Collection: Olivia Ruth

I am an interdisciplinary artist, that is inspired by the way art can facilitate connections between people. Making ceramics is always a practice in considering permeance and ritual. I celebrate queer joy in my work often, leaning into a love for women’s bodies.

These Steins are to commemorate sapphic poets and writers. Each of these women have a profound legacy, but their love for women will often go undiscussed. These women loved fiercely and left a physical record of queerness in love letters, poems, and essays. It might not always be central, but their queerness is imbedded in their work; it shaped the way that they experienced the world, and the art that they made. I find comfort in their footprints as I try to walk similar paths. I aim to solidify queer permanence taking work from their written legacies and carving it into stone for longevity. On the days that my queerness feels heavy, the lesbians that came before me find me, as they found each other, and lift me up. These women have shaped me, the way I think about life and love, and my ability to have pride. These are conversation pieces, meant to be shared, proud to stand, and always happy to hold you through a pint of beer.