The Big “Why”
As an artist, the main question I get asked as an artist is, “What do you like to paint?”
Great question. But the better question - and perhaps the underlying one - is why. "Why do you create?"
I try to answer both of those questions at once, so people have a better understanding of what I’m about. You know…the whole kill-two-stones-with-one-bird thing 👀
(I know…poor bird…) 🐥
Anyway, back to the ‘what’ and the ‘why.’ Let’s dive in 🐠
First, a little history. Before diving into art, I worked in health—specifically nutrition. Deep down, I wanted to help people truly thrive, not just survive. Around that time, I met some creative minds who helped me see how that passion could come to life through art.
And I never looked back.
Remembering your “why” transforms the creative process
So…Why Do I Create?
I create as a form of worship
I told God once, "I wish I could just praise You for a living." Now I look back at that day and smile. Much of my inspiration comes through prayer and time spent with Him.
Don’t get me wrong. I am picture-perfect imperfection. Some of my most meaningful pieces actually come when I feel the least “put together.” But maybe that's the point.
I create to explore. And celebrate.
In my mind, I go back to Eden—where humanity had dominion over creation and lived in harmony with God, self, and nature.
(Wait—did she just say dominion??)
Yes, but not the exploitative kind. Dominion meant stewardship—a symbiotic balance of giving and taking, harvesting and nourishing, tending and enjoying.
And honestly, the benefits of being in nature—less stress, better health, more joy—make it clear we were meant to live this way.
But today, we tie our worth to speed and output, and so simple outdoor joys—like sailing, diving, gardening, or just getting dirt under your nails—feel like lost arts.
Meanwhile, most conservation efforts guilt us with doom and plastic, pushing humanity out of the picture to save the planet.
But what if it’s not about guilt, but wonder? What if conservation looked like everyday people, informed and unafraid, caring for creation and flourishing alongside it—just as our Creator intended?
Yes, it would require a shift in mindset and infrastructure. But aren’t we all secretly craving slower, more creative rhythms anyway? Imagine a world where everyone’s unique role and beautiful imagination are part of the solution.
I create as a reminder
I’ve often felt like I never measure up—like I don’t bring enough to the table. And honestly, my relationship with Jesus took a hit because of it.
But remember that creative slowness we talked about? When I look at nature—all the creatures simply existing to reflect His glory—I’m reminded: it’s not about how good I am at following Him, but how good He is at being a Savior.
That truth lifts the weight off my shoulders...and frees me to create again.
I Love These Parallels!
I tend to think visually…so many ideas go through my mind when I talk about this, I get chills.
Great, now I’m going to pace for at least an hour…
This is the picture I strive to convey in both my nature and maritime artwork - what would it look like to live in tune with the natural rhythms of grace and the natural world? And so in my work, I use storytelling to inform conservation with grace and give it a new name: creative, thriving stewardship.
Thank you for reading this far!
This is the message I carry into a new mixed media series I am currently planning…I can't wait to show you the results!
With perseverance & gratitude,
Ruth
P.S. come to think of it, it’s kinda weird that I would open a conservation-y post with the imagery of using a bird as a mortal weapon 🤔
For more content like this, and to never miss a beat on studio updates and new releases, subscribe to my free newsletter below:
