Hillary Rubel

Hanging by a Thread

Hanging by a Thread is a commentary on the pressures of society and our identities. The fabric is a metaphorical representation of our identity to be delicate and malleable, especially from a young age. We are all vulnerable to these pressures—synonymously we are vulnerable beings hanging by a thread. There is pressure to conform to societal pressure, which may lead to losing a part of your true identity.

Artist Biography

Hillary is an emerging artist who grew up in Calgary. She is currently a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies at the University of Calgary with a minor in Visual Studies & Art History. Her goal is to pursue a career in urban design to create sustainable cities. She mainly paints in oils and acrylics and finds joy in using painting as a creative outlet to explore the world around her.

How did you start your practice?

I started painting from a young age and my passion has grown as I have gotten older. In high school, I started to experiment with oil paints and embrace the techniques they have to offer. University has exposed me to new techniques, pushing my skills further. I am excited to see where my artistic skills lead me in my career.

Inspiration

I gain inspiration from how different elements of the world interact with each other, whether that be through nature, light, or colour. More particularly, I am drawn to nature and the built environment, and how they interact with each other. In addition, I love to play and explore with colour in my paintings.