Ruth Williamson
Biography
Ruth Williamson's artistic journey began in the Sherman, Texas, where she grew up. From a tender age, Ruth's creative inclinations became apparent. Her childhood was defined by a deep affection for the performing and visual arts, crystalized at the age of six when she took on the role of Gretel in the play Hansel and Gretel. With her costume and the enchanting melody of Evening Prayer etched into her memory, it was a moment that would shape her enduring love for artistic expression.
Ruth's passion for the arts flourished with the support and inspiration of her family. Her adult children have inherited her artistic traits, extending the creative lineage of the Nuckols Cox Williamson family. Her varied creative upbringing was enriched by a blend of public school education, private lessons in watercolor and oils, and college-level art classes at Austin College.
Although she pursued higher education in political economics, resulting in a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Austin College (1980) and a Master of Arts in Political Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas (1982), Ruth's love for the arts remained a constant undercurrent in her life. Her professional career spanned private and public sectors, with significant achievements in budget and finance and information technology. After founding and operating local businesses for 15 years, Ruth eventually retired, allowing her to immerse herself fully in her artistic pursuits.
Artist Statement
The landscape of Ruth's artistic inspirations is a vivid mosaic, predominantly influenced by the dynamic movements of Fauvism, Impressionism, and Surrealism. Her admiration for luminaries such as Marc Chagall and Georgia O'Keeffe is vividly apparent in her works. Ruth draws deeply on the intricate beauty of nature, capturing still lakes, crashing ocean waves, tranquil landscapes, and dramatic seascapes. She deftly intertwines these natural elements with architectural features, presented in a surreal and compelling palette.
Color is the heartbeat of Ruth's art. Her distinctive approach blends hues not typically found in nature, highlighting natural and symbolic themes to create a visual dialogue that resonates with both familiarity and imagination. This unique aesthetic defines her position in contemporary and symbolic art realms.
A daily practice of art has honed Ruth's technique, deeply rooted in color theory and the manipulation of form, light, and texture. Her favorite projects often involve series of figurative and nature studies that play with analogous and complementary colors, creating a rich tapestry of subjects. These endeavors are not just artistically rewarding but also reaffirm her commitment to exploring the depths of human and natural beauty.
