Ruth Brough

Orkney Inspired Fused glass.

Arts, crafts, and a love of animals. I live on the island of Sanday, one of Orkneys northern isles.

I combine my love of the natural world, whether in Orkney or further afield, with my passion for creativity using a variety of different mediums, but especially glass. I am constantly inspired and surprised by the beauty of the ever-changing world around me, and grateful for the inspiration it provides. I am drawn towards all of nature- plants and animals alike.

As well as being an artist I am also a keen gardening which can prove quite challenging in Orkney at times.

I am originally from the county of Somerset, cider country with its apple orchards and leafy lanes. As a child I was always keen on drawing, but never pursued it properly until moving to Orkney. Prior to living in Orkney I worked as a Veterinary Nurse from leaving school.I qualified in 1988, and had the privilege to work for two large hospitals in Gloucestershire and Cheshire. Although both were mixed practices, I settled into the small animal side, assisting with referral work as a senior nurse. I am still involved in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in Orkney, and also helping stray and feral cats on Sanday

I have lived on sanday for over 20years with my husband Tim, and our 3 children who were all born in Orkney. We have a small farm with a herd of pedigree Hereford cows and an assortment of sheep, not forgetting the vast array of companion animals, from tortoises to owls.

Although glass is a relatively new art medium for me I absolutely love it, it is very versatile, completely reusable, and very addictive! I still continue to do felting, drawing and painting. Quite often I use a mix of these skills to create a glass piece. All the pieces I make are unique as, so far, I have never recreated the same piece twice in the same medium, except by commission. I'm not sure if this makes me inconsistent or exciting as an artist! I enjoy what I do from the process of planning, through to making, from start to finish. I am constantly looking for new inspiration, and I particularly love the versatility of nature and colours found around Orkney.

As well as being an artist, I am also a keen gardener, and have been involved in the Sanday Gardening Club since i first moved here. It is very rewarding nurturing plants, although can prove quite challenging in orkney at times.

I am also an active member of the Sanday community, I'm on several groups and committees, and am actively involved in the Sanday Community Craft Hub.

Thank you for looking.