We Love Life – Ruby Kirby

Ruby Kirby is a 23-year-old freelance fashion artist from Devon. We met her at Blue Rinse, in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, and talked about Micheal Jackson, being around creative people and Dali.

What are your plans for today?
Typically I’d visit the studio after work but I’m tired so will go home and watch a film.

Are you studying at the moment?
No, I recently completed a Knitwear Fashion MA in Nottingham. 

What are you listening to at the moment?
I love all music but always seem to go back to Micheal Jackson.

What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just started reading The Shining.

What are you watching?
I’ve been watching Broad City and The Killing – which  is really good, but it’s a bit heavy. I like light-hearted things.

What would constitute a perfect day for you?
I’d go swimming and then just chill but be busy. So, see everyone in the studio and be productive. I’m a freelance artist specialising in fashion. It’s less like fashion design and more like wearable art for the body, fashion performance, with wearable silly art. Just funny garments really. I’m currently working with an artist in Nottingham on a forthcoming project at Nottingham Contemporary Gallery.

For what in life do you feel most grateful for?
The fact I’m surrounded by so many interesting collaborators and creative friends. So loads of musicians, fashion, artists. It’s great.
Before Christmas, my friends were playing at the Soup Kitchen, my other friend put the night on and I helped do the set. I made Brussels sprout bunting, used five bags of them. I love Christmas so it was perfect.

Complete this sentence please, “Ace mental health for me means…”
Everyone staying happy.

What do you do to stay mentally healthy?
I swim and make artwork. And talk to people if you feel sad.

Who inspires you and why?
Other artists inspire me, like Jean-Michel Basquiat, he’s like my dream man, love his stuff. And Dali’s my boy as well just because I love surrealism.