Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Steven Rushingwind-Ruiz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Steven, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I am always reminding myself how lucky I am to be an artist and how I can express myself to others how I feel. I have always been a believer in the adage that if “you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life”
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Steven Rushingwind-Ruiz has been a professional oil artist for over 30 years. He remembers as a child always gravitating towards the arts, his first oil paintings began at the age of 8 years old. As his career blossomed Steven decided to showcase his art as well as to open up art galleries,The Blue Core in Pomona California and Ruiz Studios in Monterey, California. His work is part of the permanent collection at The Latino Art Museum in Pomona, California and The Pomona Valley Hospital. His work has also been shown in hundreds of one-man and group shows including the Millard Sheets Gallery, Claremont Museum of Art, Square I Gallery in Claremont, CA, dA Center for the Arts, Metro Gallery, Blue Core, Buddhamouse, Division 9 Gallery as well as galleries in Monterey, Sand City, Carmel, California and Washington DC. Steven has judged and curated many art shows throughout his career. He is currently an artist at the Laguna Art A Fair in Laguna Beach California.
Steven Rushingwind-Ruiz is also an International three time Native American Music Award winner, his other achievements included are winnings from Indian Summer Music award, and New mexico Music Award. Steven Rushingwind-Ruiz, (Cahuilla/Opata/Mexican heritage) from Claremont, California has been playing the Native American Flute for over 18 years. His music is defined as Native American, World Beat and New Age. This journey began at an early age of 10. His family did not have the funds to allow professional music lessons or rent instruments in grade school. The school he attended provided music instruments, including the flute recorder at no cost, this enabled him to obtain the love of music which started his journey to a professional level.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that you can use your creative work to share with people. The emotion that is put into art & music can help the viewer to feel and be moved through the expression of art & music, one example is that I received a letter from a listener from Mexico, who said that she was having such a rough time in life that she felt hopeless, when she listened to my music, it helped her to get back into a better state of mind, this is far worth than any award can bring to me. It’s also an outlet to allow myself mentally, to cope with life by getting lost into my craft when I paint or create music.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
NFTs can represent digital or real-world items like artwork, however only time will tell if this is a legitimate way of currency.. As someone who grew up in the 60’s & 70’s I am accustomed to the old ways of trading with tangible currency, however that doesn’t mean NFT’S will not have value in this ever changing world. I do have an open mind to these advancement in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stevenrushingwindmusic.com/ https://www.rushingwind-art.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenrushingwind/ https://www.instagram.com/rushingwind_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.rushingwind
- Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/steven.rushingwind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnNHhCVmex0
Image Credits
Susan Ruiz.