Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ruth Ava Lyons. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ruth Ava , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Being artists is a risky enough profession for myself and my lifelong partner Paul Sires, but in the 1980s we found a neglected, abandoned and boarded up commercial district in a mill village and began the process of renovating buildings with the intention of creating studios for ourselves and others .We had little income or support in this multi year endeavor. That area slowly became what is now known as the NODA art district, a bustling attraction for the entire city. A few years ago we embarked on a similar project again 1 mile from that now mainstream area.In an attempt to rise above some serious personal adversity and bring our family together, we set out to build a new business with our son Orion Sires in an industrial area that was off the beaten path. We had no knowledge that shortly thereafter there would be an incredible influx of new development next door and so we have been surrounded by ongoing mid-rise development construction for the past 3 years. What was a new beginning has also been very challenging on all fronts.Our focus on having a variety of cultural activities at our bar has been equally daunting. We are now a music venue and platform for the visual and performing arts, comedy,drag, and more.With a sustainable mentality, All of our furnishings are repurposed & recycled thrift finds and most of our equipment is gently used.Our name Starlight is about having purpose and “following your star”.I think we have created a business that promotes cultural expression and diversity and truly stands out in a city that needs more flavor.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As an artist, my work is about endangered ecosystems.I travel to the Amazon, Evergades, Arctic and many environments to get a vocabulary for my work.My partner Paul works in the unforgiving material of large scale Granite. We have been professional artists our entire adult lives and have had several occupations to support that. We found that slowly working on renovating old buildings was the side business that could support our careers as artists. Being an artist is not just a choice, its an act of faith and you are also driven to do whatever your vision takes you. So in our experience, we found ways to supplement our income to allow us to work in our studios and do uncompromising artwork as a result.We both have a healthy ongoing interest in our artwork form collectors nationwide.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

There are amazing artists residency programs that have enabled me to travel worldwide to do my work.Cities need to provide Artists creative space where they can thrive and give back to their communities.With gentrification and the rising cost of real estate, this is becoming a problem. Small business owners can actually help incorporate art into their spaces, inside and out and should try to partner to accomplish mutual goals.

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

One body of work is my Oceanic alchemies series.I scuba dive to areas where there is traumatized and degraded bleached coral and do underwater photography.I then print out the imagery and handpaint the coral(bringing it back to life so to speak) The message is that there is still time for conservation to save this precious ecosystem.For 15 years I have tried to communicate this message and educate people about this dire situation that we now know is largely due to global warming.Whenever I show the work, there is always good discussion about this situation and that is satisfying to know that people can learn and get educated through art.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ruthavalyons.com
• Instagram: ruthavalyonsart
• Other: Our business www.starlighton22nd.com instagram @starlighton22nd