Ruth Brough

Orkney Islands

About Ruth Brough

Orkney Inspired Fused glass. 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.

Customer Reviews

Janet Czerwik 31st August 2023

A beautiful gift for my daughter and it arrived so quickly. Well done for promoting the islands where I used to live.

Susan B. 25th May 2021

Susan B. 24th May 2021

Very lovely little object!

Jacqueline Speirs 20th May 2021

Beautiful!!

Jacqueline Speirs 20th May 2021

Alice54 3rd May 2021

This is so much more than a coaster. It's a beautiful piece of art. The blue glass is so like the sea and the painted oystercatchers are very detailed. It came quickly and securely wrapped in lovely packaging which is perfect for gifting.

Anonymous 27th April 2021