LACE Ruig is a Dutch visual artist whose work tells powerful stories inspired by nature and human emotions. She shares her creative journey in this interview, explaining how themes like freedom, loss, and dreams shape her art. We also learn about her use of experimental materials, the importance of texture, and how she blends magical realism with expressive styles to bring her ideas to life. LACE talks about the anthropomorphic characters she creates, like Haas and Deer, which have grown with her over time, offering comfort and connection.

LACE Ruig is a featured artist in our book “101 Art Book: Animal Edition .” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

The Dutch visual artist LACE Ruig graduated 1998 from the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht. She grew up amidst the beaches and dunes of Noordwijk and lived in Utrecht for months before wandering through the streets of Paris. Nature has always fascinated her – from her father’s vivid stories and the sea’s tides to the dynamic interplay of earth, water, air, and fire. Similarly, human nature – with its transience, vulnerability, and strength – has deeply moved her, reflected in her stories and the diverse materials she works with. Early on, she decided to share her creations with the world rather than keep them hidden in drawers.

Her artistic narratives draw inspiration from metaphors like Deer and Haas and are further enriched by her travels through northern Italy and the vast landscapes of Iceland. Both human and physical nature have a defining influence on her art. LACE Ruig’s work radiates energy, rooted in her unique handwriting and intuition. She approaches each theme with a deep connection as if physically engaging. After a period of quiet maturation, LACE will begin exhibiting a new art series in 2024. “It’s primarily about the way of looking. What do you do with everything you experience? What do you do with everything you see, smell, feel, and with the emotions you sense in others?”

1.  Your work evokes themes of freedom, loss, and dreams; how do these emotions influence the stories you tell through your art?  

The influence lies in the energy of my brushstrokes and the materials I use. These emotions shape the dynamics of the work, which is expressed in the strength and movement of the lines and textures. Additionally, the figures whom I place as protagonists throughout my series play a key role in the storytelling. They embody the themes of freedom, loss, and dreams, giving these emotions form through their posture, expression, and interaction.

The figures, whom I place as protagonists throughout my series, play a key role in the storytelling. They embody the themes of freedom, loss, and dreams, giving these emotions form through their posture, expression, and interaction.

LACE Ruig

2. Can you share how anthropomorphic archetypes became central to your storytelling process?

Haas (the hare) is an anthropomorphic character, like M&Ms suddenly talking or an animal with human traits. I have a whole series of anthropomorphic figures, including Haas. Haas appeared in my sketches during a very complicated period in my life. I assume everyone has their ups and downs. For me, it lasted several years—some rather challenging times—and Haas appeared out of nowhere. With brush, pen, and pencil, it came to life. Haas, originally a figure from my childhood, has offered me comfort and strength. Over time, this anthropomorphic figure has transformed and evolved with me throughout my artistic journey. Often, the question arises: Who is who? I don’t want to make that a fact. The Deer (Hert) has joined in, bringing its own characteristics, which, like Haas, are also a part of who I am, and at the same time, reflect what I see in others.

3. Your use of experimental materials and mixed media is intriguing. How do you decide which materials to incorporate into your work?

My choice of materials balances intuition and technical knowledge. I trust my instinctive sense of what feels right for the piece while also drawing on my understanding of the properties and possibilities of different materials. This combination allows me to explore new textures, forms, and interactions, letting the work evolve naturally. At the same time, I embrace the element of experimentation, which often leads to unexpected discoveries.

4.  How does blending magical realism with expressive styles help you explore the boundaries between reality and imagination?  

Ha! To answer this question, I have to say right away that energy and movement are just as important to my work as the subjects themselves. My work is often referred to as magical realism because of the symbolic imagery I use. These symbols, like fluttering robes, express what I want to convey. They are recognizable, yet at the same time, full of energy and dynamism. Because that’s my energy, my movement, and it has to be there; otherwise, I would miss the emotion I want to communicate through the work.

5.  You’ve mentioned creating rich, textured pieces; what role does texture play in conveying the emotions behind your art?

Texture is an essential part of the experiment for me. I enjoy the unexpected and the tension it creates. At the same time, I’m inspired by the layering found in nature—the earthy layers that exist there.

My work is often referred to as magical realism because of the symbolic imagery I use. These symbols, like fluttering robes, express what I want to convey.

LACE Ruig

6.  What’s the significance of the recurring theme of “overcoming the happy socks of a mischief maker” in your work?

There’s a small correction: it’s actually “overcoming the Happy Socks of a misfortune bringer.” It refers to the feeling of helplessness and anger I experienced when an oncologist, slouched in his chair and wearing childish Happy Socks, seemingly uninterested, delivered the news about my beloved father’s imminent death.

LACE Ruig’s art is a heartfelt blend of personal experiences and universal emotions. Her ability to turn challenges into something beautiful and relatable shines through in her storytelling. Whether it’s the comforting presence of Haas, the dynamic energy in her brushstrokes, or the rich textures inspired by nature, LACE’s work leaves a lasting impression. With new projects on the horizon for 2024, her creative journey continues to inspire and evolve. To learn more about LACE, click the following links to visit her profile.

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