Jennie Rutz

Statement

The world is full of contradictions and contrasts which intrigue me. These themes play recurring roles in my life and paintings: Freedom vs Entrapment, Wild vs Civilized, Exposure vs Mystery, Natural vs Man-made, Imagination vs Reality, and Male vs Female.

My life is full of contrasts.

·       I grew up with three sisters, although when I was young, I was a dedicated tomboy with short hair and ninja turtle shirts.

·       While I was born and raised in the Canadian Badlands surrounded by prairies, I feel most at home on the beach. 

My professional background is in the animation industry of Toronto where I worked in a variety of roles and styles for television and film productions.  Although I was fulfilling my childhood dream by working on cartoons, I eventually had to face reality and give myself permission to break free, acknowledging that my aspirations had changed.

I left my career and country behind in pursuit of self-discovery in Italy, a land of extreme contrasts, and a place that runs in my bloodline and influences many aspects of my art. I lived there for four years prior to settling in the Sunshine Coast and becoming a mother. My daughter is now 6 years old.

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I'm inspired by the courage of women to be true to themselves, despite all the conflicting influences surrounding us. Because of this, my business donates 2% of sales to the MALALA FUND, an organization that advocates 12 years of education for every girl on the planet.