ARTISTS BIOGRAPHY

Ruth Pellmann
Artists Biography
Renaissance Edge Glassworks
Ruth was born in Ajax Ontario, in 1964. Her childhood years were spent in the small village of Rothsay and her teen years in Guelph, Ontario. Later Ruth studied at the University of Waterloo graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Studio Specialization, in 1986. She went on to graduate studies in Art Psychotherapy at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. For many years she lived and worked in downtown Toronto before moving to small-town life in Pefferlaw, in 2000. There she has her home, studio and office.
Her varied work roles as artist, art psychotherapist, trainer and consultant inform each other. Her career began as an art therapist and community worker for inner city children, youth and families, in Toronto. She spent many years leading others in creative treatment programs for children, youth and adults with special needs. Now Ruth spends some of her time traveling around North America, sharing her extensive clinical experience as a trainer and consultant. After a long career of helping others find expression and healing through art, Ruth now focuses on sharing her art with others. This provides her with a unique view of the power of art, for both the creator and the audience.
The arts have always been central to Ruth’s life, whether working in fabric, paint or glass media. Since childhood she has been fascinated with both paint and fabric, these influences are seen in her fluid use of glass. It is common for viewers to come up and touch Ruth’s glass pieces to discover what they are made of. Her glass art has the feel and look of painting, yet the glow and texture of glass, creating a unique effect.
Ruth taps into her passions for inspiration. She gathers images from her world travels, interprets the wild places she loves to explore by canoe, reflects the contemplative moments spent at Saint George’s look out watching boats sail Lake Simcoe, or draws on the simple pleasures of her garden and the creek beside her studio.
Her pieces reference the colours and images of generations of master glass artists, whose works she has been privileged to see and study on location. However, Ruth infuses these influences with modern sensibilities and technical advances.
Ruth is inspired by the medieval idea of the craftsman as artist. In modern art history these ideals were upheld by the arts and crafts movement. The most notable leader of the movement, William Morris, and those who prescribed to its tenets believed that design, craftsmanship and commerce were not exclusive of each other but rather led to a full and satisfied lifestyle when all three were brought together. Ruth is designer, artisan and business woman. Through her company, Renaissance Edge Glassworks, Ruth provides beautiful, one of a kind art glass items, intended to enhance the everyday life of her clients.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Education:
- University of Waterloo B.A., Fine Arts Specialization, 1986
- Toronto Art Therapy Institute, D.T.A.T.I, 1988
Exhibitions & Art Shows:
- Burlington Arts Centre Craft Fair.                                Burlington, Ontario June 7 & 8, 2008
- Christmas Craft Show                                                   Barrie, Ontario November 2 – 4, 2007
- Bala Cranberry Festival Jurried Craft Market               Bala, Ontario October 12 – 14, 2007
- Cedardale Church Women’s Group Sale                       Wilfred, Ontario December 2, 2007
- London Home County Folk Festival                              London, Ontario July 20-22, 2007
Renaissance Edge Glasswork, Invitation Only Private Shows & Sales:
- Uxbridge Ontario (with AD Designs)                             2006
- Pefferlaw, Ontario                                                         2005
- London, Ontario                                                           2006, 2004, 2003, 2002
- Toronto, Ontario                                                           2002, 1999, 1998, 1997
Charitable Event Donations:
- London Real Estate Board Curling Bonspiel for Missions Services
London, Silent Auction
London Ontario 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004.
- Muki Baum Possible Dream Gala, Silent Auction
Richmondhill, Ontario 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000.
- Cedardale Church, Silent Auction Pefferlaw, Ontario 2005.
Galleries:
- The Finds                                                           Huntsville, Ontario
- Orillia Museum of Art & History                       Orillia, Ontario
Corporate Clients:
      Glen Gordon Real Estate                                       London, Ontario