Ruth Davis Q+A – I create my artwork to comfort those who need it. To bring joy and happiness.

  • Structure and shape can be the building blocks of any great work of art, however the composition does not always have to be representational. :

Our Head of Art Luke Baker recently sat down with Little Van Gogh artist Ruth Davis where they discussed the comfort that creating art gave her through a time of grief and how this then influenced and inspired her current paintings.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in the beauty of nature around me. My work stemmed from my journey of grief, managing to channel such a dark and powerful emotion into something beautiful, this really gave me the appreciation of finding the light in what is dark. A flower is beautiful in all stages of its life.

How has your practice changed over time?

When I first started painting, it become a natural therapy it wasn’t until further on in my career I realised the subconscious meaning behind my work. My work not only incorporates flowers, but meaningful messages you would like to be able to say to those who have passed. My outline of flowers and the imperfection of my abstract take on nature, is to represent the emptiness and confusing thoughts in everyone’s grief journey.

‘Carmen’s Roses II’

‘Love From’

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

I paint in honour of my grandparents, and luckily for me my Grandad was a very talented artist, he is my biggest influence.

What’s the purpose or goal of your work?

I create my artwork to comfort those who need it. To bring joy and happiness. My work is a form of therapy for myself and it really helped me through a dark time, I would love for it to be able to help anyone who is struggling.

Does creating art help you in any other areas of your life?

Creating art, really gives me a direction and a purpose in life. It helps me be able to express what it not so easily said, and that is a very powerful thing, which I think most artists would agree with.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Paint for yourself, not for others.

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