Art senior finds future joy in creation - not income

 by Sasha Malekooti
 published on Monday, March 17, 2008

Deanna Dent / THE STATE PRESS

INSPIRATION: Heidi Ruth stands in front of one of the highlighted pieces of her show, Chrysalis: The Contemporary Significance of the Classic Still Life, at the Step Gallery on Thursday afternoon.

Many students take income into account when deciding on a career path. But for one art senior, inspiration and passion are the main influences.

Heidi Ruth is a member of Barrett, the Honors College, and will graduate from the Herberger College of Arts in May with a degree in painting.

After dabbling in fields that might have offered a more stable career, Ruth said, she recognized the importance of pursuing her passion — art.

Untroubled by the possible hardships that may accompany her choice in degrees, Ruth believes that the satisfaction she gets when creating her work is far more rewarding than the satisfaction money can offer.

"I want artists to be able to make their passion a career," Ruth said.

Ruth said she wants to inspire artists to go for their dreams and be able to see them flourish.

Some people prefer to take the safe route when choosing a career, but in doing so, they may end up with something they don't necessarily love, Ruth said.

The world doesn't need artists like it does other professions, but artists have the ability to show "distinct beauty" in conventional objects that can contribute to the aesthetics of life, she said.

Ruth showcased her artwork in a solo exhibit that took place March 3 to 7 at ASU's Step Gallery in the Tempe Center. The still-life oil paintings and monoprints featured in Ruth's show reflect contemporary impressionism, she said.

Ruth said her works were created on the basis of intimacy.

"You come really close to the objects you are working with, and it opens your eyes to see them in a new way," Ruth said. "I want people to experience that feeling of intimacy."

Ruth also believes her work is about celebrating God's creations.

"For me, art is meant to glorify God and give him honor in the things he has created," Ruth said.

As Ruth prepares to embark on the career she has been working toward, she leaves a word of advice to those still trying to find themselves and a career.

"Go after your dreams no matter how impossible they seem," Ruth said.

If people choose to do so while in college, they will lead a life full of adventure, she said.

Reach the reporter at: sasha.malekooti@asu.edu.