Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruthie Wu.
Hi Ruthie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I first started drawing because of my older sister. She would bring home all these incredible projects and sit for hours working on them at the kitchen table, and I’d try to copy her. Of course, mine were awful in comparison, so I never had much confidence in my work, but I kept making things because I loved the creative process. Ironically, she stopped making art as an adult, but I kept at it even though I didn’t think I was talented. I couldn’t stop! Art is how I see and process the world, and stay sane with all of my big emotions and questions.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Self-image was my biggest struggle and inspiration. I didn’t often like the work I created, and I never saw it as an option to make art professionally. It’s still a battle because an artist can’t get consistent, positive outside validation. There will be shows I don’t get into, rejections, and envy. Even though some initial success was necessary to help me find value in my work, I need to learn to appreciate my art for myself if I am going to last as a creative.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a multidisciplinary artist. I write, draw, sing, dance, act, and create: it all depends on what story I’m telling, and what media would best suit that project. My work often begins with a question, like my first play, Under the Table, was centered around: “How do people who love each other hurt each other so much?” The new musical that I’m working on, Everybody Loves Tina, asks, “Why do people feel unloved, even when they are surrounded by people?”
Questions drive me to be curious, and give my creations a life of their own. For Under the Table, I don’t feel like I understood the answer until KC Public Theatre put it in their theatre lab, and the director shared her understanding of the piece with me.
What makes you happy?
In short, my cat, Merlin. He’s helped me get through a lot of art blocks.
Pricing:
- Piano/voice lessons (ask for details)
- Art requests (ask for details)
- Handmade jewelry (ask for details)
- Music collaborations (ask for details)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rtinkspirations.weebly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyar_tea/
