Unmasking Art Show Virtual Tour

"Queening" by Ruby Jane Hirdler
Acrylic On Canvas And Mixed Items 12” x 24”

Artist Statement

Hi I’m Ruby Jane and this was my first session as a mentor after 9 sessions as a student. I painted Queening with acrylics on canvas and ribbon flowers to add a little “Ruby” touch. When I was trying to decide a piece for this show I had at least a few fun ideas that I had wanted to try but this piece fit in quite well with my life this year, so I had to indulge my creativity.

The subject of my painting is a chess pawn that is changing into the chess queen; also known as the chess move queening. For a pawn to become a queen it must first make it across the chess board while facing many roadblocks and opponents; the pawn depends on the player to get them to the other side safely. Similarly, we must depend on God to get us to the point where we become “queens”. This year I graduated college at 18 right into a pandemic. Along with the struggles of Covid-19 itself, I have also struggled in finding a job in my field, overcoming my anxieties about feeling inadequate for simple jobs, and working through medical stuff with my asthma coming back and getting TMJ. Some of the struggles I faced were amazing and so important to me like lead small groups while balancing relationships with the students and peers and taking on the new role as a mentor. Even though all these things brought something I had to work through, they are all experiences that will lead me to my crown in Heaven because the things I face in this life will become beautiful memories of my growth in eternity.

James 1:12
“Blessed is man who remains steadfast under trial,
for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,
which God has promised to those who love him.”

Thank you for coming to see the show in this crazy time, and thanks to all the mentors for keeping this program going. Huge thank you for the students who join this program because without them where would we be? God bless!

Oral Statement