerous articles, essays and forewords including SPHERES OF AWARENESS – A Wilberian Approach to Literature, Philosophy, Psychology, and Art, and for such artists as Ernst Fuchs, John Palmer, De Es Schwertberger and Peter Gric.
Rubinov’s travels have been extensive, including India, where he studied meditation with Muktananda Paramahansa, Eastern philosophy and wandered naked for six months with a band of sadhus in 1978. He has studied and practiced many of the World Wisdom traditions and the Martial Arts of Kodakan Judo and Aikido Sword. Philip has been a strong voice and active proponent for the spiritual power inherent in the creative process and taught Meditation and Siddha Yoga for many years. In 1981 he co- founded and directed what was the first Institute for Contemplative Education and Visionary Art in the United States, located in upstate New York. From 1983 -1986 he served as the Cultural Arts and Gallery Director at the JCC of Rochester, NY. In 1995, the professor founded and directed the School of Extended Studies at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado where he served as the Dean of Extended Studies from 1991-1997.
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In addition to his endeavors in the Fine Arts, Prof. Phil also worked as a therapeutic counselor who often used the arts as a tool for treatment with dual-diagnosed clients, the developmentally disabled, youth-at-risk, incarcerated minors and adults. During this time Prof Phil also authored the GESTURE DICTIONARY for the Colorado Board of Psychiatrists and Association of Care-Givers. This book outlined observations he gathered from one-on-one experiences with deeply disturbed clients that the system was ‘at a loss’ to deal with. This activity had never been attempted before. Through this one-on-one (live-in) situation the professor discovered and illustrated antecedents to psychotic behaviors common to the population he worked with. He followed up by consulting the Board on BMPs – Behavior Modification Plans he devised and implemented for this particular population.
His paintings are in private collections and museums throughout the United States, Austria, Germany, Italy, Holland, Russia, India and Japan. His writings and art work have been the focus of numerous magazine articles, television, radio interviews and featured in books such as “One Source – Sacred Journeys: A Celebration of Spirit & Art” by Gary Markowitz and in Volume I; “METAMORPHOSIS – 50 Contemporary Surreal, Fantastic and Visionary Artists” from Jon Beinart Publishing. He is an Honorary Member of the London-based Society for Art of the Imagination.
Prof. Phil has been holding his renowned international painting seminars: “Old Masters-New Visions” since 1997. He continues to paint, write, curate exhibitions and teach. His long-range vision includes establishing Villa Visionaria, a cooperative community of inspired creative workers that will include a gallery, integral arts academy and apprenticeship program.
For questions regarding seminars, books, exhibitions, private sales or commissions; E-Mail the professor at: [email protected]
nathan Hutchinson
Phil I love what you do..The inspiration is immense..the colors speak so much! so much!
Prof Phil
Thank you Nathan….sorry I did not see this till now… Wishing you great things in your art as in life.. Prof Phil