Ruth Oosterman

Ruth Oosterman is a Canadian artist who strives to capture the chaos of her mind and the fascination for realism into art form. Her greatest motivation comes from her three year old daughter who has taught her how to accept "mistakes" as part of the artistic process and embrace the unexpected. Through this new found confidence she has embarked on a series called "Collaborations with my Toddler" and paints side by side with her toddler, Eve. When Eve sleeps, Ruth allows the chaos of her mind to run wild among the nighttime hours in order to expand her artistic boundaries and create her own solo work.

Have you always been creative and artistic?

I can not think of a time where I wasn't determined to create something out of, well, anything really. I was home schooled until grade 7 and my mom did a fabulous job in encouraging her children to be creative in every manner possible. I believe everyone is born artistic in some form and if it is fostered they will learn how to maintain it into adulthood.

How would you describe the style of your work?

Chaos with a pinch of sanity. My work is all about taking my life experiences and pouring them onto any surface I can find. Throwing down color and leaving it to chance, a glimpse of my soul and a few careful, focused strokes are what most of my work is made from. I have always been drawn to realism and do my best to incorporate that into my work, however my chaotic mind tends to take over at some point and add explosions of color, for this I credit my toddler. My three year old has taught me more about art than any adult could ever, including myself

What’s in your pencil case and what’s your favorite tool?

Unfortunately my pencil cases are always raided by my toddler so the contents can be found throughout my home, however my favorite tool I have hidden carefully away. They are my Canson watercolors that are perfect to travel with, I can break them out in mere seconds to begin creating.

Who is your favorite superhero?

I would have to say Batman. I know it is a pretty mainstream answer, but there is just something awesome about a mere human finding a way to fight for good in an evil world. Makes fighting for good seem not only relate able, but actually attainable.

If you could have one super power what would it be?

Teleportation, anywhere at anytime. Super rad.

Where do you look for inspiration?

All around. Every single moment in time there exists opportunities to find inspiration. However, my main inspiration comes from my three year old daughter, Eve. She inspires me to push my own boundaries and accept my "mistakes" as a part of the artistic process.

Who are your favorite artists or comic book authors?

I think the list for my favorite artists is not only constantly evolving but endless as well. There are so many talented people, however I think my top two at the moment would be Agnes Cecile and Christian Hook. My dream would be to somehow combine there two different styles into one and see where it takes me.