Graci Gallery in Marquette continues its artist spotlight series with the artwork of Ruth LaGue in August.
Known for its serene and minimalist style, LaGue's exhibition promises a tranquil yet compelling experience for art enthusiasts. Ruth LaGue’s journey from a successful career in graphic design and creative direction to becoming a full-time artist is rooted in her desire to fulfill her own creative urges. "I knew that I wanted to do something just a little bit more," she shared. "In graphic design, I'm always taking in the needs of the user, but in fine art, the audience and I experience something together. It’s a more fulfilling relationship."
LaGue’s art is deeply inspired by the natural world, a love that has been with her since childhood. "There is this love of simplicity and the outdoors," she said. "I wanted to combine those two things and see how far I could push simplicity while still communicating the essence of a landscape."
This minimalist approach, a "less is more" philosophy, translates into her work through the use of simple colors and textures that evoke a sense of place and purpose. Her paintings often feature barns and structures within landscapes, emphasizing functionality and practical simplicity.
Visitors to the Graci Gallery can expect to see LaGue’s focus on landscapes and structures, with most pieces featuring barns and other purposeful structures in natural settings. One standout piece is "Lakeside," a 36x36 painting inspired by Lake Memphremagog in Newport, Vermont. "This painting has bands of color, a simple house on the lake, and a bird’s eye view of the landscape. It’s my favorite in the show," LaGue said.
Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ruth LaGue about her transition from graphic design to fine art, her inspirations, and what viewers can expect from her latest works. Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Ruth about her exhibition:
Ruth LaGue's exhibition is on display at Graci Gallery this August, with an artist reception on Friday, August 30th. For those interested in learning more about Ruth LaGue’s work, she recommends starting with her Instagram, @ruthlague. Visit gracigallery.com or Ruth's website for more information.
