Interview Artist Ruth Hiller | Plywood Art Painting | Fumogallery

FG: When did your passion for art start and how did it come to you?

Ruth Hiller: My passion for art started as a small child when I visited Disneyland in the late 60’s. I was obsessed with drawing Mickey Mouse and Pluto! 

FG: Where do you draw inspiration from for your artworks? And how is your creative approach?

Ruth Hiller: I draw inspiration for my work from my daily surroundings. I am influenced by industrial sites, cityscapes as well as being in nature. Lately the political climate in the US has played a huge role in my art of illusion. I can see a color in nature or on the street and it will find its way into my work. I start by sketching ideas and then translate the drawings into Adobe Illustrator to create the hard edged shapes I like.

FG: Beside painting, which other art forms do you like?

Ruth Hiller:  I like to make collages, photographs and drawings. As far as owning art, I have many ceramic pieces, paintings and small sculptures. I am really drawn to new Led Art that I have seen.

FG: Which is the best advice you got as an artist?

Ruth Hiller: I assisted Ron Gorchov, a NY painter in the late 80’s and when I was dissatisfied with a finished piece he asked me if I had fun during the process and if I learned something along the way. So while I love the outcome, the process is extremely important. 

FG: Can you mention an artist, artwork or series of art projects that particularly influenced/inspired you in your work as an artist?

Ruth Hiller: Ron Gorchov was a mentor to me when I assisted him in his studio in the late 1980’s. I am drawn to the graphic optical work of Bridjet Riley and the simple geometric shapes of Ellsworth Kelly. 2 of the artists I mention here both work on shaped substrates!

FG: When you work, do you prefer silence or listening to music? Which one?

Ruth Hiller:I like to listen to music or podcasts where I learn something new. 

FG: Is there a tool or material you are dying to experiment with?

Ruth Hiller: I would like to experiment and learn about 3D printing and laser cutting. I am also interested in LED art. 

FG: Dou you have a favourite quote or motto you often think about?

Ruth Hiller: What do you do?…Whatever it fucking takes! 

FG: What do you need to feel happy?

Ruth Hiller:  I am blessed that I can be happy at any given moment with a quick change in focus. 


Courtesy pics Ruth Hiller