Sobre el Artista

There was never any doubt in my mind as to what I was meant to do. Born in Coney Island and raised in New York City, art was always a very large part of my life. I received a BFA in Sculpture, minor in painting from Pratt Institute in New York after attending the Rhode Island School of Design and the High School of Music and Art in NYC. I have lived most of my adult life in the Bay Area and currently live in Berkeley, CA. A mother and an artist, I have also worked as a graphic designer, art teacher, early childhood educator and preschool director. Currently I am working mostly in oils and clay. Among the mediums I have worked in are ceramic sculpture, mixed media, acrylic monotypes and a variety of paint. My work combines strong design, innovative techniques and personal vision. There is always room for the unexpected as I work. I begin with my pure ideas and allow the piece to take on its own life. I work from my soul, hopefully without too much expectation of outcome. I believe technique is important in that it permits the viewer to connect with the work. Much of my work is narrative, it tells a story. Many of my pieces clearly relate to personal history. The expressionistic works were created as a reflection on the dichotomies of life – the joy of family and the sorrow of loss; lives touched by both exhilaration and frustration. Intensity is felt through depth of color and form as well as content. The works are passionate, inspiring and emotionally rich, much like life. Though experience is unique to each of us, others can empathize and relate to my journey through their own situations. Feelings are universal. My work has been shown in museums, galleries and private collections and can be seen on my site: www.ruthpetersenshorer.com