About
Hello,
I'm Ruth. A Shropshire based pet illustrator who also works in TV Production (occasionally). I use pencil, pen and paint to create colourful scenes with pets. My focus in design is heartwarming and humour. I enjoy getting out to events and showcasing my creations as well as selling them online. My ideas are crafted at home on my dining room table.
Paddywack came about when I was stuck in a rut. I had relocated home from London just before the Pandemic. Coming from a creative background I soon realised though there were opportunities in the Midlands, they did not present themselves so easily or so often. I needed an outlet, something to let my ideas run wild and allow my appetite not to go hungry.
My inspiration started with my greyhound Paddington. He became my companion in the 2021 lockdown whilst living alone. Previously 'Pablo At The Bar' a registered Hare Courser with the ICC (Irish Coursing Club) had been living in Limerick, Ireland. The Greyhound Trust Wolverhampton took him and his sister into their kennels just aged 2 and renamed them. Due to the Covid restrictions it was likely the previous owners could not profit from the animals unable to course/ race so deemed them as waste. If you would like to familiarise yourself with why people are campaigning to end greyhound racing, please spare some time to watch this informative documentary about the welfare issues with exploitation and over breeding (though be warned, there are some harrowing clips) RTE Investigates: Greyhounds Running For Their Lives
Paddington is a gentle giant, built to chase with a broad chest and muscular physique. He has no prey drive at all. In fact if a hare was to hop towards him, he'd be more likely to run the other way. He is sweet, meek and mild. Incredibly nervous around new people and sensitive to sound. The descriptions above align with what people in the industry refer to as a 'spook' - dogs who are fearful, due to genetics but also a lack of early socialisation and being in a domestic environment. He has come a long way and transformed my life completely, I have never felt a love like his.
We're currently nestled between cosy pubs and leafy green walks in the market town of Shifnal. If you are interested in working together or have an idea, please get in touch.