September Artist Spotlight

September Artist Spotlight: Ruth Palmer

I had the pleasure of interviewing Canadian artists, Ruth Palmer, for an online publication PLP created a couple of years ago. Aside from her creative talent, Ruth is one of the kindest, most open, willing individual out of the hundreds of artists I have encountered throughout my ten years in the industry. To say the least, I was completely thrilled when she agreed to a second go-round of participating in this amended spotlight project intended to shed light on creative and talented people across the world. I am even more pleased with the opportunity to share her gift with my readers once again. To be honest, Ruth has such a plethora of illustrations, paintings, digital art and photography in her arsenal of creativity that it was extremely difficult for me to choose the three that are being spotlighted in this review.

Also, so that the readers are not feeling short changed with out being able to read the question and answer session that I usually conduct prior to review, understand that this Ruth Palmer is an ambitious artist who travels between the US and Canada and other countries abroad. Needless to say, her busy schedule should serve as an inspiration to many aspiring artists around the world. However, you can read a short bio about her below.

Ruth Palmer at a Glance:
Ruth Palmer is a versatile contemporary artist working and experimenting with various mediums. Her most widely used medium is acrylic, however, digital & computer art is a close second. Oil and occasionally photography also make the list. Her painting covers many different art styles such as abstract, contemporary and traditional still life and landscapes. In My Own Words: I follow nobody's rules but my own. I like it this way. This is the process that works for me. I know that being self-taught gives me an advantage. I approach my work with an almost child-like naivety and do not have outside influences to interfere. I am continuously experimenting with subjects, textures and colors. Preconceived notions are nothing short of restricting. My art has to be spontaneous and unplanned. Even with commissions, I negotiate to maintain a certain amount of freedom with the subject. Just the process of creation is what drives the passion to paint. I paint because I love it. It is truly exciting, not knowing what you are going to create from nothing. You have to let it flow directly from your soul and it can't be derived or planned. A true artist simply creates art without explanation. Faith in God and a passion to use the gift He has given me is all the inspiration I need to create something special. My subjects are extremely varied. The particular subject has no specific meaning to me, it is the “feeling” which allows that subject to manifest itself creating it is own personality and mood. Every creation is like opening a surprise package. It is my goal simply to touch people in some way through my art. Art is what it is. You either like it or you don't.

PLP Review:
A Place to Grow
This is a dark and ominous piece, filled with shadows and dark colors, yet I still am met with a sense of hope each time I turn my eyes unto it. I chose this piece because it depicts a place – literally and metaphorically - where love and light seem non-existent; an environment where fear lurks eagerly in an attempt to keep us stagnant; a point in evolution that most of us despise for it is the place where change is birthed. If you have lived at all, it is quite certain that you have encountered such valleys along your path to becoming. Despite its diminishing, discolored petals falling from its center, I am in awe of the perseverance the central object resonates. Through a more in depth observation, I notice how Ruth has chosen the color white to serve as the stems for the flower. I believe this is the very detail that indicates the optimism and resilience of the Spirit. It’s almost as if she is saying there is nothing that will keep her from prospering, thriving or achieving that which she was destined to become. I am not sure if this is intentional, but the mix of greens, blues and blacks at the base of the piece present the illusion of murky water. Interestingly enough, a surface for reflection and contemplation is not provided, still the flower reaches upward, spent and exhausted with its inharmonious surroundings.

It’s my own hopefulness that moves me to observe the optimistic message behind this piece. I walk away pondering the notion that even in the darkest of unforgiving valleys, if you are ever to make it to the land of prosperity, you must remain determined to find willpower to grow. Hold on to the beauty that is YOU. Follow the light within. Otherwise, there is a chance you may find yourself traversing down the same dark path - again.



Runner Ups:
About Face & Back in the Saddle (
These next two pieces arouse the same sentiments and sensations for me as I observe them, however, they inspire me to take on completely different perspectives of life and how it unfolds. I would imagine this is because the two images are similar in their display of movement and vibrant color schemes that seem displaced and intentional at the same time. On the other hand, the Ruth has chosen different forms of execution in the delivery of thought. In About Face, the artist has chosen broad, wide strokes that depict the evolution of life and the changes that may occur throughout our journey. Upon further observation, I am also inclined to believe that there is a person moving swiftly across the page and onto some unknown destination that we as viewers can only imagine. The beautiful trail of red, blue, green and gold symbolize that this person has had quite a colorful journey, on that has been both inspirational and haunting; a path filled with reminiscences that can never be forgotten. Yet the individual seems adamant about moving forward to create a new set of cherished memories.

The divergence presented in Back in the Saddle is the scattered placement of colors. Though vivacious and alluring, the color assignment seems a lot less strategic and offers the illusion of disarray; its rigidity provokes contemplation of confusion. Amidst the confusion is a tiny ray of hope (here’s my optimism again). The small, vibrant blue triangle near the center of the pieces is seemingly on its ascent out of turmoil. I suppose this is what the artist means by Back in the Saddle.


For more information about Ruth Palmer and her work, you can click on any number of the links listed below.

http://www.rpalmer.myexpose.com
http://zazzle.com/HighCal*
http://www.cafepress.com/ruthpalmer
http://www.redbubble.com/people/ruthpalm...
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/Abst...
http://www.squidoo.com/jesusmademedoit
http://www.squidoo.com/stayfocusedonjesu...

You may have different opinions about these pieces. Please share your thoughts and let us know how this review has inspired you. By no means am I serving as the voice for the artists whose works are chosen for review. I am merely presenting a perspective that can ultimately arouse discussion between the artist, me and the readers. Feel free to post your comments, regardless of shared or opposed opinions. I recognize that art is relative to the eye.


Also, if you are an artist, writer, photographer, musician or motivational speaker who would like their works reviewed, please send us an email at reviews@plpmediagroup.com.

Peace and abundance!!!