Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Stathers
Hi Ruby, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I always enjoyed sketching and doodling early on, and I listened to society’s limited beliefs on how making art a career was next to impossible. So I just picked something to study in college, enjoying travel from family trips and camping, I thought I could probably enjoy hospitality management. I ended up working at seasonal retail shops in national parks, which in my downtime, developed my love of the outdoors further. I was finding that nature drew more of a genuine curiosity and after learning about the negative trend of our natural ecosystems, I decided to switch in to a career and earn a degree in forest management. This led to various jobs, working for government agencies, which I enjoyed, yet due to the physicality involved, I eventually had to tone it down after an injury. I accepted a job which I was led to believe was full-time, that actually ended up being part-time, so I spent the extra hours getting much more into my art. I am mainly self-taught, except for a few basic classes in public school and one introductory college elective, which sparked the shift to painting in 2015.
My interest grew enough that I opened an online store and began taking it seriously in 2019. After a few years of this part-time work, the injury occasionally flaring and another seemingly chronic condition developed, I began researching herbal remedies. This research, on top discovering the connection between our emotions and the physical repercussions – healed me. It seemed I would need to go all in to make my art business a success, and with these experiences to share, to help others who are dealing with chronic pain, I felt confident and passionate enough to do so. Now, since June 2024, I quit my other forestry job and have been focused on sharing these mind hacks, talking about medicinal wild edibles, and painting the individual species with some of my surreal flair in the background.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been some challenges. Adapting to a self-sustained business has brought the need to be very well-disciplined with time management. Additionally, I grew up being extremely reserved, unfortunately holding back my empathetic and maybe odd-ball nature, trying to “be cool” to “fit in.” Letting go of these restrictions I placed on myself has taken a lot of inner-work. Once shifted into art, I only see these as strengths that I am grateful to have found a way to express, hopefully inspiring others to do the same.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I paint canvases based on meditative visions and surrealism, for the purpose of connecting us to nature. I also take nature photography, turn that into digital art collages, and make aromatherapy jewelry with lava rock beads. The focus on medicinal species is shared in both my descriptions and nature videos. I am proud to be helping others find healing, while also still supporting the health of the forests. I donate a portion of proceeds to Project Learning Tree – for youth environmental stewardship education. My visions for art, which often have a therapeutic feel, come straight from my connection to higher realms / “source” / God.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Consistency and dedication to your craft is key. It’s important to not get swept up in perfectionism, or else you will be spinning in place for too long. If you can build up the momentum for output, connect to what feels most natural, trust in that, and find a way to help others in the process, you will find success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ArtByRubyStathers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyrubystathers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyrubystathers
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlantsWithRuby
- Other: https://www.RubyGreenPrints.com/NaturalHealingCollection
Image Credits
Ruby Stathers
