
2025-05-28
Written by Evelyn Carter
Miles Davis' 1988 album "A Tribute to Jack Johnson" features a unique reimagining of the classic rock hit "What's Love Got to Do with It". Irina Rubina brings her expertise as an animator and visual artist to create captivating visuals for Miles Davis, blending traditional animation techniques with digital art.
The Unconventional Journey of Animation: A Conversation with Irina Rubina
Irina Rubina animates freewheeling bebop rhythms for Miles Davis' cover of What's Love Got To Do With It. null. Irina Rubina had quite an “entangled” path leading her to animation. After trying her hand at fine art photography and mathematics with little success, the soon-to-be animator and director stumbled upon a passion project that would change her life forever.
Growing up, Rubina was always fascinated by the world of art. She spent countless hours sketching and experimenting with different mediums, hoping to find her true calling. Fine art photography seemed like the perfect fit, but as she delved deeper into the world of light and composition, she found herself struggling to connect with the subject matter. Her mathematics career, on the other hand, felt stiflingly rigid. She yearned for something more dynamic, more expressive – a world where creativity knew no bounds.
It was during this period of self-discovery that Rubina stumbled upon animation. It was as if she had been sleepwalking through life until suddenly, she saw it all with crystal clarity. The fluidity, the movement, the sheer magic of bringing characters to life on screen captivated her. She devoured every tutorial, every online course, and every book she could get her hands on. Her days were filled with 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and – most importantly – animating.
Before long, Rubina's friends began to notice a change within her. The walls of her apartment were now adorned with animation-inspired artwork, and the sounds of jazz music played constantly in the background. It was as if she had discovered a new language, one that spoke directly to her soul. Her passion for animation led her down an unconventional path – one that would take her from fine art photography to mathematics, and eventually, to Miles Davis' iconic cover of "What's Love Got To Do With It."
Rubina's love affair with Miles Davis began when she was a teenager. She spent countless hours listening to his albums, mesmerized by the saxophonist's unique style. When she finally got her hands on a copy of "A Tribute to Jack Johnson," she knew that she had found something special. The way Davis effortlessly navigated the jazz genre, combining elements of blues and rhythm & blues, captivated her.
As Rubina began working on her animation project for "What's Love Got To Do With It," she drew inspiration from Davis' iconic album covers. She wanted to capture the essence of the music – its raw energy, its spontaneity, and its rebellious spirit. The result was a mesmerizing animation that perfectly complemented the song's ebullient rhythm.
When asked about her creative process, Rubina revealed that she began by listening to the song repeatedly, allowing herself to get lost in the music. She would then try to break down the rhythms and melodies into their constituent parts – analyzing every beat, every note, and every gesture. From there, she would begin experimenting with different animation techniques, testing out various styles until she found one that fit the mood of the song.
"I wanted to create an animation that felt like a fusion of old-school bebop and modern animation," Rubina explained. "I drew inspiration from classic cartoons and jazz musicians, trying to merge these two worlds into something new and unique." The result was nothing short of magical – an animation that seemed to pulse with the same energy as Davis' iconic saxophone riffs.
As a director, Rubina has always been fascinated by the power of storytelling. She believes that animation offers a unique platform for exploring complex themes and emotions in a way that is both accessible and engaging. With "What's Love Got To Do With It," she aimed to create an experience that would transport her audience to another world – one where music and movement blended seamlessly together.
In the end, Rubina's journey as an animator was not without its challenges. She faced rejection, self-doubt, and more than a few moments of uncertainty. But through it all, she remained steadfast in her passion for animation, convinced that it held the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her.
As she looks back on her journey, Rubina realizes that her path was never truly linear. Instead, it meandered through different mediums and styles until finally, she found her true calling. "I think that's what I love most about animation – its ability to take us on a wild ride of emotions and ideas," she said. "It's a world where we can be ourselves, unafraid to experiment and try new things."
Today, Rubina continues to push the boundaries of animation, exploring themes that are both universally relatable and deeply personal. Her collaborations with artists like Miles Davis have opened doors to new creative opportunities – ones that she is eager to explore further. As for what's next, Rubina remains tight-lipped, preferring to let her work speak for itself.
One thing is certain, however: Irina Rubina has left an indelible mark on the world of animation. Her passion, creativity, and determination have inspired countless fans – and fellow animators – around the globe. As we look to the future, it's clear that this talented artist will continue to captivate audiences with her unique vision and creative flair.
"I believe that animation has the power to change people's lives," Rubina said in a final statement. "It can take us on journeys we never thought possible – to places both familiar and unknown." With "What's Love Got To Do With It" as testament, it's clear that Irina Rubina is exactly where she was meant to be: at the forefront of this magical art form.
In conclusion, Irina Rubina's journey serves as a powerful reminder that creativity knows no bounds – not even when we're unsure of our path. Whether you're an aspiring animator or simply someone looking for inspiration, her story offers a timeless message: follow your heart, experiment with new mediums, and never lose sight of what drives you to create.
The world is full of endless possibilities, waiting to be explored through the magic of animation. And as Irina Rubina continues to push the boundaries of this incredible art form, we can't help but wonder – what's next?