Ginny Ruffner (American, b. 1952), Red Roman Nectarine, Pale Gold

Oil on canvas, 1991, signed and inscribed to the verso, gallery wrapped canvas.

60 x 83 1/2 in.

The Contemporary Art Collection of Francine & Benson Pilloff, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Ginny Ruffner is a celebrated American artist renowned for her innovative approach to glass sculpture and mixed-media installations. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Ruffner initially studied painting at the University of Georgia before transitioning to glass as her primary medium. She gained recognition in the 1980s for her complex and whimsical lampworked glass sculptures, which often incorporate themes of science, nature, and imagination. Her work challenges the boundaries of traditional glassmaking by blending craftsmanship with conceptual artistry, making her a pioneer in the studio glass movement.

Ruffner’s career took a dramatic turn in 1991 after a near-fatal car accident left her with severe physical impairments, including the temporary loss of her ability to speak and walk. Defying expectations, she adapted her creative process and continued producing art, using her resilience as a source of inspiration. In addition to her glassworks, Ruffner has embraced new technologies, including augmented reality, to expand her artistic reach. Her work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum. A testament to her indomitable spirit, Ruffner’s art continues to captivate audiences with its inventive storytelling and vibrant exploration of the human imagination.

Good estate condition; no condition concerns to note.