…And Another Thing

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on September 17, 2013 · 50 Comments

As I mentioned last week, working with DiaNoche Designs introduced me to a number of Canadian artisans that happen to have licensing deals with the brand. While I featured Ebi Emporium’s bright oil painting designs previously, this week I’m turning my attention to Christian contemporary artist Ruth Palmer.

You’ll notice above that Christian is very much part of Ruth’s job description. Nearly two decades ago, Ruth was working in the Alberta oil industry when she answered her true calling – to become a painter, where she quickly found inner peace and a sign perhaps this was the way her life was meant to go. Shortly thereafter, Ruth began churning out spectacular original paintings that were quickly snapped up at art shows and events.

Although on paper Ruth’s bold strokes of colour and texture may simply appear abstract, she very much divines inspiration from her faith; many of her pieces are named after Biblical passages or draw on the themes of Christian values and stories. Personally I like the duality of Ruth’s work. If you’re buying a piece of art for someone as a housewarming gift, as a churchgoer they might sincerely appreciate the hand of God as it were and the role it plays in Ruth’s pieces. Alternatively, if someone isn’t particularly religious, there’s no reason they can’t enjoy these pretty works.

Ruth’s work has gotten her plenty of attention in a host of unexpected places. Apart from selling her originals and prints to customers all over the world, one of her prints has actually been used by fashion designer Jessie Yune. In addition, Ruth was commissioned to develop all of the artwork for the cruise ship Sovereign (pictured above).

More than anything, I think what impresses me about Ruth’s work is how prolific she appears to be. Her pieces (mostly prints) are sold at nearly a dozen different retailers, and have been licensed for use on everything from throw pillows and tees to iPad cases and art cards. Although her prints vary from sheer abstracts to modern cubist style takes to more literal interpretations, there’s still something absolutely apparent in every one of Ruth’s prints: joy. You can tell by looking at any of her work that she takes pleasure in her chosen path, and when that’s the case, the imagination is completely free to roam and create such beautiful pieces.

In terms of where you can actually pick up one of Ruth’s pieces, the list is quite long, but I’ve included it below for your perusal. The great thing about today’s art market is you can typically score fantastic pieces of your choice for under $50 – as is the case with most of these sources. While you’ll primarily find art prints (which then need to be mounted and framed for the most part) there were still a few fun finds at some of these other retailers.

Artist Rising
Imagekind
Art.com
Fine Art America
Red Bubble
Great Big Canvas
All My Walls Society6 (your best bet for non-prints)
DiaNoche Designs (of course!)

Finally, Ruth has graciously decided to give away two of her prints to one lucky winner – these 16 x 16 graphic prints make a bold statement in neutral colours that will match just about anyone’s decor. Keen on sprucing up your walls? Here’s how to enter to win ’em:

1) Leave a comment by October 4th with a link back to your favourite item from Ruth Palmer. You can use ANY of the links above to go browsing – just make sure the link’s in your comment!

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around October 5th to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Go be a friend to Ruth on Facebook. Leave a comment about which of her pieces you love the best – friendly reminder, you’re under no obligation to mention the CGG – and then link back to it in the comments below to earn a bonus entry.