Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ruth McGee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ruth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Actually, there are many. For me change and taking risks in my life circle back around every 10 years or so. The first monumental risk I took was when I was in my early 20’s. I had flunked out of college and working at an office job for about 5 years or so. This was a valuable experience which provided me with time to figure things out. I knew that I wanted to go back to school, major in visual arts but was yearning to travel first. I ended up going cross country with friends headed for Seward, Alaska, where I spent a year. I landed my first waitressing job in this small fishing town, which served me well throughout my lifetime on many levels. Upon my return home, I enrolled in the local community college taking art class and building up a strong portfolio. I initially thought that my focus on Graphic Design, a job that would provide me with a way to earn a living. I then took a clay class and everything changed. My time and energy was spent in the ceramics studio getting my hands in the mud and creating. At the end of my 4th semester, I took a risk applied to the New York State College of Ceramics in Alfred NY. This place is considered the Harvard of Ceramics for both Ceramics Art and Engineering… AND I WAS ACCEPTED!!! This was a pivotal moment in my life and sent me on this amazing path. I was with like-minded folks who got me and provided a platform for me to experiment, explore, and grow. It directly impacted the residencies, workshops, jobs that I have had even up until today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
So, when reading this query what rose to the top for me it trusting our gut instinct. In making decisions about “what next” I am a true believe that we have the knowledge and understanding within… We just need to listen, paying attention to that quiet voice in your head and heart, that rumbling in our belly, it is worth taking notice of. I have to say throughout my career as an artist, an educator and someone curious about living an authentic life, I am fortunate that I have enjoyed work that has provided valuable friendships, learning, financial stability, and experiences where I continued growing. Truth be told my life has also been coupled with an equal amount sadness (loss of parent, husband, brother), confusion, distress, and of the unknown when trying to figure out “what’s next”. All of these experiences have provided me with a strong base and backbone, not afraid to ask hard questions, to challenge what seems easy, to talk it through, and most importantly to be present to listen. This is what has led me to becoming what I feel is my calling, life coach.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative person is that it is at the core of my being. When in the zone, I am out of my own way and just let the creative energy flow. There are many rewards… There is a sense of freedom, feeling energized, no limitations, and fun. As an educator, I try to provide experiences that offer opportunities for individuals to push past what they know and discover what else.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Actually, this was the focus of a blog that I wrote at the beginning of the summer. It was titled” Resilience, I deserve it”. In this post I reference the many experiences I have had in my life which have taken me out at my knees, adolescences in tandem with the death of my dad at 15 and break down of the family structure, the uncertainly of what happens after high school, finding my way back to enrolling in college, as well as being present with the passing over of many dear people in my life, especially my husband. The most recent is the passing is that of my brother… It has been over a year and to be honest this second year is actually tougher than the first. I keep his photo near and think of him often. Although it is heart breaking not to have him around to check in with, to ask a question, to ask for help, I do feel his presence on multiple levels. I am a spiritual person and believe that people are present in our lives on multiple levels. So, resilience is a part of my journey, my strength, and something I do not take for granted.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmcgee5793/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rmcgee5793
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-mcgee-84397731/
- Other: https://mcgeer.substack.com/publish/home
