As a child and teenager, Jazmin Ruotolo spent most of her time on the floor of her bedroom drawing and painting, using anything she could get her hands on. Her mother proudly supported her and her father worried. When it was time for college, she tried to please both sides, first at conventional town colleges in Boston (Boston University) and Pennsylvania (Philadelphia University), studying Art History and Design; then across the river for a time in London, England (The American College of London). All led to her current destination of New York City, attending Fashion Institute of Technology. During this time, she discovered a style that proved to be way beyond its time, blending art and commercial mediums - such as a paintbrush and a 'mouse'. At the time, the Artistic community turned its nose up at anything done on the computer saying "it wasn't art." Her experiences left her with the question: "What does it mean to be a true artist?"
Where the Art world failed to see her talents, the Fashion world embraced her. She fell in love with fashion as the ultimate outlet for self-expression. She has put her style on brands such as K.A. Kitties (a boutique line she owned with 3 other women), G-III by Carl Banks, Heatherette, and Coogie, to name a few. Clothing had unwittingly become a canvas for Jazmin which has reached the masses who may not be aware of her by name but, by purchasing millions of dollars worth of apparel, are in appreciation of her offerings.
Jazmin figured out a way to not be a struggling artist, but is now ready to turn the page and be the true artist in her, like it or not. Using acrylic on canvas, its richness satisfies her passion for the essence of all forms. She captures the spiritual energy within the subject - be it a flower or a woman.
Jazmin's mantra is: "Art connects. It can connect you to another person, or to something you may not have known existed within yourself."
