CoinOp

Amy Ruppel in her studio!

Amy Ruppel is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer who makes beautiful, beautiful work. We can’t decide which we like more: her delicate, miniature beeswax collages or her bold graphics that grace everything from snowboards to Converse shoes. Really, we adore it all! We are pleased to release the latest edition of our Designer Card series featuring a new illustration by Amy! Pairs of state animals parade in symmetrical fashion across a 100% Recycled cover stock in a muted natural color. Amy took a moment to share her thoughts on creative practice and what’s taking shape in Portland’s art scene.

Designer Card #15 from Amy Ruppel!

What is your earliest memory of making art?

I used to drag my pencils and paper into the woods (Wisconsin) in a ramshackle fort I made and draw there…I was maybe 4 or 5? I forget. Was so long ago ;)

Do you prefer to think of yourself as a painter, illustrator, designer, artist, or all of the above? How do the different activities overlap in your practice?

All of the above. A “Jill of all trades,” so to speak! I enjoy doing them all, and I like combining them when I can.

Awesome little winged vinyl toy from Kid Robot.

When did you know that you had managed to create a livelihood from your creative output? Was it a gradual process? Sudden realization?

It was a bit of a process…I did work in the side during my 9 to 5 job, and then just decided I had to quit and desperation to pay my rent and bills would make me get my butt in gear. So, I had to figure it all out quickly just to stay afloat.

Deer, the Pennsylvania State Animal. Part of the State Animal series.

You are so amazingly prolific Amy! How do you tackle it all?

I really don’t know ;) I don’t sleep much. I love what I do, and it never feels like a chore, so…Being happy makes it all seem so easy. I never say “I wish I had more time to do –– .” There is always time.

Oregon Print by Amy Ruppel, available in her shop!

You work a great deal with themes from nature (Birds, of course! But insects as well, and trees, and many other natural forms). You are also a self-described science TV nut. Can you tell us a bit about your love-affair with nature and science?

I think growing up in the woods, surrounded by animals and wildlife, and near the Mammoth Ice Age Center, and always finding fossils on our land really sparked an early interest. Plus, when I was little I wanted to work with Jacques Cousteau on the Calypso. I even have a letter from him, when I wrote and asked what college I should go to so I could work there (5th grade). I actually went to college for Marine Biology, but ended up in the art program. Decided to stick to what I knew best when the math got hard!

Amy Ruppel Converse shoes for the 2008 Fall series.

Your monthly online art sales are such a brilliant idea. When did you first decide to do this? Is it challenging to juggle a “brick and mortar” presence with gallery shows, along with your online endeavors?

That harkens back to the desperation stage from question #3. I had to find some way to make money, so I thought why not post what I have and send it to all my friends? That was the start of that…been doing it ever since. That was 2000! Wow, time flies. And I’m still having the sales. So grateful they are doing well after all this time.

Super fun illustrations for EcoMotion, a Portland-based electric car company. (Do I spy Mount Hood?)

Name your top three inspirations so far in 2010?

I’ve gotten back into reading poetry by Billy Collins (brilliant, charming and funny), and have been writing again myself. That helps create visuals of a different nature for me to be inspired from. I am wanting to paint more realistically with acrylics again, so I am loving perusing the work of Josh Keyes (http://www.joshkeyes.net/paintings.htm). And the rest…it’s something new every day via the art and design blogs. Where would we be without the internet?

Card and stationery designs for Vigo

Favorite tools for focus? Favorite tools for distracting?

Favorite tools are my iMac, Adobe Illustrator and my scissors. My wireless headphones are a nice tool for distracting me when a rockin’ song comes on KEXP ;)

A self-portrait!

You are a very active participant in the creative community in Portland. Do you think there is something special brewing right now in Portland (ha ha, besides all the good beer and coffee)?

Oh, and I do my share of imbibing of said beer & coffee! ;) But I am loving the shows coming together at Together Gallery. Such talent there. This town is so creative. There’s something new popping up every week, artists moving here every week…If you close your eyes, you’ll miss it! So it’s best to just get out there and see all you can, when you can.

All images ©2010 Amy Ruppel Illustration