Brushstrokes of Inspiration: An Interview with Artist and Writer Ruby Roth
In the sprawling city of Los Angeles, amidst the hum of urban life, artist Ruby Roth is keeping the dream alive. Born and raised in the City of Angels, with a sprinkling of California sun and the serene landscapes of a farm in Kauai, Roth has etched her artistic journey against diverse backdrops. Studying art has been a lifelong pursuit, and her academic journey led her to double major in Art and American Studies at UC Santa Cruz. Rushing back to L.A. after her studies, she embraced the role of an artist and designer, fostering a community, employing local resources, and championing the art culture in the city.
With a new art book on the horizon, Roth's commitment to Los Angeles remains unwavering. She is hands-on in the printing process, weaving her artistry into the very fabric of the city. Supporting local businesses and cultivating a network, Roth is not just an artist; she is a creator who understands the symbiotic relationship between art and community. Beyond the canvas, Roth is also a wordsmith, navigating the realms of writing with the same fervor as her visual art. For her, both practices are ways of harmonizing the inner world, transforming abstract feelings and neurological responses into tangible manifestations. The act of capturing the inexplicable is a deep-seated drive, and the synergy between writing and visual art is evident in Roth's introspective and reflective work.
In her own words, Roth acknowledges that her creations are about depicting the "inner lives of women." In a world where women have often faced repercussions for revealing their stories or true natures, storytelling becomes a powerful tool. Roth aims to provide a safe space for the hidden to surface, recognizing the ancient and universal art of storytelling as a means of teaching, healing, and fostering connection. Delving into Roth's creative life, it becomes apparent that solitude is her companion. Immersed in the creative zone, she prioritizes the artistic process over mundane chores. Progress is made even when motivation wavers, and ideas are brought to life, whether through jotting down thoughts or preparing panels. Roth's giant list of To Dos, visible and ever-evolving, keeps her on track. The pursuit of knowledge, folders bursting with inspiration, reading, and the blend of interviews with weed-pulling sessions all contribute to her creative rhythm.
Even when the artistic path seems arduous, Roth navigates it with resilience. Tears may flow in moments of impossibility, but with each dawn, she starts anew, embodying the essence of a creative spirit.
The nude figure has been a longstanding subject throughout art history. What role do you think the nude figure offers today Ruby?
The two biggest muses in all of art history are nature and the female form. The figure is a timeless challenge, one of the hardest subjects to master and imbue with energy, emotion, and a unique voice to boot. In the modern world, while our brains and nervous systems are constantly blasted with unprecedented, time-specific technology, the nude figure is a grounding rod. It represents our primitive roots and the animals we still are, stripped of time, place, and technology. In our daily lives, we are getting further and further away from our very few, basic, evolutionary human needs. We need all the grounding we can get.
The figures in your work often appear exaggerated in some way. Can you expand on this approach?
I was diagnosed at age 3 with scoliosis, an S-curvature of the spine. From age 4-6, I was treated with electro-muscle stimulation every night and then proceeded to wear a hard plastic back brace 20+ hours a day for the next 13 years. Art became an outlet for pain, and drawing from live models became a way to live vicariously through other bodies. My ribs were molded flat by the brace, my hips dented, I developed permanent scars from the welts. By exaggerating what I found beautiful in other peoples’ bodies, I also accepted my own asymmetry and expanded my concept of beauty and strength. Distortion became a signature in my art because it was a bodily signature first.
What does well-being mean to you?
Well-being is the mastery of accessing peace with what is, under any condition.
What is next for you?
Very shortly, I’ll be releasing a new book. It’s a collection of artwork and writing deeply personal to me…can’t wait to share.
Website: www.rubyroth.art
Instagram:@ruby_roth
“Everyone’s body tells a story. Taking the time to look, see, perceive, and gather information about someone else’s story is a form of communication that transcends language, culture, and time. To me, it feels a lot like love. ”
