Tyrone-born visual artist Sarah Ruttle graduated in Constructed Textiles from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee, Scotland in 2002. Since moving to West Cork twenty years ago she has established a recognised participatory practice within an Arts and Health context, alongside the development her own arts practice.

In recent years, Sarah has taken her practice in a new direction, focusing on developing contemporary figurative work. In January 2024 she held a significant solo exhibition in Working Artist Studios, Ballydehob sharing anew body of work, which was the first step this evolution. This collection of figurative art concentrated on capturing unique moments of humanity, emotion, courage and hope. With a foundation in textiles, Sarah’s interest in increasing layers and depth in her art continues to evolve, while her drawing has an emphasis on building detail through mark-making.

Sarah is influenced by people and place. Recent series explored: ‘Limitless Compassion’ addressing division and inequality; ‘The Unspoken ‘considering mental health challenge; ‘See Me’ celebrating our older generation. ‘One Place and Every Place’ considering place, the stories, the emotions that belong and dwell there, with the enduring quest for hope, beauty, and a relief from this challenging and ever-changing world.

Drawing has always featured in her work but is central to her latest collections. One of her signatures is a carefully considered composition, with figures being held in an empty but significant space. Through experimentation in a variety of media, Sarah continues to develop her language and style in contemporary figurative art.