Covid19 Interview - Larry Ruhl

Slowing it down has allowed bigger ideas to simmer.

Join us for an interview with Hudson Valley author and artist Larry Ruhl. At the heart, Larry is a storyteller with a gift for describing the brokenness of his own story in such a way that deeply resonates with people even across cultures. His writing consists mostly of non-fiction and essays and his visual art takes the form of sculptural mixed media, often with old photographs and books

This post is part of a series of interviews with former Artists in Residence at Green Olive Arts asking how this season of social distancing and postponed cultural mobility has impacted them.

Green Olive Arts AiR Interview with Larry Ruhl

How have you had to flex or pivot your art practice in this unprecedented season of home confinement? What are you currently working on in your studio at home?

The Covid19 pandemic coincided with my move to a larger studio. Thankfully, I was able to schedule the move of my contents before quarantine. Much of my current practice has been about sorting, organizing, and planning. I’ve been able to dedicate an area specifically for encaustic work as well. I’m eager to return to that medium especially.

Larry’s studio space and collage supply

What does creative community and/or social sanity look like for you right now? How are you staying connected and grounded?

The solitude has served me well in terms of focus. As far as social community, I’m grateful to have access to so many artists, both friends and strangers alike, via Instagram. I do manage to stay connected via text to my closest creative friends and stay grounded by surrounding myself with creative energy in my home and studio.

Larry Ruhl in his studio at home 2020

What insights about creativity in a time of crisis can you share with other artists? What have you been learning?

For me, this period of forced slowing down has allowed me to simmer longer on larger projects I’d like
to tackle. I am a believer in the idea of “Slower is Faster” which reminds me daily of how important
each element of the process is. There are entire days I dedicate to cutting images out for collage.
Sitting with an exact-o blade and a stack of reference material can give me greater insight into what I
hope to achieve in the days, weeks, years, to come.

Larry Ruhl - collage - 2020 - Green Olive Arts