Six Foot Gallery is delighted to present its annual Summer Show, featuring thirty-four artists working in a diverse range of mediums and disciplines.

Although she was accepted for Art school in 1981, Ruth Scott chose an office-based career instead. Growing up on Glasgow’s south side and working in the city centre, Ruth was used to high-rise offices with city living as a backdrop, but she traded it all for a move to the Isle of Bute in 1999. She found life in a coastal location an immersive experience that fuelled a bank of emotions, still drawn on in her work today.

She is mostly self-taught, with technical skills gained by attending part-time courses at Glasgow School of Art, Strathclyde University, and artists’ workshops. Now returned to Glasgow, Ruth paints from home full time.

Hi Ruth! How did your artistic journey start?
Art was always my favourite subject at school and I always dreamed of going to art school. Glasgow was my first choice so when I was accepted for my second choice of Dundee, I decided to take a job ‘for a year’ and then re-apply. At that time, being able to make a living from painting seemed like a dream without financial backing. Office life took over and having a salary took me to a different social scene, which ultimately distracted me from those dreams until later in life.

I took up my paint brushes again in my forties by which time so much more was possible – the internet had become a huge marketplace for artists and galleries seemed less elitist and unapproachable. I found myself surrounded by more ‘unqualified’ creatives with amazing talent and drive which encouraged me to push forward and pursue something that made me happy.

How has your practice changed over time?
When I took up painting again in my forties, I was attending life drawing classes and learning the basics of acrylics, etc. I started submitting to small local shows and then to some bigger charity open calls. When I was selected to take part, it was always very exciting, and each acceptance was a huge boost to my confidence. Lack of Self-confidence has been a huge factor in me not pushing and selling myself as much as I possibly should have.

I built a following through Facebook and Instagram and by moving in artistic circles that all took part in the same shows around Glasgow, and met some great people. Following their progress and practices I’ve learned a lot. In recent years I rented a wall space with Scottish Design Exchange where I can regularly display work. I don’t work with a specific gallery just now but would be open to this in the future.

I also took part in some art fairs, which I enjoyed very much. I paint from home and am currently looking to find a workspace or studio as my flat can no longer accommodate my many canvases and materials! I finished up at my office job in April, and I hope to make painting my full-time occupation this year. 

How did you arrive at the theme of your work?
When I first started painting again, I decided to be free with my methods and see what happened. I used large brushes on large canvases and found myself drawn to huge swirling brushstrokes – I could see skies forming. I experimented a lot but always came back to the subject I found the most relaxed and free with. Small, detailed work has never been something I’m comfortable with. Luscious blobs of paint being mixed on canvas as you go along is always a fun experience and often presents happy accidents that you can develop or see if an opportunity for a specific painting emerges. 

What advice would you give to artists who are just starting out?
A professional artist friend said to me long ago, to make it as an artist you need hard graft, self-belief, and to keep on painting. When they come looking for your work, you need to have stock to sell.

Which artists inspire you? Are there non-artistic influences such as literature or music that impact your work?
I am really inspired by the work of Caro SainttVire and Alison Johnson. As far as the old masters I love Caravaggio, and Turner’s skies made a huge impact on me too. 

What emotions or reactions do you hope viewers experience when they see your artwork?
The connection you make with a person who loves your work is second to none. If someone gets something special from it, whether it’s a reminder of a place or experience, or just that the colours in the work have struck a chord with their mood, my job is done. 

I do believe some paintings are meant to find their way to certain people for certain reasons. Sometimes a painting not sold for a while turns out to be something special to an individual who sees it out of the blue. All that I hope is that a buyer enjoys living with their painting and that it’s something that makes them smile or relax or just drift into its world as escapism.

Find out more about Ruth and her work on Instagram @ruthscottart or on her website. Our Summer Open Call Exhibition runs at Six Foot Gallery until Friday 23rd August.