We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rachel Ruff. Check out our conversation below.
Rachel, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My work day as an abstract artist begins in my studio painting around the time most people are winding down for bedtime. After I finish dinner with my husband, I get busy dancing around the large scale canvas on the basement floor until I enter into my trancelike state of synesthesia painting.
From there I lose all track of time and space. I’m in a whole other dimension from the rest of the world where peace and quiet reign and the energies of the world disappear from my consciousness and I can focus.
I’m usually done painting when the universe says that’s enough. Either around four or five o’clock the next morning, yet I have been known to paint for 24 hours or more with only a bathroom break or two. See #4711 painting as an example of this transcendent focus.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As a published author with a Journalism degree from the University of Florida and a French Pastry Arts degree with honors from L’Academie de Cuisine, my professional journey has been far from conventional.
However, amidst this diverse array of accomplishments, there was always one constant passion of mine: painting.
It was not until 2017, when a transformative spiritual experience in the Costa Rican jungles, rekindled the flames of my artistic soul.
Visions of multi-dimensional abstracts, vibrant cosmic landscapes, and vivid compositions flooded her her consciousness, propelling me back into the world of art, not as the trained Renaissance oils artist from my childhood; yet in abstract form through synesthesia, the sensory mixing of colors and shapes inspired by the vibrations of music.
This gift, combined with my drip and palette painting techniques, has become my signature style guiding me to share the love and visions I see with the world.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship I’ve had with myself has most shaped how I now see my fifty-year old self.
I was a timid child from early on and born with a bundle of anxiety. The old nursery poem about a baby’s birth day, “Wednesdays child is full of woe,” rang true for me. My Popa used to call me “worry wart.”
Although I had a loving family, I was always anxiety ridden and blue up through high school.
It wasn’t until I blossomed in my college years, after earning a scholarship to the University of Florida, that I began to burst out of my bubble.
After surviving a near-death bike crash when a car ran a red light, I took the miracle as a message, “Enjoy life Rachel, don’t be so serious.”
I then immersed myself into accomplishing my dream of becoming the youngest CNN producer. This achievement helped me begin to love the little girl who once wasn’t comfortable in her own skin.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I have a great imagination and the gift of creativity which became evident to my parents from as early as a two year old.
Friends and family used to laugh that I always brought along my imaginary friend.
Yet now as an adult, I realize my “friend” was actually my guardian angel who I still make sure to talk to. Especially, when I need to comfort my soul and get ready to paint a big piece for a client.
Even though I have gotten braver since childhood, sometimes a hefty dose of anxiety creeps up on me.
When this happens, I have to gently remind myself that most artists do have more anxiety than others. I also believe our anxiety is a by-product of an artist’s empathy. “Feeling-all-the-feels” can be a good thing as well, because it fuels creativity.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Most people think love comes first and then truth. I believe truth then love,
I compare “truth then love” to how I paint. When I’m composing, I am at my core truth and if I don’t love my piece I will attack it with a ferocity of passion until I feel people will love my truth as in my true colors!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am in my garden with my cat. I am able to get grounded again which is especially vital to my soul after my work nights of feeling like I am floating above my studio floor working on dynamic and exhausting 7 foot pieces.
For me, to garden is to heal, to garden is to meditate, and to garden is the beginning of new visions of paintings to flow through my garden gloves and right back into my drip painting dancing fingers.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Karl Osterbuhr (Hubby)
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