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Updated 9/22/2025

Mary Ruth Shields

  • Connecticut

    CT

Institution/Business Type: Artist / Creative (Individual)

All art is an expression of the self. The symbolism we employ as artists is often intended to begin a conversation between the artist and the viewer. The artist’s message may be perceived in a variety of ways dependent upon the past experiences of the viewer.  Apparel functions in the same way. The wearer has consciously or unconsciously chosen the apparel to send a message about their “self” to the viewer.

My artwork explores the connections between how art and apparel express my “selves.” The pieces are sometimes wearable, sometimes not, (or are they?). I find influences in the works of Robert Rauschenberg, Miriam Shapiro, Pablo Picasso, and the Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven, among others. Although I rely on traditional needle arts such as sewing and embroidery to execute my work, I also employ traditional “art” mediums such as paint and paper.

Some of the questions I grapple with include the following. How is what we say with our apparel similar to traditional artistic conversations? What symbols do we use and why? How is the purpose of what we wear everyday similar to the uses of costumes in a dramatic production? What is the difference between apparel and sculpture? What function does apparel serve for LGBT individuals? How do people employ apparel to manipulate gender appearance? How deep does the connection between expression of self and apparel go?

In addition to my apparel work, I also work in collage and assemblage on handmade paper employing many of the same methods and mediums I use in my apparel. Although my work on paper expresses my self, I also find that these materials, combined with found objects, allow me to engage in the study of the elements of design in nature.

I earned a BFA in Drawing and Crafts from Longwood University in Farmville, VA. My Honors Thesis was on felting. I also earned an MST in Teaching Textiles from the Rochester Institute of Technology School for American Craftsman in Rochester, NY and an MFA-IA from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT. My MFA from Goddard was an Interdisciplinary degree including studies in fashion as self image, art as life and collaboration through art making. 

 

Find Me

Mary Ruth Shields (she/her)
Job Title: Artist
Phone: 203-893-3598
Address:
Portland, CT 06480

Additional Content:

  • United Sewing and Design

    Part of my artistic practice manifests as a social enterprise. Through United Sewing and Design, I collaborate with individuals who have barriers to obtaining well paid employment. We manufacture products by sewing.

  • Mary Ruth Shields Instagram

    My Instagram features what inspires me as an artist and designer.

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Artist / Creative (Individual)

Legal Status:

Commercial / For profit - Sole proprietorship

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Artist / Creative (Individual)

Legal Status:

Commercial / For profit - Sole proprietorship

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Visual/Crafts - Fiber

Additional Disciplines:

  • Visual/Crafts - Textile Weaving

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Arts Instruction / Lessons
  • Creation of a Work of Art (Including Commissions)
  • Curriculum Development
  • Design Services
  • Exhibitions
  • Manufacturing / Fabrication
  • Product Development Services
  • Professional Development / Training
  • Residency - In School
  • Workshops / Demonstrations / Master Class

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Businesses
  • Families
  • General Public
  • Nonprofits
  • School Groups
  • Teens

Geographic Reach:

  • Town / City
  • County
  • Multi-County Region
  • State
  • Multi-State Region
  • National

Media Gallery

An image of a woman surrounded by swilring embroidery in blues and pinks with beads, crystals and pearl buttons
A woman wearing a punk inspired outfit that is made of red, white and black striped wrapping paper.
A collage of light blue paper with textured embroidery in golds and greens
A textured surface with a light blue background and embroidery of golds and greens
A yellow textured paper with brown and gold embroidery, green beads and gathered netting

Artist Info

Teaching Artist

Teaching Settings:

  • Arts and Cultural Center / Venue
  • Community Site / Center
  • School / University

Ages Served:

  • Elementary School-age
  • Middle School-age
  • High School-age
  • College-age
  • Adults

Subject Areas:

  • Arts Integration - Communications
  • Arts Integration - History and Social Science
  • Arts Integration - Science / Technology / Engineering
  • Design
  • Visual/Crafts

Teaching Artist

Teaching Settings:

  • Arts and Cultural Center / Venue
  • Community Site / Center
  • School / University

Ages Served:

  • Elementary School-age
  • Middle School-age
  • High School-age
  • College-age
  • Adults

Subject Areas:

  • Arts Integration - Communications
  • Arts Integration - History and Social Science
  • Arts Integration - Science / Technology / Engineering
  • Design
  • Visual/Crafts