Lapis Lazuli Editions ~ California
(Luz Marina Ruiz)

Luz Marina Ruiz: "My early fascination with California landscape and light has evolved over the years to create a synthesis of nature and light. No longer depicting actual places, I find myself still drawn to basic organic forms found in nature, seeing them as essential structures nurturing the essence of life.

"I combine these simple forms, reminiscent of seeds or pods, with recognizable objects, or bird imagery directly related to dream images and personal experiences. I like that these forms are not necessarily specific; that they can easily evoke other references. The original pod form has evolved into a boat shape, transformed into another kind of human-made vessel, ready to assist with life’s journey.

"At an early age I had recurring dreams that I could fly. The lightness of being and sense of freedom during my dream flights has always attracted me to bird imagery. The birds have come to symbolize, freedom, movement, and change; qualities I find important in everyday life.

"I work in a variety of media: drawing, printmaking, painting, mixed media and book arts. Intrigued by the experimental nature of printmaking, I employ many printmaking approaches to my mixed media pieces: gouging, scratching, collaging and layering pigment to achieve highly textured surfaces. Combining various media and approaches allows for a rich never-ending dialogue."

Buscando Amparo
(Seeking Shelter)
By Luz Marina Ruiz
Oakland, California: Lapis Lazuli Editions, 2010. One-of-a-Kind.

17 x 14 x 3" tunnel book with 4 leaves that combine collographs and watercolors.

Luz Marina Ruiz: "The house forms in my work represent stability and protection from the outside world."
$1,000

Fuego Azul
By Luz Marina Ruiz
Oakland, California: Luz Marina Ruiz, 2010. One-of-a-Kind.

9 x 4"; 4 pages. Tunnel book structure. Linocuts and watercolor.

Luz Marina Ruiz: "This handpainted tunnel book is created in ascending layers. With the addition of watercolor the rhythmic layers appear as blue flames, the hottest part of a fire."
$450

Pajaros Azules II
By Luz Marina Ruiz
Oakland, California: Luz Marina Ruiz, 2009. One-of-a-Kind.

4.5 x 8". Tunnel book structure. Collograph with watercolor.

Luz Marina Ruiz: "This piece refers to tranquility and protection. The house forms in my work represent stability and protection from the outside world and in this context, the birds refer to bluebirds of happiness."
$700

Awaken
By Luz Marina Ruiz
Oakland, California: Luz Marina Ruiz, 2008. One-of-a-Kind.

7.75 x 7.5" tunnel book. Monotype, woodcut and watercolor.

Luz Marina Ruiz: "Much of the bird imagery in my artwork comes from childhood dreams of flight. Yet, at times, the images of birds represent the opposite of flight—they may be confined or trapped by their own inability to free themselves. The bird imagery can also represent the subconscious at work, bringing clarity and meaning to everyday life. It embodies the voices we hear and the stories that are brought to us in our dreams."
$500

Pajaro sin Vuelo I
By Luz Marina Ruiz
Oakland, California: Lapis Lazuli Editions, 2008. One-of-a-Kind.

8 x 8" tunnel book with 4 leaves. Collograph images.

Luz Marina Ruiz: "Many of the bird images come from childhood dreams of flight. And, at times, the images of birds represent the opposite of flight — they may be confined or trapped by their own inability to free themselves."
$400

Travesia
By Luz Marina Ruiz
Oakland, California: Lapis Lazuli Editions, 2008. One-of-a-Kind.

9.75 x 5" tunnel book with 4 leaves. Etchings, watercolor, and beeswax.

Luz Marina Ruiz: "Travesia is an Italian term for traveling by sea. I use the boat image to represent our journey through life."
$500

Generally Ruiz does only unique pieces but she does have some editioned work.

Mi Barca
ext by Cesáreo Gabaráin
Oakland, California: Luz Marina Ruiz, 2010. Edition of 10.

4 x 5.75" closed, extends to 35"; 6 pages. Concertina. Carborundum print. Carved wooden cover embellished with acrylic paint. Text in Spanish. Signed and numbered by Ruiz.

CLuz Marina Ruiz: "This book is based on the song Pescador de Hombres (Fisher of Men) written by Cesáreo Gabaráin. Text translation: I have left my boat at the seashore, next to you, I will seek other seas."
$350

Navegar
By Luz Marina Ruiz
Oakland, California: Lapis Lazuli Editions, 2010. Edition of 10.

4 x 3.75"; 7 leaves. 8 images. Simple version of the flag book structure with an accordion-folded spine. Polymer plate etchings with watercolor. Bound in thick card stock boards. Rectangular window in front board allows partial view of first image.

Luz Marina Ruiz: "This little book combines three recurring themes from my dreams — the ocean, boats, and birds."
$350

Olas
(Waves)
By Luz Marina Ruiz
Oakland, California: Lapis Lazuli Editions, 2010. Edition of 10.

4 x 8 x 3"; Tunnel book with 4 leaves of black-on-white linocuts.
Luz Marina Ruiz: "This tunnel book is created in ascending layers to evoke the feeling of rising ocean waves."
$400

Scorched
By Luz marina Ruiz
Oakland, California: Luz Marina Ruiz, 2010. Edition of 10.

4.25 x 3.5" closed, extends to 28"; 8 pages. Double-sided accordion. Pocket pages on one side of concertina with removable text sheet. Monotype and letterpress. Sewn binding with plexi glass covers.

Luz Marina Ruiz: "This book is about global warming. For each letter of the word SCORCHED there is a corresponding word printed below the letter that refers to weather and climate change." S/sun, C/climate, O/ozone, …
$250

Sueños Del Mar
(Ocean Dreams)
By Luz Marina Ruiz
Oakland, California: Lapis Lazuli Editions, 2009. One-of-a-Kind.

11.75 x 4.75 x 2" wooden display structure in the shape of a fish standing on its tail and covered with collograph prints. Three miniature books (1 x 1.25"; 1.75 x 2"; 2 x 2") of hand-painted gouache sit on shelves in the display.

Luz Marina Ruiz: "As a child I had recurring dreams about the ocean. I would stand along the seashore as large waves would swell up into the sky. Although the waves appeared ominous, I remained at the seashore and was intrigued by the power and force of the ocean."
(SOLD)