Miriam Ruberl: Earthy Abstract Expression

Her main artistic interest, inspired by the approach of Richard Serra to his work, is in the materials themselves and how they respond to each other and a variety of processes.

A number of her previous series have used everyday materials such as mutton cloth, waxes and wax crayon. This is a common thread; using ordinary things in unusual combinations and ways.

One of these series called 'Small Reminders' was made using dry pigments and Chinese ink on white gesso over stretched canvas on 6 x 6" stretcher frames. These serve as small reminders of much larger processes.

Miriam Ruberl in her Rotorua studio.

Since moving to Rotorua she has begun using Volcanic Plateau clays as pigments in her paintings. Miriam enjoys exploring their responses to different methods of application and to inks.. 

Akin to her interest in local history and people generally, she is fascinated by how they got to be what and who they are today, and how they see themselves in relation to their experience.

In her words, Miriam is really interested in "What are you made of, and what happened along the way ?"

Her approach is to let the materials tell their own story.  Once a piece is completed, her hope is that people recognize something of themselves and this acts as an affirmation of their experience in what they see.

'Earthly Delights 1' clay on linen 280mm x 280mm 2012

In 2012 Miriam has successfully exhibited in Wellington, Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua.  Pieces of her work are part of collections throughout New Zealand, in Japan, Canada, Ireland, Spain, Australia, and the USA.

During August Miriam will be exhibiting at the New Zealand Art Show in Wellington and at the Wearable Creationz Art Show in Rotorua. 

Miriam's upcoming exhibition 'Earthy Remains - Clay meets Ink' will be opening at the Art Expo Gallery 1143 Eruera Street in Rotorua on July 27 at 5p.m.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  The exhibition runs until August 24th.

Miriam leads occasional workshops, seminars and tutors small groups. For further information about these and her work contact her at  miriam.ruberl@gmail.com

See more of her work on http://miriamruberl.weebly.com/

by Pete Morris (July, 2012).

Pete Morris is an occasional painter and an art lover. He is a freelance writer with a particular interest in promoting the visual arts in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.