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

Hi Ruth, thanks for joining 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.

Great question! One that definitely requires a little backstory. So let me tell you about a journey that I truly believe was the Lord’s doing.

In my heart of hearts, I’d always wanted—well, maybe “wished” is the better word—to be an artist. I’ve always been a sensitive soul who reflects deeply and feels things profoundly. The idea of creating what’s on my heart for a living was a dream I carried quietly for years. But when it came time for college, I chose a practical route and started my degree in nutrition sciences. Ironically, that choice came from the same kind of desire to bring people nourishment and sustainability that would later carry over into my art—but of a different kind.

I threw my whole heart into becoming the best future dietitian I could be. But then the Covid lockdown hit, and suddenly I had time to think — about life, purpose, and the direction I really wanted to take. I had even started an amazing master’s program in Montana that combined nutrition and sustainable food systems, something I am still passionate about to this day. But when I felt the pull to pivot toward a different kind of nourishment—namely, the arts—I made the difficult decision to drop the program.

At first, that shift felt like trading a dream for drudgery. I worked multiple part-time jobs just to pay rent while trying to build a portfolio. It wasn’t going well, and I was exhausted most days. Being self-taught, I was still figuring out the kind of art I wanted to create. What I made at the time was good, but something always felt like it was… missing.

That missing piece appeared the day I was basically recruited off the street to volunteer on a certain tall ship in Galveston — the 1877 SSV ELISSA — and suddenly found myself immersed in the sailing world. As the months went by and I began creating maritime artworks for my shipmates, my work took on new life with every new sailing experience.

I realized I was onto something. The sheer depth of meaning I could explore through the ocean and maritime themes alone fascinated me. Sustainability, conservation, coastal community, living fully, social justice, the depths of God’s grace… there was endless room for expression. That passion deepened even more when some rather unique woodworking came into play.

A bit more risk and dimension was introduced with a carpenter friend handed me a dull blade from a circular saw and asked, “Hey, have you ever thought about painting on one of these?”

Nope. Never in my life.

But as I kept staring at it, an idea dawned on me: I had done pyrography on wood before—so what if I painted on the blade and continued the image onto the wood it was designed to cut? The result was a paradoxical harmony: two materials that could destroy each other, brought together in balance. And given that I work with conservation themes… how fitting!

At first, I had no idea how people would respond. The first one I made was a wedding gift. The second one I entered into a show—and it sold within two hours of the exhibit’s opening.

“Well…I guess that says something?” I thought to myself. So I kept those techniques in my pocket.

As I kept experimenting with this, I became fascinated by the ability to burn the flow of water into wood. It was unique, deeply satisfying, and one of those moments where I’d step back and think, “Oh my gosh, I actually made that! Cool!” Later on, I found myself working as a carpenter’s apprentice to make ends meet and learn hands-on skills. Talk about full circle—a perfect God story!

While all this was taking shape, after some particularly rough work and living situations, I started praying hard: “God, are You trying to tell me something?” Things were getting tight, and I was under a ton of stress. My work was suffering. The only way I could pursue art full-time was if I changed my lifestyle completely.

So, I took the leap. I bought an old camper and tucked it away in the woods on a friend’s property, and started remodeling it into a home art studio. It was absolutely a risk, but cutting rent made it manageable. It’s still a ton of work, especially with surprise repairs and balancing studio time, but it’s coming along and I’m able to make my art career a priority.

I’ve learned so many practical life skills in this unique route to becoming an artist – anything from marlin-spike work to leveling floors to trailer remodels. And I feel that I’m a more well-rounded person and artist because of it – my work has been shaped by a life steeped in experience, and I’m so thankful for that!

One thing that made this leap even riskier was being entirely self-taught. As an artist, everything I know came from observation, curiosity, and a heavy dose of trial and error. And tears. Yes, many tears. Without the built-in community that art school provides, the learning curve was especially steep.

I had several opportunities for formal training, but for one reason or another, they never worked out. At first, that felt like a disadvantage. But now I see how having a story shaped by life and prayer has given my work a kind of authenticity and heart I might not have found otherwise.

Would it have been nice to have that early community? Probably. I’d likely be further along—but on what path? That’s what I love about this industry: there’s no single right way. My path has been one of trust, prayer, and patience, shaping not just my art but myself as a person. Along the way, I’ve met some incredible people—my church family, shipmates, and loved ones—all whom I might never have met otherwise.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Ruth Scego. I’m a mixed media artist, writer, entrepreneur, and ever-learning sailor. Born and raised in southeast Texas, I spent my formative years on a plot of farmland, in the woods, and fishing on the lake. Here, my love of working with my hands started at a young age – building rabbit hutches, feeding goats, learning how to tie a line to a hook…

You know, the life basics.

I’ve been drawing for as long as I could hold a pencil, until one day I broke my right hand and could only manage to hold a paintbrush, which jumpstarted my exploration of a whole new medium.

Growing up, I wasn’t really exposed to the “art world.” My creative practice came from being outside, observing, and taking visual notes in a sketchbook. Looking back now, I realize what a lost art that was — slowing down, paying attention, and learning from the natural world. Years later, when I was introduced to sailing and life on the water, I wanted to revive that wonder and attentiveness. That’s what drives my work today.

In my art, you’ll notice several defining characteristics: I work on multiple relevant materials until the entire piece is layered with story — from wood and metal, to journal excerpts, to canvas repurposed from a tall ship’s sail. My subjects reflect more than traditional conservation themes. You’ll find marine life in playful motion, vibrant and full of life, alongside the manmade elements sharing their same rhythm, with the goal of cultivating a kind of awe… appreciation… curiosity… inviting viewers to enjoy it to the fullest. My goal is to create conversation — to help people see not just the “art,” but the life within it, how it connects to their own.

To make that connection more accessible, I don’t just create art for shows or collectors. I started a newsletter and YouTube Channel, and created The Shell Collector’s Mail — a monthly letter sent straight to people’s mailboxes with art, inspiration, creative challenges, and immersive stories from the outdoors. I want my work to be accessible in some form or fashion to everyone who values my art and the message behind it.

I still consider myself in the early stages of this career. But looking ahead, I dream of hosting exploratory creative retreats, painting large-scale murals, joining oceanic expeditions as an artist-in-residence, and partnering with nonprofits that care for people and this beautiful world we’ve been given.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

From day one, my artwork has been a form of worship and prayer, and a way to explore the world – not just faraway places, but noticing the small things in everyday life, all backed by gratitude and passion as big as the ocean swells.

My mission and what I would love to see, that drives my creative journey, is twofold.

First, I want to see people look up from the numbing screens and experience life fully again – to experience the depth of true relationship and caring for the lost and broken, to learn about the fascinating things in this world we’ve been blessed to live in and noticing the little things, to learn and live sustainably, and to know and fall in love with the God who made it all.

Secondly, I would love to see innovation and creativity – not just the “newest technological advances” or the big companies out competing each other to make money. No, I’m talking about everyday people who live curiously, learn the natural rhythms of this world and create innovations to live in tune with them and give back to them. A paradoxical harmony. Thinking outside the box.

I believe we were all created in the image of a creative God, and that living creatively is one way to live in fulfillment of how we were naturally designed to operate. I’ve heard so many people tell me, “Oh, I’m just not creative…” No, that’s how you were miraculously and intentionally designed. You may not create paintings or burn designs on wood, but where are our architects? Our cooks? Our nutritionists? Our teachers? Our faithful parents? The people who are willing to think outside the box? The outspoken followers of Jesus…

Change for the benefit of social justice, spiritual renewal, and conservation doesn’t happen by looking to authoritative figures for mind-blowing solutions. It comes at the everyday level. Let it be so.

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

For me, it’s simple: I get to wake up every day and create what’s on my mind and heart — in paint, in words, in design — and share these stories with people who enjoy it. And I get to do that for a living! What a privilege!

I also love that there’s no single “right” way to be an artist anymore. It used to feel like the only sustainable route was through galleries or traditional gatekeepers. Not so now — the only limit is your own creativity.

I especially love this because I have always felt like an odd ball. A “black sheep,” if you will, in whatever circle I found myself in. I have always had diverse interests and passions, yet with a deep-set belief that each of those things had a purpose. What was that purpose? To this day, I am still finding that out, and I don’t think I will ever fully know on this side of heaven. It’s a journey, not an arrival – but that’s the fun of it! I get to chase after my Lord Jesus while solving the puzzle of how the unique shape of how He made me fits into the bigger picture of His story in this world.

Until now, I have been able to incorporate so many things into my career, including the artistic curiosities, my passion for writing, a newfound love of sailing, and working with my hands. I love being an entrepreneur so much! There have been struggles and rough times, and I don’t doubt there will be many, many more. But what an adventure! I can’t wait to see where this takes me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ruthscego.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthscego.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthscego.art
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SaltInMyPaintWater
• Other: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SaltInMyPaintWater