Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Chavez.
Ruby, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Being creative has always been an unexplainable innate gift. That creative ability is what I relied on to put food on the table and stay afloat with bills and everyday necessities. At a young age, I would see a need and teach myself how to meet it, you know, a supply and demand type thing. I took an interest in art at the age of 7, but it wasn’t until I was in high school that I explored my artistic abilities. Friends of mine would request drawings, and I did it for practice until I realized I should begin charging because so many people wanted something drawn for them. I would charge people to their homework for projects and presentations that required some sort of art form just to make a little extra cash for lunch. After high school, I began submerging myself into tattoo designs and custom apparel. I had many business offers but never committed. Fast forward to 2013, after taking a break from art, I reignited my passion began teaching myself how to paint. With no gallery experience, it was hard for me to have my art accepted. Nov. 3, 2-13 a friend and I decided to “host” our own art show outside in the Krog St. Tunnel. This sparked something new in me, and after this day I pursued art seriously. 2014, at Apache Cafe, I had my first “real” art show. The years following my first show, I began learning more about myself and my direction as an artist. As I grew into a more skilled painter, I was given an opportunity to live paint for public figures and music artist visiting Treesound Studios. I balanced this outlet with my 9-5 and started a more serious effort in building a brand, IMAGININK. Now, I’ve begun paving my way into a more established creative business. Utilizing all my abilities and putting them on display for my community, galleries, museums, and media. I can only hope to expand and build a team to further creative arts for not only my city but everywhere.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
The art that I make is influenced by culture and music.
I am a creative with various artistic forms such as animation, illustration, installation, set design, apparel design, logo, and visual design. I’ve always had interest in learning different things so I can better express myself creatively. Painting has always been a preference of mine. I enjoy sitting on a pillow with all my paint laid out, music playing, snacks nearby and forgetting about everything else except what’s in front of me. I enjoy exploring subject matters that are close to my heart such as the social, political and cultural issues. I look forward to these pieces because it invites people to see a more “vulnerable” side of who I am as an artist since most people are more familiar with my celebrity portrait work. No matter what I create, it is very important that I use my gifts in a way that is relatable, conscious, and edifying to all people. I want people to be inspired and moved when they are face to face with my work. It’s important to me to remind people just how amazing, strong, courageous, beautiful and needed they are.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
It is important that my art is reflective and or relative with time. I choose to use my platform for people. So who I am and how I create needs to support that. While a lot of what’s happening now is not much of a surprise, it still requires confrontation of some sort. I am one to believe confrontation is the catalyst for change. How each artist goes about that is their prerogative.
What is admirable about many artists (especially those within my community) is that because of what is going on in the world today, many are “rewriting” history and making their mark in the art world. Lots of artists are defining themselves in this time and taking a clear stance. I love that.
Creating is one thing, but what are you saying? Who are you inspiring? For me, as long as I’ve created something moving and or inspired someone with my art in some way, then have I fulfilled my role/purpose as an artist.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Website: www.imagininkstudios.com
IG/Twitter: @IMAGININK
FB: Imaginink Studios
Work currently on display: (Please Visit)
Trap Music Museum: @ Trapmusicmuseum
Stained Gallery: @stainedgallery
Gray Matter Collective Studios: @graymattercollective
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imagininkstudios.com
- Phone: 4047518269
- Email: imaginink.atlanta@gmail.com
- Instagram: @IMAGININK
- Facebook: IMAGININK STUDIOS
- Twitter: @IMAGININK
Image Credit:
Ruby Chavez
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