Ruth Coulson is a good example of what happens when you listen to your heart and devote your life to something you truly love.
An artist working in clay since the 1970s, Coulson will be featured in this year’s Arts and Apples Festival in Rochester Hills Sept. 10-12.
‘I’ve been creative my whole life,? Coulson said. ‘I think I used to sit on my father’s lap and draw horses.?
After graduating from college, Coulson went into the teaching field with the Royal Oak school district. That lead to working with adults in Waterford and Pontiac schools before eventually working at a detention center in Flint. Coulson focused on clay the entire time.
‘I just concentrated on doing my clay,? Coulson said.
Eight years ago Coulson started going back to school. Classes at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit challenged the artist to expand into new mediums she had previously been unfamiliar with, such as welding and sculpture.
‘I thought to myself, ‘Oh, yeah, I’m really gonna start welding?,? Coulson said. ‘But I was determined. It was like applying fields.?
This fall Coulson will start more classes toward a master’s degree from Wayne State University.
‘I’m real excited. It’s not that I need it, but at my age, why not do what you want to do?? Coulson said. ‘I’m at that age in my life when I’m gonna do what I wanna do.?
Coulson finds inspiration for her pieces all around her. She has a vast collection of magazines, pictures and sketches for potential projects.
‘I’m always looking at something,? Coulson said. ‘You just have to open up something.?
Even Coulson’s Independence Township home provides inspiration. Her pieces are found throughout the house in the brightly colored rooms.
‘I have a desire for color,? Coulson said.
When a project is about to start, Coulson usually has a rough idea in mind of what she wants to create. Coulson often begins an idea by sketching it and basing her work off of that picture.
‘I usually know what I’m going to do, so it’s a great sense of satisfaction when it’s finished,? Coulson said. ‘I was taught to base things off drawings. If I can draw it, I can do it. Not everyone has that skill.?
Coulson isn’t the only artist at her house. Her husband also uses clay as an outlet for expression.
‘He’s doing really well with clay,? Coulson said. ‘It’s something we share.?
This summer’s appearance at Arts and Apples isn’t the first for Coulson, a regular in the show since the 1980s. Participating in art shows keeps her ideas fresh and in tune with her work.
‘When you stop doing shows, you get out of swing,? Coulson said.
In addition to participating in local art shows over the years, Coulson was also a featured artist at the Lawrence Street Gallery in Ferndale. She recently left the gallery.
Combining gallery shows with local festivals has proved to be a source of great experience for Coulson.
‘All these little things keep coming and coming. You never know when they’re gonna come,? Coulson said. ‘Every show you did is one more than you’ve done before.?
For this year’s appearance at Arts and Apples, Coulson plans on bring a variety of small clay and metal pieces to display.
When not busy working on a new piece, Coulson spends time catching up with her three sons and seven grandchildren across the country. Even in her downtime, Coulson is working on a different project or thinking of a new one.
‘I never really stop doing. I’m always doing something,? Coulson said.
Coulson appreciates the atmosphere the surrounding community provides in supporting the arts.
‘You don’t have to live the city to be creative. Some people keep doing the same thing over and over again. I don’t. I don’t know what I’ll do next,? Coulson said.
Keeping her passion for art alive keeps Coulson looking forward to the next project and experience.
‘It’s nice to know I’ve been doing what I want my whole life,? Coulson said.