About

 

I am Ruby Simpkin (they/them), a freelance artist based in Naarm (Melbourne). My practice explores queer/trans identity as well as its intersection with chronic illness and neurodivergence. 

For the past 6 years tattooing and drawing has been my primary practice. I was based in Paris, France for three years where I helped run La Kermesse, a queer tattoo collective. Being around so many talented queer artists in such an epicentre of artistic expression was formative for my style and use of colour  

Since returning to Naarm, I’ve moved into a more intentional, emotionally explorative art practice that feels separate from tattooing. It’s been a way to process many converging life transitions this year. 

Symbolism has always been important in my work; combs, chains, swans, flowers, vines, horses, butterflies and beads interact in visual language. Combs are very human to me in their inherent solitude and uniqueness, the teeth standing side by side can look like a group together or like fingers reaching out to touch. This universal human object that is present in all cultures since ancient times, both decorative and functional has intrigued me for years. Combs are nostalgic and tactile, they can be musical, they’re often broken or lost. 

When I draw flowers and plants, they are an explorative and joyful expression of sexuality and gender. Often there are many different kinds of flowers on the same vine, twisting and curling around each other, saturated with colour, other worldly.