In The Spotlight: With Artist Curious Ruby

Did you always want to be an artist?

I’ve always loved drawing and painting, but never thought I’d actually do anything with it…then one day after a stressful 12 months I decided I needed to have a hobby that relaxes and interests me. I went a huge holiday, spent 4 days sitting on a boat with nothing else to do but draw and create. That’s where ideas were born!

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere! I love watching people, and I absolutely love spending time outdoors. I’ve spent a number of years with different tribal groups, and my uncle carves Maori greenstone, so intricate patterns definately influenced my early works. I’ve recently spent some time in the amazingly beautiful Czech Republic, so the works of Alphonso Mucha will be coming into my art soon… I absolutely adore his patterns and paintings!

Tell us about your typical day.

A typical day in my life is typically not typical! I try to always start with a cup of tea in bed in the morning… that helps sets the day nicely and extends the call of the mattress, while still fooling myself into believing I am being productive! I am a traveller and work in all sorts of different places, so typically I try and use any time spent waiting at bus stops, train stations and airports catching up on reading and of course sketching out drawings and paintings. I have become quite the expert at knee balancing watercolour painting. I think that is an art in itself! After the days winds down and work finishes up, I usually spend my time reading and checking emails, and if I’m watching a movie, then I’m usually sketching at the same time. I am usually not content with doing one thing at a time… I’m a multitasker, but not always an efficient one!

What are your favourite products to work with?

Watercolours! I love them because I feel they are more versatile than, say, copics…. but they are also more compact and easy to travel with – you only need a little water! I have a little 24 half pan Winsor and Newton Artists quality set.

What has been the stand out moment in your career to date?

In secular terms, nothing. In life experience and realizing how important it is to take out time to relax and enjoy the moment, that has been the stand out. Painting and art has given me the balance I needed to succeed in other areas of life, I feel refreshed and genuinely love sitting down and letting the creativity flow. This kind of recreation doesn’t cost me anything, I don’t have to succeed at it and be the best artist on the planet, I know I won’t be and I also know not everyone will love my work… but that is not what matters. Knowing this sets me in the right frame of mind is ‘stand out’ in my books!