Artist Spotlight: Ruby Veridiano-Ching

Posted Fri, 09/19/2008 - 04:37 by janice

As a spoken word poet, writer, artist, author (whose new book is about to be released) and "Gangsta Pinay Sista," Ruby Veridiano-Ching describes her style as raw, honest, stripped and bare, yet sassy and strong. As a member of spoken word collective iLL-Literacy, Ruby has traveled around the world and the group has performed on many stages with the likes of Common, Mos Def, KRS-One, Lauryn Hill and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Inspired by a hip-hop concert she attended in college, Ruby knew she wanted to become a part of this positive energy building movement and found spoken word when she met fellow iLL-Literate, Adriel Luis. Ruby writes that she is inspired by "Life, love, everything. Inspiration comes from the most spontaneous, unexpected places- I'm inspired by other artists. Art feeds me. Music feeds me. Every artist has to take in before they can put out- art is meant to be contagious and wide spread in that way." She is constantly inspired by people--like her friends, who are what she calls the "most intelligent, creative and flyest people in the world."

Onstage, Ruby always delivers honest, vulnerable performances and poetry that narrates a people's movement based on love. Watch and listen to Ruby on iLL-Literacy's Natural Electricity tour, which will commence in the Fall. In addition to performing spoken word poetry, she is currently a VJ for Myx North America (a music network in the Philippines) and will be releasing her new book, Miss Universe, in October. (You can find a copy of one of her book's poems here). Miss Universe will feature writings, poetry and a distinctly female voice that demands truth and reflects beauty, strength and growth.

As a message to aspiring Pilipina/o American poets, Ruby says, "I am so proud and honored to be a part of your community. This is an incredible time to be an artist- we are at the brink of a new era! Tell the world your story, our story- we need you to be brown, beautiful, and proud together. We've always been fly- know now is your time to soar, so own it! I'm watching and taking in my community with so much love and pride."

1. How did you get into spoken word?

I was always a writer. The first writer that inspired me was Langston Hughes, and it was around the time that I discovered him that I decided I was going to be a poet. I didn't grow up with the best musical selection- all I depended on was whatever was on the radio! Thankfully, when I got into college, I was invited to take a trip down with some friends to LA- and oh dear, that was the most life changing trip ever. I went there to go to this concert, Audiotistics, which featured Mos Def, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Outkast, and Mystic all in one stage. It blew my mind. I realized I wanted to be a part of this movement, this hip-hop, positive energy building movement- but didn't know how. Thankfully, I met Adriel Luis (iLL-Literacy) in college and he was already into this brand new thing called 'spoken word'- I watched him, and I was like WHOA! It's poetry, but translated into performance--I CAN be a part of this! And that's when iLL-Literacy was born. I've been a writer/performing artist hybrid ever since.

2. What inspires you?

Life, love, everything. Inspiration comes from the most spontaneous, unexpected places- I'm inspired by other artists. Art feeds me. Music feeds me. Every artist has to take in before they can put out--art is meant to be contagious and wide spread in that way.
And you know what, my ex-boyfriends, however annoyed they make me, honestly inspires some of my most genius artistry- all those heartbreak woes!? I mean, how do you think John Legend bred "Ordinary People"? Thats the most heartwrenching song, and yet, its genius- its that documentation of heartbreak and emotional chaos that catches humanity in its most raw, vulnerable, honest form- and it is in that state that I can make some of my best art, where I can project my truths. Not that I can't write when I'm happy or anything- except...well, its just not as good. Haha. When I'm happy, I make other art- collages, song lyrics, fashion. Its important for me to explore other types of art- it adds to the texture of my work!

PS. I love Sonia Sanchez. I love M.I.A. I love Janelle Monae! Most of all, I'm blessed to have an amazing circle of friends- my friends are some of the most intelligent, creative, flyest people in the world. They are drop dead, blindingly gorgeous, inside and out. Truly. They inspire me to become a better person.

3. How would you define your writing and performance style?

I would say- raw, honest. Just my words, stripped and bare. Then I can get a little sassy too- its that "I'm a boss" attitude- confident, independent, strong through it all. Woman knowing her strengths, but unafraid to admit to her weaknesses.

4. What message would you give to aspiring (Pilipina/o American) poets?

I am so proud and honored to be a part of your community. This is an incredible time to be an artist- we are at the brink of a new era! Tell the world your story, our story- we need you to be brown, beautiful, and proud together. We've always been fly- know now is your time to soar, so own it! I'm watching and taking in my community with so much love and pride.

Bookmark/Search this post with: