Ruth studied Fine Art in Birmingham, followed by an MA in Photography at Falmouth, where she was identified as one of the best MA students in the British Journal of Photography in 2008. Her credits include book and album covers, and she has taught photography and art at all levels to all abilities. Her work in varied institutions has reinforced her interest in how mankind makes pictures and in sharing the skills which give meaning to her life. She now runs a social enterprise CIC and works freelance as an artist.
Exhibitions, Publications, Awards and Commissions
2021 Creative Kernow, G7 behind the postcard
2021 Hypatia Trust, Women of Cornish Music: Past & Present, illustration and editing of interview
2021 Falmouth Art Gallery, In her shoes artworks and stories of the female artists, giclee print
2020 DIASPORA – Winter festival of light, UV installation.
2019 REFLECT Arts + Minds project – Time to sit and stare, photographic intervention
2017 Signs and Wonders – Winter festival of light, UV large scale paintings
2017 Falmouth Town Council – Tea documentary for tea festival
2016 Arts for Health South West Awards – shortlisted for the Happy Crafters
2016 Box and Cox – Handwork commission for wedding services
2016 Access Art – Online contributor
2015 Tough Dough – Harveys of Bond Street, Redruth
2014 Summerland – Gyllyngdune Gardens, Falmouth
2013 Constructed Worlds – Gyllyngdune Gardens, Falmouth
2012 The Sensory Trust – Dementia Uncovered Digital Commission
2011 Poldhu Mosaic – Poldhu Nursing Home
2009 Half stop Cornwall – Group show
2008 British Journal of Photography – Pick of the MA crop
2008 Photomonth London – Light Rain Show
2005 Goodbye Hessle Road by Daphne Glazer – Cover Photography
2005 Keeping the faith – documentary Book Photo editor
2004 The Afterglow by Anthony Cartwright – Cover Photography
2003 Lee Bank Studio – Birmingham Artists Show
1994 Elle Decoration – Spread on ABDAB candles
1993 Custard Factory Birmingham – Forty-eight not out show
Learning and Engagement
2017 – ongoing Make it Better CIC
Incorporation of Make it better (Mitber) CIC – Supporting communities to live well through the arts (mitber.com). Development of products and services for the care, housing, volunteer and social sectors including direct arts and making sessions.
2021 The University of Exeter, Health and Environment Public engagement, consultancy
2021 Arts Council England, Discover Smartphone Photography Cornwall
2020 Cornwall Council, Suicide prevention and innovation photography project award
2020 Baring Foundation, Creatively Minded digital arts award
2020 Little Owl Trust and Falmouth Town Council, Discover smartphone photography
2019 Smartline digital storytelling projects
2019 Cornwall Community Foundation Award, St Austell photography project
2019 Cornwall Women’s Centre, Young empowered women – photography and digital wellbeing
2019 University of Exeter career zone –presentation community arts and outreach
2019 Cornwall Neighbourhoods for change – smartphone photography project
2018 Short courses ‘creativity in care’ for activity coordinators and residents at Live west, Plymouth
2018 Age UK Plymouth, short photography course and setup of Plymstock photography group
2017 Newave Arts Week Residency, Guns Village Primary, West Bromwich
2014 Happy Crafters Project, Miners Court, Redruth
2016 Truro College, Illustration A2, mural at Threemilestone Primary School
2013 Gyllyngdune Gardens and Princess Pavilions Falmouth Artist in residence
2013 Age Concern Falmouth Sensory garden mural project
2013 The Big Draw ‘Gyllyngdune Gardens Scroll of Invention’ Falmouth
2012 Care2dance’ Intergenerational arts project with schools and care homes
2012 Arts for Health Cornwall and Scilly Isles, Memory Cafés, half-day arts projects
2009 -2017 11 freelance Artist run groups in the social care sector around Mid Cornwall
2009 Hall Green School, Birmingham Teacher of Art from year 7
2008 Great Barr School, Birmingham Teacher of Art and GCSE photography
2008 Cadburys 6th Form College Technician and Teacher of Photography
2009 Birmingham City University Visiting Tutor for BA Hons Visual Communications
2009 University College Falmouth Visiting Tutor for MA Photography
1995-2007 Sandwell College, West Midlands
.8 Lecturer Teaching Creative Studies and Skills for Life to people with learning disabilities
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design tutor, History of Art and Contextual Studies and Life Drawing
Mentor for student teachers
2005 Dynamic Arts, Sandwell Artist residencies with youth work teams
2003-2005 Hays Agency GCSE and A – A2 Level Art and Design part time
1996-2002 Birmingham Leisure Services Drawing and Painting Tutor
1995 ABDAB Candles, Birmingham Business setup, candle production and marketing
1988-1989 Madeline Coles Jewellers, London Trainee designer and Maker of Jewellery
Education
Sept 2007- Jul 2008 University College Falmouth MA Photography
Sept 1998- Jul 2000 Wolverhampton University PGCE Further, Adult and Higher
Sept 1991- Jul 1994 Birmingham Institute of Art and Design BA Hons Fine Art
Sept 1989- Jul 1990 Bournemouth College of Art and Design Foundation Diploma in Art
Sept 1988- Jul 1989 Kingsway Polytechnic, London YTS trainee Jewellery Design
Training and skills
2021 – Suicide Prevention First Aid
2019 – School for Social Entrepreneurs, trade up programme
2017 – Unlimited, transforming aging
2007 – Critical Skills (education by design)
2006 – Bookbinding
2005 – European Computer Driving License
2004 – Pre-entry skills for life
2003 – Papermaking
2001 – Adobe Photoshop
2001 – Water based screen-printing and etching
2000 – Off site safety management
1999 – First aid at work
1998 – Community and advocacy workshop
1997 – City and Guilds 740 Continuing professional development, special needs