Hello, I’m Ruth Gray
I am an artist, writer, and educator. I am perpetually excited about the natural world and love pottering about in the woods. I believe that nature and creativity are essential to our physical and mental health. However, our modern world often makes getting into nature regularly difficult, so filling our homes and workspaces with plants and pictures is not only beautiful, but a wonderful way to maintain a connection to nature.
Growing up on the south coast of England, I have always valued the tranquility and spaciousness that the sea provides. Whenever I travel to the coast, I bring my watercolours and a sketchbook. For a long time, I thought I would always live by the sea. However, in my early twenties, I relocated to a village near Tunbridge Wells, where I have lived ever since. Over the last twenty years, I’ve spent thousands of hours exploring the stunning natural areas surrounding my home.
Although it’s more than an hour’s drive to the nearest coastline, I appreciate the peaceful, damp woodlands near my home and eagerly anticipate summer, when I can listen to the crickets chirping on the Common.
A Much Needed Escape
While I have always had a creative project on the go, I rediscovered painting during the first lockdown. With everyone at home, I sought moments of peace; walking in the woods and painting gave me space to think. I began producing prints of my artwork to give as cards. With encouragement from friends and family I started to adopt a more focused approach to my artistic pursuits. I started creating prints and cards for sale and accepting commissions for pet and plant portraits. I enjoy experimenting with various media but consistently return to watercolour and ink in different forms.
Painting With Words
In 2023, I returned to poetry as a means to journal my thoughts, a practice I hadn’t engaged in since my teenage years. After sharing a few poems with friends and receiving encouraging feedback, I set myself the goal of writing a poem each day throughout 2024. I was fortunate to perform some of these works at the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival and aspire to have them published in the future. Stay tuned for updates.
Pictures – Check out the gallery
