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Sarah Ruttle

Sarah Ruttle
Tyrone born visual artist Sarah Ruttle graduated in Constructed Textiles from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee, Scotland in 2002. Since moving to West Cork twenty years ago she has established a recognised participatory practice within an Arts and Health context, alongside the development of her solo arts practice. 
Sarah’s work concentrates on capturing unique moments of humanity, emotion, courage, and hope, in figurative works which often feature portraiture. Her drawing has an emphasis on creating detail through mark-making, with work also developed in textiles and paper art. In January 2024 Sarah held a significant solo exhibition in Working Artist Studios, Ballydehob, sharing a new body of work, which is the first step in the evolution of her new work. 

She is influenced by people and place. Some of her recent series’ have explored: ‘Limitless Compassion’ addressing division and inequality; ‘The Unspoken’ considering mental health challenge; ‘See Me’ celebrating our older generation; while ‘One Place and Every Place’ considers place, the stories, the emotions that belong and dwell there, but the enduring quest for hope, beauty, and a relief from this challenging and ever-changing world. Drawing has always featured in her work but is central to her latest collections.

In her participatory practice it is important to Sarah to portray a participant’s voice with honesty and integrity in and through collaborative opportunities. She has built creative connections through a combination of making and storytelling, while using a multi-sensory approach. Awarded the Arts Council: Arts Participation Bursary Award in both 2021 and 2014, Sarah continually aims to reflect on and develop arts practice. Collaboration is central to her participatory practice, developing projects both with other artists and participants. Sarah has worked as part of the Arts for Health Partnership Programme, West Cork artist team since 2008, alongside the experience of developing projects within the community and in acute mental health settings.

‘I want to make meaningful connections with the people I meet. I work through the growth of creative conversation, where stories are shared between participants while exploring different kinds of making. It often leads to creating collaborative group projects, where participants engage and contribute in the making process, with each voice considered and heard.’

https://www.instagram.com/sarahruttle.art/

Laughter that sustains, 2024, pen and ink on paper.
Girl in the Mirror, 2023, pencil on paper.
Love & Loss, 2023, pencil on paper.