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

Gia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

When I think of what I do, it’s the intersection of generations of makers and storytellers. My great grandma taught my mom how to sew and crochet, and then she taught me. My dad is just this really great storyteller, and as a kid I loved hearing about his wild antics growing up. I think I am the product of all of that. I wish I had seen these lessons as the gifts they really were. I didn’t really embrace the fiber arts or storytelling until I was an adult. I do regret not developing these skills sooner.

Gia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a fiber artist and writer. I make custom dolls and wall hangings for people. I am often in pop culture art shows and am a frequent street artist. Most customers come to me to create custom items they wouldn’t be able to find in a store. There is a nostalgia intrinsic to fiber arts like crochet and embroidery that reminds people of their childhood, so I think that’s also appealing. The work that makes me the most proud meets at a crossroads of fun and feminist and cute.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I think I was so concerned with imposter syndrome that I did not attend the art openings I was in for group art shows, and it took me longer than it should to understand the importance of an artist community. My sense of support and self really elevated when I embraced all the kind artists I was in shows with. They were such a valuable resource for me.

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

Selfishly, it’s getting to express myself. It’s making people see me and my feelings. But also, I really love making people happy with what I make them. Sometimes I’ll see people take pictures of my street art, and I love that I made someone laugh or take pause.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @hookedhands