Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Ruiz-Gustafson.
Claudia, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a fine art photographer based in Massachusetts. originally from the town of Barranco in Lima, Perú,
I have been involved with photography since my college years, while studying Communications at University of Lima. My early work was very different from what I do now. In my early days as a photographer, I used to document what was around me, my neighborhood, its people, the streets, the animals.
I also had the opportunity to work as a freelance photographer for a cultural magazine in Lima where I would take portraits of local artists, painters, dancers, writers and also worked for a very short time in a local newspaper in the police section, where I covered street riots, murder scenes, looted cemeteries and funerals where the media was not welcome. It was a very interesting and dangerous experience at the same time.
Later, after many years of working in portraiture, I felt the need to express my own creative vision through photography and so about 7 years ago I started to create more intimate pieces like The Mask and the Mirror, Reflections, The Space Between, Dark Woods and lately the series She, based on an ancient manuscript found in a cave in Egypt.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My work is mainly autobiographical and self-reflective; each image relies on visual codes and symbolism often portraying themes of identity, memory, dreams and the sacred feminine. I regard image making as a powerful medium for exploring and revealing my inner world.
My intention is to speak to our universal humanity, our collective unconscious. To open doors to mysteries that we sense but cannot always name. The use of the human figure and the use of mirrors are constant elements in my work. I love the idea of the human trace, the human form. My mirrors become windows to another dimension, a place that exists only in our imagination.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
It takes many years to find your voice and become an established artist, it also costs money to participate in competitions and portfolio reviews. So, making a living out of your art is not possible in the beginning. Learning marketing skills is crucial for any artist. In my case I make a living from my commercial side of photography-portraiture and event photography. It is important to have a source of revenue, so learning many skills is a good idea, later you can specialize.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My fine art work is continually exhibited in museums and galleries across New England. My new body of work She will be in a group show at the Griffin Museum of Photography from September 12th until October 5th. 2018. The reception with the artists will be on Thursday, September 13th at 7pm.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.claudiafineart.com/
- Phone: 5088723768
- Email: claudiagustafson@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiaruizgustafson/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/claudiaphoto
Image Credit:
© 2018 Claudia Ruiz-Gustafson. All rights reserved.
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