I want to tell my story and have the viewer say, You painted my life, my heart. I was there, too.
Pratt Institute, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Rhode Island School of Design
Ruth Petersen Shorer was lucky to grow up in New York City at a time when museums were free for students. She would get off the train and sit for hours in the Museum of Modern Art in front of Roussaeu's The Dream, Moore's sculptures or Picasso's work. There was never any doubt in her mind as to what she was meant to do in life. She received a BFA in sculpture with a minor in painting from the Pratt Institute in New York after attending the Rhode Island School of Design and the High School of Music and Art in New York City.
Ruth's work combines strong design, innovative techniques and a personal vision. They begin as a thought, a dream or a vision, which she jots down in her journal. Some of those ideas will become drawings; larger and more detailed. Others will become paintings or sculptures. Once an idea leaves the journal and Ruth starts work on it in her studio, it takes on a life of its own and she tries to be open to where the piece is going, not just where she thinks it should end up.
Many of her pieces are clearly related to personal history. Ruth finds that though experience is unique to each of us, others can empathize and relate to her journey through their own situations.
Ruth Peterson Shorer's paintings intrigue. They are about experiences...and while you may only be able to guess at the personal impressions that went into the creation of her paintings, it is easy to integrate your own story in the interpretation. Hence, there is a powerful affinity and reassurance inherent in her paintings that speak of shared experiences and a powerful universality.
