ARtist statement

Ruby Cortes' artistic practice is a deeply personal exploration of the human experience, rooted in her own struggles with chronic illness and her commitment to sustainability. Through her work, she seeks to raise awareness about the often-invisible realities of living with chronic conditions, and to provide a sense of community and support.

Utilizing her background in storytelling and love of drawing, Ruby's artistic voice is both imaginative and intimate, weaving together narratives that examine identity, isolation, community, and social awareness. Her use of recycled paper collected from various parts of her history for paper making, reflects her dedication to reducing waste and promoting sustainability, while also adding layers of meaning to her creations.

Ruby's artistic intentions are twofold: to inspire empathy and understanding in her audience, and to build communities that inspire creativity in all forms as an outlet for those who are struggling with chronic conditions. Through her work, she hopes to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society, one that acknowledges the realities of chronic illness and works towards creating a more supportive and accessible world for all.

Artist Bio

Ruby Cortes is an artist, dancer, and musician raised on the Monterey Peninsula. She is currently pursuing a degree in Visual and Public Arts and a minor in Music at California State University Monterey Bay.

In middle school, Ruby found drawing and writing to be therapeutic outlets. Her love for music, cartoons, anime, comics, and fiction stories inspired her to consider pursuing a career in writing, comic arts, animation, or video game arts. In high school, she was accepted into the Art Careers Academy, where she honed her skills in storytelling, comic scriptwriting, and character design.

With a background in Art History and General Studio arts, Ruby is a curious and versatile artist. While she prefers drawing mediums, papermaking, and book binding, she is always eager to learn new skills and explore new ideas. Her art practice is constantly evolving, and she loves the freedom that comes with being an artist.

As a student at CSUMB, Ruby is revisiting her childhood passion for comic arts and storytelling to raise awareness about living with chronic illness. She hopes to inspire compassion and empathy in her audience. Outside of her artistic pursuits, Ruby enjoys spending time playing Dungeons and Dragons(D&D) and other Tabletop role playing games(TTRPGs), weaving intricate stories with her friends.

After graduation, Ruby plans to continue her education, expand her art practice, and share her knowledge with future generations as an educator.