Meet Lu Ru | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lu Ru and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lu, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
As an artist, I am constantly producing and creating. Since starting my business, I have had to find a balance in creating art for my business and art for my soul. This past year I got a studio downtown Hollywood and it has been the most balanced period for me and my business. Ceramic tile has several parts to the process. I have isolated the sculpting and pressing processes to my downtown space. I have also designated certain times of the week when I just go there and work. When I am there, I am only thinking about wet clay and what I want to do with it. Office work, loading kilns, glazing are shipping are removed from the equation. It has given me an opportunity to focus on my own artistic pursuits in tile and given me a place to showcase these pieces. From these self directed projects I have gotten more custom work. The more things I create and share with the world, the more opportunities open up. Additionally I have tried to adhere to a pretty basic work week. That way I am able to spend my early mornings and evenings practicing kung fu and cooking and my weekends gardening and working on my novel. By allotting time for all of my artistic pursuits, I am able to fully flourish.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I make hand-made, low relief, artisan tiles. I have been working with ceramics my entire life. I got my BFA in ceramics at The Ohio State University in 1995 and my MFA in sculpture from Lousiana State University in 2004. Over the years I have produced pottery, large scale sculpture and paintings. I started Tortuga Tile Works ten years ago because tile gives me the opportunity to explore both sculpture and glazing. My tiles are like nothing else you have ever seen; and have the permanence and lightfast qualities that make tile the perfect solution for pool patios, kitchens, baths and entrée ways. For the first five years of my business I sold individual tiles at Indie Craft Shows throughout Miami, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The past five years I have focused predominantly on custom work. Client collaboration always leads to unique designs for tiles that fit the client’s style. I do still offer single tiles. You can find that selection on my facebook page or in person at my studio. This past year I have had a studio downtown Hollywood at Zero Empty Space. It is open by private appointment, taking social distancing measures. There you can then see my full range of products and design services. You’re not square and beige, so why should your tiles be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course we are currently in the time of COVID, so our options are somewhat restricted. However, generally I would take them to Hollywood Beach for a fabulous beach day. Then take them out to dinner downtown Hollywood at one of the amazing restaurants like Hotsy Totsy, Patty Mac’s or the Tipsy Boar. We could also check out the Escape Room or Axe throwing and then end the night at Camp. Another day would be spent at the NSU Art Museum of Fort Lauderdale and we could eat on Las Olas or take a walk down Riverwalk and maybe pick up something to make for dinner from Vegan Fine Foods. Another day would be spent on the Water Taxi checking out the New River and the Intercoastal. If my guests are up for it, kayak rentals at Oleta State Park is always fun. Heading down to Miami, I always enjoy the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami and I always love a night at Freehand Miami in South Beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The support of my husband and family has been the main reason that I have been able to flourish as an artist. My husband and I took turns supporting each other through graduate school, which has allowed us both the time to grow and flourish. Additionally my mother and father leant me the money to make initial equipment purchases for my business and helped out for the first five years with production and craft shows.

Website: www.tortugatileworks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tortugaluru/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tortugatile
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tortugatileworks
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmJ93zhJfrzDoawrNL0IV_w/
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/luruttw/tortuga-tile-works/ https://www.alignable.com/hollywood-fl/tortuga-tile-works

Image Credits
The first image that has me in front of the round mosaics is by teajayphoto. The image of the blue sci-fi kitchen is by Starry Night Photography. All others are my own.