A Sense of Place — Solo Exhibition

Artist Statement:

A ‘sense of place’ is a recurring theme in my work—I paint not to document landscapes but to express feelings of belonging, connection and longing.

We experience a sense of place through the deep attachments we form with spaces that matter to us. It’s found in the stillness of nature, the dappled sunlight beneath the trees, or the sound of water lapping against the shore—where moments become memories deeply rooted in place.

These places live in our mind’s eye, where a familiar scent, a certain light, or the sound of leaves underfoot can instantly transport us. A sense of place is more than just a geographic location; it’s the way something stirs deep within, making a place feel like part of our story.

I don’t work from reference photos of actual places; I paint intuitively, expressing the places I carry within me. The finished works capture the feeling of place from memory, inviting viewers to reconnect with spaces tied to their own emotions and experiences.

— Ruth Maude