The Multi-faceted Ruby Roth: Artist, Author and Illustrator

By: Madame Margherite

At DraworDie.com you will find an array of Ruby Roth's fine art. Both her paintings and drawings capture the darker, more exciting side of life. Roth's circus themes drawings reflect the many tasks of a woman. From maintaining balance when walking the tight-rope, to juggling the objects of life, Ruby has managed to invoke the spirits of women across the world, and express common frustrations in the beautiful, graceful movements of her characters.

Her paintings are equally as illuminating and imaginative, however Roth admits that she sometimes struggles with paint and has much more control when drawing. For a brief period the challenges Ruby faced with her creativity led her to consider a career as an activist instead of an artist. But meeting urban artist, Justin Bua, she claims made her realize that she was behind in her skill, and motivated her to revisit figure drawing and painting honing her craft into what i now a plentiful career.

It also made her take a closer look at today's art world. In many cases, today's fine art world has become an "anything goes" industry, while thousands of passionate undiscovered skilled talents remain in the underground shadows. "People make it without the use of crafted skill, and that frustrates me" Ruby says, "Art for art sake is beautiful, but, I think the most important artwork comes from skilled artists or those who have a powerful message and use their art to express their voice".

Changes in her attitude towards art were also the result of changes she made in her life. In 2003 Ruby went vegan over night. While this decision was originally made for health reasons, it changed her outlook on everything. By cutting meats and other animal byproducts from her diet, Roth became aware of her body's individual needs, and developed a much deeper compassion for animals and the environment. As an elementary school teacher in Los Angeles Roth participated in art projects with her young students. The children would draw animals using various geometrical shapes. Along with their interest in Ruby's veganism, the students sparked an idea, and inspired her to write a children's book.

That's Why We Don't Eat Animals...square nosed pigs, and round chickens illustrate the imaginations of children on every page while conveying a strong, powerful and deeply important message. Ruby designed this book to explain to kids the reasons why people may choose a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. At first many critics claimed the book would be too scary for young, developing minds, but readings from the book have proved otherwise. "Children have an intuitive and very clear understanding of how the choices we make affect the world, and if they can make a difference, they are willing to make a difference" Ruby explains.

The both both written and illustrated by Roth tells stories about the habits and emotions of animals such as turkeys, cows, quails and even marine life, and shows how captivity of these creatures for the purpose consumption disconnect animals from their natural way of life. The sadness and agonizing lifestyles these animals endure motivate rather than intimidate children causing them to want to make a change.

In the scope of things, the impact this one book has had makes a greater difference than all of Ruby Roth's paintings and drawings combined. This creative and personal growth has absolutely turned Ruby into an animal lover and advocate. In the future Ruby intends to come out with an entire series of books that educate children on how they can mold the future, and world around them, while providing resources for kids and adults alike. After all she is in fact, an artist with a voice.

Peace,
--Marg

Published at: PlanetIllogica.com