KATIE RUIZ is a Xicana artist who resides in San Diego, CA. She was raised in Los Angeles and Northern Arizona. Ruiz has a strong connection with nature and often uses natural objects like rocks, shells, leaves and sticks in her weavings and Sculptures.
Ruiz is a painter and sculptor. Her work originally began as figurative and she is known for her blanket series in which she portrays couples standing or lying under colorful Mexican blankets. Geometric patterns and bright colors are reiterated throughout her work. Her travels to 22 countries have influenced her work especially the patterns that are primarily derived from Latin American textiles.
Ruiz’ new work has taken a more abstract approach with playful bright colors, and large shapes and textures. The work is channeled through the subconscious in automatic painting techniques allowing for an other worldly feel.
She was raised with her single mother and younger sister and draws much strength from the strong female figures in her life. Relationships play a strong role in Ruiz’s paintings. Couples are often depicted together or with natural forces such as water, winter or pathways pulling the couple together or further apart.
Ruiz has a Bachelors Degree of Fine Art from Northern Arizona University and a Masters degree of Fine Art from The New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting & Sculpture in NYC. She is faculty with the San Diego Community College District and Athenaeum school of arts. She is a reoccurring visiting teacher for the New York Studio School. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Mac Connor Scholarship and the Hohenberg Travel Scholarship.
