Ruthellyn Whittington

Ruthellyn Whittington was raised in southern California in a family that highly regarded creativity and education. As a child, I found great joy in writing and illustrating stories. My mother was an incredible seamstress and I developed a love for fiber and fabric. I attended Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles and received a BFA with an emphasis in Textile Arts, in particular, weaving. During college, I studied with the Hopi Natives each spring break and was taught spinning and the natural dying process of fibers. This was an incredible experience that shaped me as an artist. I went on to earn teaching credentials in art, English and school counseling. I worked as an educator for thirty-eight years and retired in 2018. Since my retirement, I have journeyed back to my own artistic spirit. As a textile artist, I find inspiration from dreams, creative thinking, and my own photographs. Each weaving tells a story of my life experiences in which I hope that others can relate. I use hand spun fibers from spinners located all over the world to create a variety of textures and color combinations in my work. My strength is color which is an innate ability that I am sure was also influenced by my mother. My weaving process is off loom in different sizes and shapes. I currently have my weavings in Gallery SOHO Pomona Valley Art Association in Claremont and in Sea & Green in Cambria, both locations in California.