Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Hartman.
Ruth, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Chicago, Illinois and have always had an affinity for the Arts. I graduated from Lake Forest College with a degree in Art History. After working at The Art Institute of Chicago, Landfall Press and the Phyllis Kind Gallery, I moved to Jackson, Wyoming and then to Northern Idaho, where we lived on a farm and raised my two boys before moving to Florida in 1985. In Florida, I worked in the field of accounting until 2003.
At that time my sister, Ann, was diagnosed with cancer and her battle moved me to express myself through metal and shell. I fabricated jewelry from gold and silver – using precious and semi-precious stones for 15 years. My husband, singer/songwriter and sculptor, Jon Fernans, and I had a lovely seasonal gallery, Little Pond Gallery, on Orr’s Island in Maine for several years until 2017. A back injury and arthritis in my hand meant I was no longer able to work in metals so I transitioned to beading – specifically creating intricately beaded purses entirely by hand. I have won awards for my purses and have been asked to participate in several national and regional shows and exhibitions, including the virtual WITVA (Women in the Visual Arts) show in November 2020.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In 2017 a serious accident prevented me from continuing to work in metals and also forced my husband and I to give up our beloved gallery. But the bright side is that I found beading and textiles to be rewarding in a new way and I love making purses that are useful and also art objects.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
My business is all one of a kind pieces. I love to make felt and silk paper and incorporating these and fish skins and ribbon into my designs. I specialize in hand-sewn beaded purses but I also make necklaces, bracelets and barrettes.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There have been several proud moments. I think the success of our gallery and the volume of work sold gave credence to our vision. Also, the reception and awards I have been given for my purses has been very reassuring since I have only been making them for two years.
Contact Info:
- Website: ruthhartmandesigns.com
- Email: rhartman@bellsouth.net
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