Uptown Artist: Katie Ruiz

Posted on February 27, 2013

Q. Being that you have traveled the world, what attracted you to living Uptown?

A: What I like about Uptown is that it feels like home. I have been looking for home for a long time. I think home is the place where you can be your best self and do your best work and I think I have found that here. I love cultures and I especially love Latin America so I was very attracted to this niche that is carved out of the city. I’m attracted to so many things here that are different from California, where I moved from. The buildings, the food, the people, even the way you do laundry and get around. I like the lifestyle here. I appreciate the city for the sheer amount of things that happen here in one day.

Q. What are some of the things you love about living Uptown?

A: It’s nice because you’re in the city but you’re not. I can walk out my door and one block down go hiking in beautiful Inwood Park, go to the farmers market and down the block to get a great cup of coffee. I have met some really great people in this neighborhood. I’ve had chats with complete strangers on the train and in coffee shops. You just never know who you’re sitting next to sometimes. I feel very content here, in my apartment with lots of space to make art. I just did a 22’ long painting on paper. I lined our hallway with the paper. It was quite an experiment but came out successfully for my most recent show for Raw Artists Brooklyn.

Q. How would you describe yourself as an artist?

A: I would describe myself as a professional artist who is working everyday to get my art out into the world. I take my work very seriously and I consider it top priority to make art every day. My art is raw and vulnerable. My art is about emotions that we all have and can relate to. I create art that is about my life and my personal growth. Art is why I get up in the morning. I know who I am when I a paint. That is when I feel most alive and I allow myself to describe my emotions. I’ve had a pretty interesting life for someone so far. These experiences have shaped me into a person who is not willing to fail, or will die trying. I’ve seen too many people with talent but the fear gets them. I can’t be that person. I have to be fearless about my art. Travelling around the world and living in other countries made me realize I am lucky so I must work harder. Daily effort will give you results. I love cultures, and people. I love to document the emotions of a relationship between two people. I love this city because there is so much culture and so many people to learn from.

Q. Who are some of your artistic influences?

A: Some of my favorite artists are Lee Bontecou, Kathe Kollwitz, Egon Shiele, Vincent Van Gogh, Swoon, Bansky, Frida Kahlo, Paul Ruiz, Melanie Cervantes, Immortal Technique, Brian Giannelli, Bjork, Paul Abbot, Alex Grey.

I am also inspired by things I find on the ground like a dead bird, or a colorful leaf. I like people who push the limits of what is the norm. I’m inspired by people who do what government, or rules tell them not to do. I am inspired by people who question everything.