Ep. 21 | Creative Permission & Joy — Ruth Mulvie on Why Art Matters More Than Ever Now

Summary In this episode of Decoding the Flow, I sit down with contemporary British painter Ruth Mulvie to explore her artistic journey — from always knowing she wanted to be an artist to building a bold and recognizable visual language rooted in colour, leisure, and joy. Ruth shares how her early influences shaped her path, how her style evolved into the vibrant work she's known for today, and why creating opportunities in the art world is just as important as waiting for them. We talk about: • The evolution of a coherent body of work • Navigating art fairs and building visibility • The importance of nurturing long-term relationships with collectors • Colour as a personal language and energetic exchange • How flow shows up in the studio • Why kindness and compassion matter in contemporary art Ruth also shares insights into her upcoming projects, including a new series inspired by tarot imagery — expanding her visual storytelling while staying true to her voice. This conversation is about growth, courage, joy, and what it really takes to build a sustainable life as a contemporary painter. The creative revolution starts here.   Sound Bites "I always wanted to be an artist." "Art is an exchange of energy." "Be kind. Be compassionate."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ruth Mulvie and Her Art 01:55 Ruth's Artistic Journey and Early Influences 10:07 Evolution of Ruth's Art Style 20:01 Navigating the Art World and Creating Opportunities 30:12 Understanding the Artist-Collector Relationship 40:03 The Role of Color in Ruth's Work 47:07 Experiencing Flow State in Art 49:52 Exploring New Themes and Future Projects 52:09 Final Thoughts on Kindness and Art's Impact   About the Guest — Ruth Mulvie Ruth Mulvie is a contemporary British painter based in Sussex, known for her bold, joyful artworks that celebrate colour, nostalgia, and the rituals of leisure. Her work captures moments of rest, play, and togetherness — elevating everyday pleasures into vibrant, emotionally resonant compositions. Through her distinctive use of colour and form, Ruth explores memory, escapism, and the power of joy in contemporary life. Her paintings are collected internationally, and she continues to evolve her practice through new thematic explorations, including recent work inspired by tarot imagery. Website: ruthmulvie.com Instagram: @ruthmulvie   About the Host — Drica Lobo Drica Lobo is a Brazilian-born, California-based artist, author, and the creator of Creative Consciousness — a philosophy centered on conscious creation rather than reactive limitation. Through her vibrant coastal-inspired paintings and her platform Decoding the Flow, Drica explores the intersection of art, energy, and personal evolution. Her work encourages artists and collectors alike to live creatively, trust their inner voice, and build lives aligned with their gifts. Website: dricalobo.com Instagram: @dricaloboart | @decodingtheflow GET HER BOOK Decoding the Flow The creative revolution starts here.