We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dean Ruggieri a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dean thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I think the most meaningful project I’ve worked on is the one I’m currently working on… and that is building a community with Pat Gubner and the HI-VI Sound System. Working with Pat we share the same belief that connecting people through music, art, and culture is essential; in turn we create and provide a space where people can be inspired and inspire others. I think that’s the most important thing for us all to do, build community and be inspired.

Hosting events with HI-VI Sound System the goal is to always provide a space and time for all to come together, create, educate, and inspire.

First dollar earned as a creative

The first time I made money selling my art was on Instagram. “The piece was titled “Real Women are Timeless” and my friend Lindsay commented “I want!” almost immediately after I shared it. She’s a real one so she got it. Initially I had an idea that I would make a collage every day for the entire month of October and share it on Instagram. It was in preparation for my first solo exhibition (that never happened in real life) But looking back now it actually was my first solo exhibtion and is still on display for all to see. Prior to that art was always something I kept to myself.

Dean , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Dean Ruggieri, is a multi talented mixed media collage artist. Who’s creations take shape one piece at a time. Taking what was once in context out – giving it a new frame of mind. Sourcing from the past for the now of our future. He gathers unwanted materials and gives them a new purpose.

His craft has pushed him to create, collaborate, and produce with talents around the world. While living in the Hudson Valley, Dean has hosted many showcases in collaboration with local businesses (Sloop Brewing Co, Nine Pin Cider, Beacon Bread Co, and Cryptic Gallery) focused on bringing new energy to upstate New York through music and art. His passions stem from his early upbringings and continue to evolve day by day. Most recently working with record labels Toucan Sounds (New York) and XVI Records (UK) Dean has created cover art for many talents some including Felipe Gordon, Derrick Carter, Anthony Hamilton, Brandon Markell Holmes, Joey Mercedes, Jevon Ives and Mushkilla. As an artist and event coordinator for HI-VI Sound System, Dean brings artists together to create through their shared love for Sound System Culture!

Inspired to keep bringing joy, peace, and life to the table his journey continues.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think most would agree the pandemic was a time for change or discovery some may even say sink or swim. I unfortunately got let go from my company towards the tail end of all of that. Fortunately it really forced me to dive deeper into my creations and ultimately put me where I am today. That being said things are really starting to come full circle.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect to me is the process of creation, the journey it brings you on, the memories it leaves you with and the people it inspires along the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanothebambino/ https://www.instagram.com/petergabrieljackson/ https://www.instagram.com/hivi_soundsystem/

Image Credits
Main photo: Derek White (Good Time Film Studio) Photo 1-2 Sabrina Eberhard Photography Photo 3-4 TJ Squires Photo 5 Blizeepov Photo 6 J Pablo (tpi.ent) Photo 7 August Taylor Photo 8 Sabrina Eberhard Photography