We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tom Ruthz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tom below.

Tom, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Yes, very much! I do what I love to do and I know that many people don’t think that being an artist isn’t a real job. Of course it is!
I’ve been doing art for living since when I was 14. I am 54 currently.
But besides art I had very few jobs from my 14-18yo. Then I quit my job and I decided to be an artist full time.

Since I have to pay my bills, run my studio/gallery and have commitments with my clients and students I consider myself having a regular job.

Tom, 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?

I am a Brazilian artist born in Rio de Janeiro. I began my painting career focusing primarily on fine arts. Although I’ve never received formal training, I’ve been painting professionally since 1988. I became sought after in Sarasota for dog and other pet portraits.

Before I came to the United States, he lived in Buenos Aires, London and Amsterdam and also showcased my work in the Netherlands, Germany, England, France and others European countries.

I have been living in the USA since 2011, and in 2019 I became an American citizen.

My artwork is very colorful, it will bring happiness to your home. When I am painting live, I paint with the canvas upside down.

Currently I own Rio Art Studio & Gallery, located in Sarasota, Fl. Where I have my permanent show while teaching painting and drawing for all skill levels.

I am also paint live at the Restaurant Cafe BarBosso every Friday and Saturday evening in Sarasota, Fl.

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

It’s not only for me but for all artists there’s no doubt that the most rewarding would be the recognition of our talent. I feel blessed for being an Afro-Brazilian Artist and I am very fortunate to archive the recognition in a short time in the US.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I come from a poor family. My parents didn’t have much to give to me and to my siblings. When I was 14 I had to find a job and help my parents to raise my siblings, providing school supplies, groceries, clothes etc… I always dreamed big. It wasn’t easy for a young talented black artist to get his spot in a very selected art society. I am talking about 35 years ago in Brazil. Finally after trying to introduce my artworks to many galleries in São Paulo, one opened the door and welcomed me and my art without seeing the color of my skin. After that opportunity I became well-known doors began to open.

Opportunity is what everybody needs, specially people of color. So many talented people need to be seeing and heard.
Even in those hard moments I never ever thought about giving up. My strength become stronger each time that I heard NO…

Contact Info:

• Website: tomstudiogallery.com
• Instagram: TomRuthz

Image Credits
My own camera