Meet Rachel Ruff | Artist

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

Hi Rachel, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
There is no such thing as balancing a career. It’s believing in what you love and knowing you will do whatever it takes to become who you want to be.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a synesthesia artist, which means I paint to the vibrations of music. I see colors in songs and then I bring them to life on canvas.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, experts estimate at least 4% of the world has synesthesia. An example of a well admired synesthesia artist, whom I channel paint to, is Billie Eilish. Interestingly, she has synesthesia in the reverse form that I do. She sees her music in color, whereas I see my artwork in music!

Professionally, I have worn many hats including documentary producer, author, public relations executive and pastry chef. In my forties, I intuitively knew I had to follow my true passion; painting. Breaking into the art world was not easy. I had to be brave, go from high paid executive to starving artist. Many people judged me for hopping off “the fast track.” However I held on to my truth.

My corporate goals felt vapid. I craved being my true self so I began to fuel my artistic ambitions with the exact opposite energies, via large daily doses of faith.

Dancing around the canvas with a head full of colors and swipes of paint exploding onto the scene can feel both daring and exciting. My mantra is “Paint like you live.” And I choose to live making an aesthetic imprint upon the world in the form of organic love and beauty.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love taking my best friend to “gallery night” which occurs on the second Saturday of every month, at Art Fusion Galleries in Miami’s iconic Wynwood art district. The vibe in my “resident artist” home is truly intoxicating with unique artwork from all around the world and the amazing DJ Sepideh Amiri. The art director/gallery owner, William Braemer is a fabulous and deeply passionate artist, who is an entrepreneurial, awe-inspiring role model to me.

After carousing around the exhibits, we love walking a few blocks over, through majestically lined streets of graffiti to the Greek restaurant Doya to scarf down some homemade hummus and pita bread. The wrap around bar makes one feel as if the scene takes place in Casablanca.

Around 10 pm, we head to the true Miami Wynwood action, the rooftop bar of Astra, where we dance off our dinner and hear live dj’s. I love watching her dazzle amidst the singles scene with the rush of palm trees breezing around us.

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?
Rachel Ruff gives a big shoutout to Rhetta Stelling, her first art teacher who taught her to paint in the traditional Renaissance style using oils and acrylics. Even though Rachel now paints in abstract form, she still credits Ms. Stelling and her parents for believing in her every step of the way.

Website: Therachelruff.com

Instagram: Therachelruff

Linkedin: Rachel Ruff

Image Credits
Karl Osterbuhr