Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Hostetler.
Hi Ruby, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began creating fiber art in 2018 several years after I ended my career as a music teacher. At first, I was primarily making smaller decorative pieces or products like plant hangers, coasters and Keychains. I discovered that what really gave me life was designing and making larger fiberart pieces that used weaving as well as macrame techniques. As making art became a daily practice, I relied heavily on inspiration that came from living in the woods near Harrisonburg, VA. Nature plays a huge role in my artwork. I am surrounded by trees and other forms of life such as fungus, lichen and moss. All of these organisms have given me inspiration to create art that uses natural materials as well as recycling things that might otherwise end up in the landfill. My work is often anchored upon branches that I collect on my property or given to me by friends. I began showing my work in galleries several years ago and have had several solo shows as well as group shows, in and around the Harrisonburg area. I sell my work through my website and several shops in downtown Harrisonburg. I love the artist community of Harrisonburg and the way artists support one another. I began this artistic journey when I was 53, which for most people, isn’t when they start a new career! Many of my artist friends are younger than me and I love the way we challenge and support each other in whatever stage of life we’re at. I don’t have a degree in Art or design and am mostly self taught. In the early stages of making fiberart, I was pretty intimidated by artists who had a Art degree, but soon found that creating is an inherent gift that all of us possess however we choose to create. I am grateful for a strong group of artistic friends that support and inspire each other’s artistic endeavors!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey as an artist has been influenced by several very difficult events. I found my work to be very cathartic during the months and weeks leading up to the passing of my mother and then six months later, my father. I poured my grief into my work and ended up with my first solo show of work that was based on my mother’s downward spiral of dementia. It was a difficult time for me emotionally but I found that expressing myself through my artwork was healing for me and for those who saw my work in the show.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work has evolved from making decor to making pieces that express personal themes and ideas. I love taking fairly bland materials and using them to create forms and pieces that become rich expressions of an idea or concept. Most of my recent work has involved making cordage by wrapping various materials around upholstery welting that I picked up at a creative reuse store. I wrap things like raffia, thread, recycled sari cloth, lace, jute, etc. around the welting to make cord that I then tangle and knot into a form. I embellish these forms with embroidery, beads, etc. I like making my own materials from recycled things and creating pieces that seem to have grown somewhere in our ecosystem.
What are your plans for the future?
I have several group shows coming up this fall and am really looking forward to a solo show in May.
Pricing:
- My artwork pricing ranges from $30-$500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepaperneststudio.com
- Instagram: @thepaperneststudio
- Facebook: The Paper Nest Studio
