We recently had the chance to connect with Hilda Rueda and have shared our conversation below.
Hilda, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Nature has the qualities necessary to make me lose track of time. I have been hiking in nature for the past year or so and I have discovered that while in nature, time becomes meaningless, worries disappear, life takes a very different color, a different aroma and everything lacks the weight I have assigned it. In nature I find my mind clear, my soul exhilarating and my creativity enhanced.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Hilda Rueda. I am Colombian artist, who currently resides in Oregon. I was trained as an Engineer and worked on that field for couple of years. A series of live events brought me to art, and I fell in love with it. I became an artist, leaving behind my engineer career. I have been an artist since 2006 or rather I have been always an artist but only discovered that in 2006. I mainly paint people using live models as reference. I write poetry and many of my pieces contain a poem inspired on the emotions the model conveys. I have a studio in Albany, Oregon where I also teach. Prior to that I had a studio in Tomball, Texas, for more than 10 years.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe relationships of any kind break because we are unaware of the value of kindness in our communications, unaware of the intrinsic connections and interdependence with others, and unaware that what we do not only affects us as individuals, but also anyone around us. Responsibility, honesty and awareness restore the natural state of peace and understanding necessary for our own survival.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Pain in life, I realized around 10 years ago, is not the enemy. On the contrary, it is the propulsor of change, of improvement, of growth. I would have not become an artist if it were not for the continuous struggle of life. Many of my best poems have been written in times of difficulty, many of my best paintings have been created during the darkest moments of my life. I, like many people, have gone through divorce, the loss of dear ones, the disenchantments of life and relationships, financial hardships, loneliness and as an artist, the continuous internal battle of self-doubt. I have been using my pain as the impulse to create, for many years. My paintings and my poetry are the gifts of sorrow and pain.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I believe the idea of “starving artist” is as false as it could be. It has been sponsored and repeated over and over again by artists and patrons alike. Many artists manage a reasonable life doing art.
I believe that the idea that you are born with talent or not, is false as well. Talent is something that is built and developed with determination and courage. Tendencies are just that, tendencies.
I believe that the idea that AI is not going to rob the world of real art and craft is false. AI needs to be regulated if we want to have true art that comes from the soul of humankind and not the controlling greed of some people.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I would like people to tell is that I was a good human being. My art will tell its own story and if it endures the passing of time, I would like it to be read as a statement of endurance, resilience and peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hruedart.com
- Instagram: hruedart
- Linkedin: Hilda Rueda
- Facebook: Hilda Rueda
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