I've always believed that art is a language of it's own, one that speaks directly to the heart. My name is Ruby Westmoreland and I've spent a lifetime immersed in both the healing of others and the creation of beauty. As a retired nurse, I often joke that I traded my scrubs for paintbrushes, but truthfully , the two are more intertwined than most realize.

 

For years I navigated the hallways of the ERs and ICUs, where life and death danced in a delicate balance. Each patient I encountered left a mark on my heart and in those fleeting moments of vulnerability, I found inspiration. The rush of  adrenaline in an emergency room became my muse, while the quiet moments of hospice care taught me the power of stillness and reinforced my belief in prayer. Each experience shaped my heart and my art, guiding my hand as I painted the emotions I couldn't always express in words.

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When I stepped away from nursing I sought solace in my studio - a small room filled with canvases, brushes, and fragments of my soul.

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Joining the Art League of Marshall was like finding a new family. After thirty years of intermittent meetings, I finally allowed myself to dive deeper. There is something magical about being surrounded by people who understand the unspoken bond of creativity. Over the past two years I've forged connections with fellow artists who share my passion, each of us weaving our narratives into the fabric of our community.

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I am always eager to immerse myself into my art. As I explore new techniques and mediums - often stumbling but always learning - I realize how much my background has shaped my artistic expression. It's all about connection: to God, to oneself, to family, to community, and to the world at large.

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Life is a canvas and I am still painting my story.