Ruth Poniarski is an artist whose work bridges reality and imagination, taking viewers beyond the ordinary. Her journey into the arts began in the late 1980s, following a decade in architecture. With a degree in architecture from Pratt Institute, Poniarski initially worked in construction before making a significant career shift in 1988. It was then that she fully embraced painting as her primary mode of expression. This transition allowed her to explore new depths in creativity, blending surrealism with themes drawn from mythology, philosophy, and literature.
In addition to painting, Poniarski’s passion for the written word became a key part of her process. Beginning in 1995, she paired her artwork with poems that reflect the same themes. This approach provides a fuller understanding of her pieces, with each poem serving as an additional layer to interpret. Poniarski invites viewers into a world where painting and poetry merge, creating a richer experience.
Her work, such as Rousseau’s World, Moonshadow, and Second Wave, illustrates this approach. These paintings reflect her focus on the natural world, while also incorporating elements of personal introspection, making them both visually and emotionally compelling.
In Rousseau’s World (acrylic on canvas, 40″ x 42″), Poniarski presents a tranquil encounter between herself and a lion. The setting, by a river in Africa, evokes a sense of calm and curiosity. Instead of danger or fear, the lion here is curious, mirroring the artist’s contemplation. The river, a symbol of time and change, flows gently beside them, creating a reflective space. The lion’s gaze is drawn to its reflection, hinting at the relationship between reality and perception. Poniarski uses this serene moment to explore themes of coexistence, curiosity, and the quiet strength of observation. The accompanying poem deepens these ideas, speaking to the balance between stillness and movement, peace and potential action.
In Moonshadow (acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 42″), the focus shifts to a nighttime scene. The painting depicts a horse pausing to view its reflection in the water. The moon’s glow casts long shadows, adding an element of mystery to the moment. The horse, like the lion in Rousseau’s World, seems lost in thought, as if contemplating its place in the world. This piece speaks to the passing of time and the inevitability of growth and change. The connection between the horse and the moonlight suggests a cycle, much like the changing seasons reflected in the poem that accompanies this piece. The imagery of Taurus, water, and moss alludes to renewal and the natural world’s continuous process of transformation.
Second Wave (acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 42″) brings a sense of movement and renewal. The painting captures a creature on a beach, watching as a wave recedes. This scene symbolizes the ephemeral nature of life, where the waves leave temporary marks before being washed away. The creature, standing in observation, represents a quiet acceptance of life’s impermanence. The second wave, mentioned in the poem, brings with it the possibility of new beginnings, while also acknowledging the memories left behind by the first. This idea of cycles—of endings leading to new starts—reflects the recurring theme of renewal found in Poniarski’s work.
Through these paintings, Poniarski creates not just visual art but also an emotional experience. Each piece is a meditation on life’s fleeting moments, the mysteries of time, and the connection between humans and the natural world. Her use of surreal imagery combined with thoughtful poetry allows viewers to engage with the work on multiple levels. The paintings are not just scenes to be viewed but are opportunities for reflection and introspection. Poniarski’s art invites the audience to pause and consider their own relationships with time, nature, and themselves.
With her unique approach of blending surrealism, nature, and poetry, Ruth Poniarski opens a door to a world of quiet contemplation. Her work speaks to those who seek to find meaning in the everyday moments, while also exploring the larger themes of life and existence. Through her paintings and accompanying poems, Poniarski creates a space where reflection and imagination come together, offering viewers a chance to embark on their own personal journeys.
