Thorns and Light: Ruobing Liao on Painting the Inner World

In this episode of the Art Stories Podcast, hosted by Sky Lilah (@skylilah), we sit down with Ruobing Liao, a Toronto-based oil painter whose work combines vivid color with expressive, deeply emotional figurative forms. Through luminous palettes and fluid compositions, Ruobing creates atmospheric dreamlike scenes where female figures intertwine with organic elements, thorny plants and branching forms—blurring the boundary between inner experience and the natural world. A Sheridan College-trained artist, she has exhibited across Canada and was recognized as Second Place in the Artists to Watch Competition.We explore Ruobing's artistic journey, her distinctive visual language, and what it means to paint emotion into being. We dive into her process—how she conceives of her dreamlike scenes, the role of color and natural imagery, and the conversations she's trying to have with viewers through the human form. We also discuss her relationship with the Toronto art community, the recognition that has shaped her trajectory, and what continues to drive her practice forward.Follow Ruobing Liao: https://www.instagram.com/ruobing_liaoFollow & support: @artvancouver @vvafofficialDon't forget to subscribe and leave a review – we truly appreciate your support!