Rusti Lee Arts weighs in on American Art and why it’s more important now than ever.
Artists are the pulse of their society. They often express the feelings of society through their art. Since the first cave painting discovered Le Chauvet , France people have been talking about how artists are able depict their society while giving insight to a way of life that would be lost without art. After all, most of what we know about the Egyptian society was gleaned from hieroglyphics. The most influential artists through the ages are artists that lived during particularly difficult or pivotal times of society.
In today’s America it is safe to assume we are living is a very difficult and ground breaking time, from the historic housing and economic crisis to our first African American president. Generation after generation will be reading about our current situation and doing research on how we persevered. They will look for images and photographs regarding this, hoping to create a picture of our life today. They will research the important chain of events and most importantly how people coped. Through all this, the art of today will be an essential visual for the bigger picture of our society today.
What will be the turn of tides for America? What makes today’s art invaluable for the future? In 50 years will that “made in xyz country”, mass produced and bought at a large chain store, $20 print art be what future generations are talking about? Will they want to collect that and have pride in it? What will future American generations want to collect, invest in and hold dear? Most likely it will be art from struggling artists trying to survive a depleted American economy. What does America want to be known for? Massed produced, conglomerate store art or charming and socially aware art by brilliant artists?
Buying from American artists and art businesses not only helps the local economy but it shows that as an American you have faith in what will come of our society, that you take pride in your American artists. Today’s American artists will stand the test of time because of what they represent. You will find an array of artistic styles such as dramatic and thought provoking to light, uplifting and whimsical found in the styling of Rusti Ferejian (owner of Rusti Lee Arts).
Rusti Lee shows an understanding for the need for uplifting art that lightens the heart, home and mood. Her whimsical style, as seen in her painted wood art, has a touch of humor and fun. She recently launched her own line of artistict-shirts because she wanted people to be able to wear the fun! She consistently provides high quality, unique art and products for all ages though she has strong tendencies to create for children. Because of this she was sought out by The Family Groove to be featured in their “Out of Sight Spotlight” for her children’s décor items. Rusti admits that she enjoys painting children’s products because she can let her imagination run wild. However she feels most accomplished when adults buy her whimsical art for themselves, “it shows that they haven’t forgotten to have fun and by putting my art in their surroundings proves it.”
When asked about her business, Rusti Lee is quick to answer. “I love to create amazing, unique and personally produced art products for people who want non-factory made art and gifts to cherish for years to come”. She admits that it is hard to find 100% American made products as the global economy and trade dictate where some basic supplies are made. “When I call certain companies to seek out American made products, sometimes they laugh and say that it’s just not possible or it comes with a hefty price tag.” How does that make her feel? “Well, it’s sad. The small businesses like my company have to compete with the mass produced, made in another country product. That is why my products are so reasonably priced, I want people to be able to afford quality American crafted items and feel good because of it. ”
Rusti Lee has many different items to suit your needs from address plaques, crayon holders, personalized name signs, picture frames, mirrors, photo cubes, trinket boxes, canvas art, tissue boxes, hand painted shelves and of course her amazing array of hand painted knobs. She is constantly adding to her selections and enjoys doing custom pieces. She often tells her customers, “If you can think it, I can paint it!”
However, don’t ask her what her favorite item in her shop is, “It’s like picking a favorite child….it’s impossible! Everything I create has a purpose. My dinosaur themed shelf was created because I was invited to a show at the local dinosaur research center, then you have my pirates themed collection which was created for my sons. There is my Day of the Dead theme which was hand crafted for a friend, my lady bug collection which was inspired by a client and, of course, my frog items were create for me. Do you see my dilemma?! How could I ever choose?” Her enthusiasm is contagious and it is evident she loves what she does.
She seeks out American made companies for her art supplies, manufactured wood and other items. She uses a local t-shirt company to aid in her endeavors to support the American economy, though she admits she has had to run to the local art store for various items and buys products that are not made in America from time to time. “I try not to stress too much about that, after all I support the global economy. We can’t be too exclusive in our purchases as we need to help everyone, but knowing where things are made can help you make an educated decision on how your money is spent.” Due to her conscientious determination she is proud to say that 100% of her company supports American companies or American made products. Most importantly 100% of her hand painted art is made by Rusti Lee! Rusti is confident that her products will stand the test of time and be a reflection of the true American spirit during a historically significant time in our modern society.
Rusti Lee Arts was started in 2009 during the beginning of America’s financial crisis. Rusti felt that society needed to be reminded of their sense of humor, love of life and zest for fun. “I hope people feel joy and light hearted when looking at my art products. Through the hardest times in life I have found that a smile goes a long way. If I can get one person to smile because of my art then in some way I feel I have done my part in healing society.”
Rusti Lee Hanlon Ferejian is a third generation artist. Her mother Debi Griesman Hanlon was a talented artist whose art work still graces the walls of art enthusiasts. Rusti Lee pursued a degree in Fine Arts and Art History at the University Of Santa Barbara, CA and the Art Institute where she focused in Graphic Design.
Rusti Lee Arts is owned and operated by Rusti Ferejian. Her products and art can be found on her website www.RustiLeeArts.com .
Written by Rusti Ferejian
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