We were lucky to catch up with Eric H. Ruiz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric H., thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My artistic journey started way back in childhood. I took a real interest when I was around 12 years old. One of my earliest influences was LOWRIDER Arte magazine from the early two-thousands. I still hold onto those issues as a reminder of where I started, and how far I’ve come. A big thank you to Jeff Thompson, a former teacher, for laminating my first drawings and helping me preserve them! Initially self-taught, my formal education in art began in Junior High, when I enrolled in my first art class. Through High School, I took as many art classes as possible. At one point attending three consecutive classes in drawing, painting, and sculpting. Shout out to Laura Dickinson, my painting instructor, who allowed me to explore my artistic identity. I was also enrolled at the Glassell School of Art, affiliated with the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Which provided an opportunity to learn from esteemed mentors such as Patrick Palmer. And like any other artists, I learned from my peers and their love for art. Particularly from a group called “Sunday Sketches” that meets up at coffee shops around the Houston area exchanging ideas, providing critiques, and good conversations.

Consistency is key. Looking back, I wish I’d realize earlier how important daily practice is. Dedicating even a little bit every day can help you sustain or improve your skills.

During my exploration into mixed-media art I learned how different media interacted and influence each other, which was a crucial aspect in achieving desired artistic outcomes.

Spreading myself too thin was a biggie. I wanted to try everything, which is great, but it also meant I wasn’t mastering any one thing as quickly as I could have been. And let’s not forget the eternal struggle of finding time for art amidst the chaos of life.

Eric H., 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?

Hey there, I’m a Mexican-American visual artist based out of Houston, Texas. Art has been my passion since I was a kid, but it really took off during my High School years. I was like a sponge, soaking up knowledge and inspiration from wherever I could find it.
Competitions have been a big part of my journey. One of my first was in Junior High, sponsored by Rohm and Haas. Getting selected as a winner and having my art featured in their calendar was a game-changer. It fueled my passion for art even more and kickstarted my interest in mixed media.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my work in prestigious venues like the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Glassell School of Art, among others. While my focus is mainly on 2D artwork, I’ve also dabbled in 3D and digital art recently.
Art has been my anchor, helping me channel my energy into something positive, especially during times when school wasn’t my jam. Each competition, each exhibition, has been a stepping stone in my artistic journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

In my work, I’m all about helping clients bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s fleshing out a concept or refining a vision, I’m there every step of the way. Sometimes, though, a project might call for a style that’s not exactly in my wheelhouse. In those cases, I’m more than happy to connect them with another talented artist who’s a better fit. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some incredibly skilled folks in the art world, and I’m always excited to collaborate or commission pieces from them when inspiration strikes. It’s all about finding the right artist for the job, and ensuring the client’s vision comes to fruition in the best way possible.

What I want potential followers and fans to know is that I’m still on the hunt for my signature style. While I’ve always prided myself on being a versatile artist, now I’m focused on honing in on that unique voice that screams “Eric.” I keep seeing a pattern re-emerging on some of my paintings, so that’s the direction I’m taking. It’s an exciting journey, and I’m diving in headfirst to see where it takes me. Hope to see you along the road on my journey.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to express oneself in multitude of ways. It’s about sharing the vision in your mind with others, creating pieces that evoke emotions and resonate with the audience. There’s a unique euphoria in those moments when inspiration strikes, like when the lyrics to a song suddenly ignite the creative pistons in your brain and an idea starts forming. It’s a journey from that initial spark in your mind to translating it onto canvas or paper. Witnessing the transformation from idea to tangible creation is truly remarkable and is what makes being an artist such a fulfilling endeavor.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Providing constructive feedback that offers specific insights into how our work is received. Letting us know what attracted you to our artwork. Asking questions about the artistic process fosters understanding and appreciation. And of course, supporting artists through purchases or sharing their work amplifies their impact and sustains the creative community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_r2_art