Issue 42: Create Art with Love and Humor, with Cecilia Ruiz
A storyteller and artist who delights all ages
Happy December, KP!
I can’t even express how much I love Cecilia Ruiz's books and art. I was first drawn in by her beautiful, cozy, simple yet sophisticated art. Then I started reading the books she made and I fell head over heels. Cecilia’s art is soft and warm, even with geometric shapes. They are rich with textures and the colors are so pleasing whether they are in black and white or in limited palettes with the brightest pink and teal. The words she writes and the stories she tells are gripping and layered with emotions, history, and the life cycle, all sprinkled with love and humor. I can’t convey how profoundly thoughtful and incredibly beautiful her stories and art are, so please do yourself a favor and visit her website to explore her artwork and check out all her books. Also, be sure to read her interview below. Not only is she a thoughtful and immensely talented artist, but she is also genuinely warm and funny! You will understand why I fell for her art, and herself. Please welcome Cecilia Ruiz.
Flavor of the Week: KP Q&A with Cecilia Ruiz
Cecilia Ruiz is a Mexican author, illustrator and graphic designer based in New York City. Her clients include the New York Times, Google, Hermès, and Target. Cecilia teaches design and illustration at The School of Visual Arts and Queens College.
Cecilia has published two adult illustrated books with Penguin Random House—The Book of Memory Gaps, and The Book of Extraordinary Deaths. A Gift from Abuela, her first picture book published by Candlewick Press, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her latest picture book, published by Enchanted Lion Books, is Mr. Fiorello’s Head. Find out more about Cecilia’ work here on her website, and follow her here on IG for fun updates!
Introduce yourself more personally in 2-3 sentences.
My name is Cecilia Ruiz and I am a Mexican author, illustrator and educator living in New York City. When I’m not teaching, I’m desperately trying to come up with book ideas. As an author, I aspire to create picture books that deal with universal existential themes that equally appeal to children and adults.
Where are you from?
I live in Brooklyn.
No, where are you REALLY from? (Haha!)
I was born and raised in Mexico City. I'm the youngest of three. I studied graphic design in Mexico, and after working in the industry for more than five years, I moved to New York in 2010 to study for a master's degree in illustration at the School of Visual Arts. I was 27 years old then, and this move was a genuinely life-changing experience. Not only did my career take a 180, but on my second day in NYC, I met my now husband, Philip Cheaney, who is also a designer and illustrator.
What’s your sign?
You are going to have to listen to this gem to find out.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
I am a human being.
What do you love about your multi-generational immigrant experience?
It’s not really a multi-generational one. I’m the only person in my immediate family living outside of Mexico. One thing I love about being an immigrant is having DISTANCE. Sometimes, when you are too close to something, you stop seeing things, especially the good stuff. Distance has allowed me to see things more clearly—things from my culture and from my family that I no longer appreciated. And even though sometimes this distance from my family can be very painful, it makes me savor our moments together even more.
And of course, what are your favorite Korean foods?
Beef bibimbap and of course, Korean tacos. Although, I’ve always wondered—are Korean tacos a thing in Korea?
What was your childhood like and what has it taught you?
I feel very fortunate to have had a childhood with a very big extended family. I grew up with many cousins, and every weekend, we would all gather at my grandparent's house. It was a truly multigenerational experience—my great-grandmother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even pets under one roof. Most of the time, the kids played all day without supervision, but sometimes, the adults would join or even orchestrate games for us. I have such fond memories of my childhood. Last year, I made this illustration inspired by my grandparent's house— a second home where abundance manifested in simple ways.
I'm so grateful to have grown up at a time when there were no smartphones and/or social media.
Can you share something exciting that you’re working on now?
I’m trying to develop a story about a donkey.
What do people underestimate about you?
My parallel-parking skills
Share your proudest moment in the past year.
Getting my NYC driver’s license
What was your hardest moment in the past year?
Losing a very dear family member and not being able to spend more time in Mexico with my family.
We’ve all been hurt in some form or fashion. What are you healing from?
For me the hardest thing to overcome are regrets. These can be small or big. I try not to dwell too much on them.
How do you love yourself?
I listen to opera.
How do you love others?
Listening and asking questions. I also try to make them laugh without trying too hard because that’s not funny.
What five things can you not live without?
Coffee, music, laughter, croissants, stories
What’s your favorite dance song?
Hard to choose, but if Talento de Televisión byWillie Colón comes on, no matter where, I would have to get up and dance.
What’s your favorite kind of pie?
Cherry Pie with whipped cream
This Q&A was filled out online and edited for length and clarity.
H Mart Happiness: What’s your favorite product and why?
“I am a newbie at HMart. I love getting Gochujang paste because I love to slather it on salmon fillets!” - Anna R.
What’s your favorite H Mart product? Share the love and leave a comment!
Crispy Crust: A Touch of Jeong - Uplifting illustrations that delight
When Cecilia mentioned getting a driver’s license (and her skill of parallel parking!), I thought of this old work of mine where Daisy (yes, that’s her name) happily zooms off in her delightful hot pink convertible. Do you like driving?
Love, Aram
Korean School: 서일페 Seoul Illustration Fair
Fun facts, idioms, translations and history
I go to MoCCA Arts Fest, held in NYC every spring, to meet and check out the new art and zines by up-and-coming artists as well as established artists. This is the only time I won’t refuse to line up around the block to enter anywhere. In Korea, too, the illustration scene is big. A lot bigger than what I see in NYC. There are numerous illustration fairs held in big cities regularly throughout the year. 서일페 Seo-Il-Pe, a shortened term for the Seoul Illustration Fair (replacing the pronunciation of F with P because F sound doesn’t exist in Korean), is hugely popular. A gigantic exhibition center where the fair is held is fully packed with artists’s booths and people who want to check out and find their favorite goods and arts. It’s an exciting scene to be in.
Sweet & Salty: A Tasty Treat Satisfying all the Senses
As a big fan of Cecilia Ruiz’s books and art, it’s virtually impossible for me to choose and feature only one of Cecilia’s works. But today I choose to share this sweet, loving, funny, with a hint of sadness because sometimes life is sad, but an optimistic and full-of-life story of Mr. Fiorello’s Head (and his hair). Please check this book out, published by Enchanted Lions who are known to make exceptionally beautiful books. Among many accolades Mr. Fiorello’s Head received, this is on A San Francisco Chronicle’s Best Children’s Books to Gift This Holiday Season! list, so it’s perfect timing to check it out. This book also has the best dedication: To my father’s hairless head - but mostly, to his boundless heart.