Conversations with Ruby Hahn

Growing up, I was always very creative- forever getting comments from parents and teachers about my imagination.

There was rarely a time that I wasn’t daydreaming, doodling, or experimenting. My first love was color. At the age of 8, I used markers and oil pastels to create vibrant, tie-dye-like pieces on white 8” by 10” computer paper. Everyone in my family had a piece- some were even framed centerpieces in their homes! As years passed, I held on to this sense of fantasy. The dedication I had to my artistic processes evolved and developed with me.

Going through school, I chose art for every elective. Even when I wasn’t in art class, I was still drawing or thinking about making something. It sort of just felt natural to be drawn to the arts, l never really had any other real passion. In college, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Art with an option to teach K12. I truly enjoyed learning, making, and experiencing so many different forms of art. I had the privilege of studying art in Italy, which was a very pivotal time for me as an aspiring creative. I began to show in a gallery setting when I was 22, a senior in college. By then had developed a form of abstract painting that really expressed who I was as an artist. I teamed my style with an articulate artist statement and the confidence to go out into the world as a professional artist. I was consistently having sales and shows from that point up until Covid.

Since 2017, my style has gone through so much change and growth. I continue to be inspired every day, by each new piece.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?Looking back through the years it has been a relatively smooth road although, of course, there are always obstacles. Looking back through the harder times, I now understand and recognize that those were some of the biggest moments of growth. I remember the first time my artwork was negatively criticized.

This Mixed Media piece was like my baby, the first large abstract piece I completed for my first show. I loved it aesthetically and conceptually; only for it to be called pointless, a “ piece of decoration.” My stomach was in knots- as a beginner, it was very hard not to take art criticism personally. You are putting your heart and soul out there for people to see and interpret. I learned a significant lesson, not only from this first experience, but over time. No matter how much you love and resonate with a piece, there will always be people that don’t. and that’s ok.

There have been periods of time where I don’t show or sell any art- there have been times (rarely!) that I question myself and my environment, income, second jobs, etc. Like, what am I doing? this career is a risky one. Sometimes I paint a set of eyes on a wildlife piece that doesn’t match my vision, and I start all over. Sometimes the work I create for a custom, commissioned piece isn’t what the client was anticipating so I backtrack or restart completely. Sometimes I take days away from the studio to travel or at least change my surroundings and become re-inspired by the world. I have to remind myself that although I do not have a paintbrush in my hand, it is still working- to reset myself, take time in nature, become more mindful of my surroundings, and see other artists’ work.

For as much criticism and negative remarks that many artists receive, there is seriously so much more praise, positive feedback, and support. There are many people that I don’t even know that admire me for what I do. When you are able to inspire a younger generation of creatives, when you are able to positively impact a community, when people stop and stare in awe at a piece- it is so worth any obstacle or setback!

I couldn’t do what I’m doing without the support I receive from my community.

I have worked consistently to develop my style and technique. With time and practice comes evolution. I work with self-made fluid acrylics and other mixed media to create these large-scale, statement pieces. My creative process relies heavily on intuitive motions and knowledge of color theory. I am inspired by the natural world’s inconspicuous relationships and interpretations.

Throughout my abstract paintings, I explore the connections between the microscopic and macroscopic realms. The perception of the pieces is left up to the viewer. In contrast, my wildlife paintings are thought to evoke a different emotion. During the pandemic, I was unable to access the studio where I was creating my abstract work. Confined to my home, I had a few small canvases and some leftover acrylic paint. I found myself getting lost in the process of translating my painting style into the subject matter of loose and expressive wildlife. I enjoy the challenge of working with these painting techniques that simultaneously explore the duality and similarity of these evolving styles. Over the last year, I have been working with abstract pieces and pulling from lines and shapes within to create form, this abstract, loose wildlife is the style that I am the proudest of.

My pieces are bold and in your face with color and dimension. Sometimes you will find a gold leaf or gold foil within my work. The marks I make are loose yet intentional and meaningful.

It is extremely important to surround yourself with like-minded people with similar goals and aspirations. Such as the saying, “like attracts like.” As much as it is important to have a mentor-like figure, you have to learn what works for you. Not everyone has the privilege of having a mentor, or someone to help guide them. It is important to get out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there as whatever you want to be! To me, this meant saying yes to opportunities that I would normally decline, introducing myself to influential people within the community as an emerging artist, and planning shows of my own. In a sense, you have to become your own mentor.

Throughout my education, my teachers and my professors were great mentors. As I continued to show and work in collaboration with other professional artists, they became my mentor figures. I love to learn from people who are experiencing life in a similar way that I am, by creating. For mental health, as an outlet, a way to express themselves, and as a livelihood.

Overall, I think what has worked the best for me has been immersing myself within the art community, using social media, building a strong website, and really believing in myself.