Ruth is a Glaswegian ceramicist. She first studied illustration at Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee, before receiving the Charlotte Fraser Scholarship to attend the Royal College of Art, where she completed her MA in Ceramic and Glass in 2022. Since graduating, Ruth has returned to Glasgow, where she completed Craft Scotland’s Compass program for emerging makers. She is now based at the Glasgow Ceramics Studio. 

What value does craft have in daily life?

I am constantly fascinated by craft’s ability to connect people to objects. The way in which someone can use an object to hold a memory for them, so that when they look at it and hold it again, they can feel that memory. Objects also act as a reflection of ourselves, the things we choose to surround ourselves with reflect some of our values back to us. I look at the objects I have chosen to live with and I see many warm memories, the faces of those who gifted the objects to me, and I can also see myself.

What does Scottishness mean to you?

Scotland has always been my home. I think Scottishness is a warmth and sense of humour that draws others in, welcoming them. I think in many ways Scottish people and the Scottish landscape mimic each other. The harshness of the landscape and the weather is matched by the dark sense of humour we share, but there is also a lot of beauty and softness there which shines through in people's generosity. I feel there is a humbleness that is inherent with being Scottish. We don’t like to tell you about what we do, we’d rather work away and then let you see for yourself. I guess that's why we have such a wealth of amazing craftspeople.