Ruth Re-kindled her Creative Side When Picking up a Paintbrush in Her 50's

Introduce us to you and your brand!

I am currently a part time painter. I returned to my painting in my 50’s after a long time of not lifting a brush. Initially showing my work in group exhibitions in 2014, I just loved the reaction I got to my work and had my first gallery show in 2019.

I paint from home on the South side of Glasgow and dream of the day I could work and sell from a designated studio/gallery space of my own.

My painting is my passion and escape from the pressures of life. I love that its something others can enjoy and find something for themselves in it too.

I am an Acrylic painter who creates emotive and atmospheric skyscapes. I often introduce personalised silhouettes to the foreground for commissions. My target audience is that of “Interiors” where I can accommodate colour schemes and create something specific to an environment. My work is all about colour and how it influences atmosphere mood and even sometimes behaviour.

How has your brand developed since you began?

I joined SDX when it first opened in Glasgow at that time, I was mostly selling originals prints and cards. Since then, I have developed my products to include coasters, mugs, cushions and face masks.

I have also taken on a larger wall space in a more prominent part of the store.

My style has developed a little and I find myself working more towards a specific market in interiors.

How did you find out about SDX? And what made you apply to sell with us?

I first heard about SDX on Facebook through other Artists friends. I was excited when I saw the location of the Glasgow store was Buchanan Galleries which is a prestigious outlet with quality stores and great footfall.

What would you consider to be the most challenging aspect about being a working artist?

For me the most challenging aspect to being a working Artist is continuity and regular sales. To be able to establish a regular reliable income from my work is the aim.

What do you consider to be your most popular product?

My most popular product, as far as sales are concerned, seems to be my Greetings cards. My images “Escape” and “A Time to Rest” are my best sellers and “Escape” is the image I’m best known for as it is on my business cards. With “A Time to Rest” I was fortunate to have the sending of one card to someone result in the purchase of the print of the image, and later the same person commission me to do 3 original paintings.

What piece are you the proudest of?

I am most proud of my painting Patina as it very much evolved from how I was feeling at the time. A magical process very much in keeping with the process of Patina.

Do you have any past accomplishments you wish to share?

I shared my first significant Gallery show an Artist friend in 2019 in The Scotia Gallery. I loved every minute of it and the show was a great success. I look forward to doing more in the future.

What have you found to be the most challenging aspect to your business since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020?

Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have struggled with inspiration to create new work and continuity of sales and sales outlets in the shape of shows and art fairs.

The transference to online shows hasn’t been the same and I look forward to the return of actual events where people can see the work for real and it be a more tactile experience.

How have you spent your time during lockdowns?

My personal circumstances have been such that I have had to commit a lot of time to looking after my family. I also work for a Property Investment Company 3 days a week which I am fortunate to have been able to continue working from home.

Have you discovered any new hobbies or passions in the last year?

I’ve forced myself to engage in some online Mindfulness, Yoga and Pilates.

How do you think shopping and retail may change after the pandemic ends?

I think people will be keen to return to the shop for the instore experience however I also believe the base that has been created online should be nurtured and enable the artists to reach markets further afield.

How did SDX being closed affect your business?

SDX being closed meant very few sales as it is my main outlet to the general public however, I was able to secure several commissions in that time. I also found I'd lost focus as a result of not having regular contact with the store and assessing stock turnover and investigating new products.

What do you hope to gain from working with SDX going forward?

SDX representation provides me with a focal point where the general public can arrange to meet me and see my products in the flesh. I don’t have a commercial arrangement with other galleries right now. The store locations are all great and central and I love that there are plans to develop further in the future.

If you could share just one piece of advice to aspiring artists/designers who want to make a living from their creative talents, what would you tell them?

Find your confidence in yourself, and in your work and enjoy the process of others appreciating that too.

Tell us your favourite inspirational quote!

“You do not find the happy life. You make it”

Thank you to Ruth for participating in our Meet The Artist blog. You can support her work by choosing to purchase from her stand at SDX in Glasgow.