Ruth Gray United Kingdom

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When I look back over all my work, I can see that my favourite subjects reflect the post-industrial landscape that I have grown up with here in the East Midlands. I am fascinated with buildings that were once thriving manufacturing hubs or houses that have decades of lived history. To me a row of terrace houses has as much to say as a stately home.

I have purposely chosen not to study art at University I put this down to curiosity I want to know everything! I am a serial student I absolutely love learning and to me, there is nothing better than being in a library reading a book, and researching a subject. Over the years I have gained a HND in textiles technology and 1st Class honours in international fashion business and more recently a master’s with a distinction in public history and heritage.

My art education has come from numerous evenings, day classes, and workshops as well as two years at college during my six years in Australia so for those who care, I do hold formal qualifications in painting and printmaking. I have evolved my own style of working using mainly mixed media and collage with acrylics on canvas.

I have exhibited in exhibitions solo and joint every year since 2003 enjoying the friendships and collaborations made along the way. Art demonstrating at art societies and groups is something I really adore along with leading workshops and working with community groups or schools. Since graduating from my master’s, I have worked freelance for various organisations such as Culture Syndicates, Derby University, Derbyshire County Council and Bright Ideas in Nottingham. I love being able to combine my two passions of art and heritage as one inspires the other.

I have also not chased after awards and accolades so there is not a long list of them on my website to wow you, so sorry about that! But there are long lists of exhibitions and a full CV of all the wonderful collaborations during my time as a freelance artist. I am always open to offers of work which involves using art to engage the public, please feel free to contact me.