March 2021
INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION
Helene Ruiz
ARTIST STATEMENT
Art is my passion, religion and salvation. It is my way of surviving and coping. I paint what I feel, when I feel, although most of my works are considered “surreal” in style by many, my work is actually my “reality” and my perception and creative expression of my life and my interpretation of my environment and the lives of others around me. There is no “correct” way to conclude the meaning behind my work as it is meant to reach inside of you and for you to decide how it relates to your soul, your life, your experiences. I love to paint, I cannot imagine my life without it. Painting is my true “freedom” as I can say whatever I want without restriction. I can express myself when words are at a loss. The stories behind my works are many, I would love to hear how my works may relate to your stories.
INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION
Helene Ruiz
ARTIST STATEMENT
Art is my passion, religion and salvation. It is my way of surviving and coping. I paint what I feel, when I feel, although most of my works are considered “surreal” in style by many, my work is actually my “reality” and my perception and creative expression of my life and my interpretation of my environment and the lives of others around me. There is no “correct” way to conclude the meaning behind my work as it is meant to reach inside of you and for you to decide how it relates to your soul, your life, your experiences. I love to paint, I cannot imagine my life without it. Painting is my true “freedom” as I can say whatever I want without restriction. I can express myself when words are at a loss. The stories behind my works are many, I would love to hear how my works may relate to your stories.
Helene Ruiz was born in New York City January 15th, 1958 and has been drawing and painting since childhood. Her father was the major influence in her creative interests and he always encouraged her to express herself through her art. He, being an artist himself, was her teacher, mentor and inspiration.
She has exhibited her works in numerous shows both nationally and internationally.
In October of 2008 Helene Ruiz organized the Urban Individualists, an artist’s collective. This artist collective was born from the vision of Helene Ruiz, an artist who resided and worked out of her apartment in the Bronx, NY. Her vision was to assemble a group of artists, both visual and performing, into a collective body.
The group represents a multicultural and international network of collaborating individualists cohesively working as a unit. Ms. Ruiz worked long hours to link her dream to the aspirations of others.
The Urban Individualists believe that we can make an impact in art as a collective body, separated only by our distinct styles. We have a voice that needs to be heard and a vision that needs to be seen.
Since organizing this collective, Helene has curated and organized many multi-media exhibits and finding venues for artists to show their works in order to give artists who have never been seen before the platform in order to establish an artist’s resume, gain recognition and use their “voice” in their medium of choice.
In 2007 she was awarded a grant from The Wheeler Foundation and in 2009 in Brooklyn, NY and she was awarded an artists grant from the Salmagundi foundation in NYC, then in 2011 The disciples of Humanity served Helene an award for the work she has done within various communities enriching those communities with culture, education and art.
Ms, Ruiz has been published in several magazines and newspaper articles. She was featured in honor of Women’s History Month 3/2017 in Pink Panther Magazine with a full interview and spread of many of her works. She also curated an international women’s exquisite corpse special feature in Sept 2017 for Pink Panther magazine with co-curators Madalena Laboa-Tello, Chilean artist and Jenifer De Bellis, owner and editor of the magazine.
Helene Ruiz lives where she now resides in Mechanicsville, Virginia and works out of her apartment.
She has exhibited her works in numerous shows both nationally and internationally.
In October of 2008 Helene Ruiz organized the Urban Individualists, an artist’s collective. This artist collective was born from the vision of Helene Ruiz, an artist who resided and worked out of her apartment in the Bronx, NY. Her vision was to assemble a group of artists, both visual and performing, into a collective body.
The group represents a multicultural and international network of collaborating individualists cohesively working as a unit. Ms. Ruiz worked long hours to link her dream to the aspirations of others.
The Urban Individualists believe that we can make an impact in art as a collective body, separated only by our distinct styles. We have a voice that needs to be heard and a vision that needs to be seen.
Since organizing this collective, Helene has curated and organized many multi-media exhibits and finding venues for artists to show their works in order to give artists who have never been seen before the platform in order to establish an artist’s resume, gain recognition and use their “voice” in their medium of choice.
In 2007 she was awarded a grant from The Wheeler Foundation and in 2009 in Brooklyn, NY and she was awarded an artists grant from the Salmagundi foundation in NYC, then in 2011 The disciples of Humanity served Helene an award for the work she has done within various communities enriching those communities with culture, education and art.
Ms, Ruiz has been published in several magazines and newspaper articles. She was featured in honor of Women’s History Month 3/2017 in Pink Panther Magazine with a full interview and spread of many of her works. She also curated an international women’s exquisite corpse special feature in Sept 2017 for Pink Panther magazine with co-curators Madalena Laboa-Tello, Chilean artist and Jenifer De Bellis, owner and editor of the magazine.
Helene Ruiz lives where she now resides in Mechanicsville, Virginia and works out of her apartment.
For inquiries contact the artists directly:
ruizhelene@aol.com
Website: https://about.me/helene_ruiz
ruizhelene@aol.com
Website: https://about.me/helene_ruiz