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Ruth Asawa: documentary on an artist who worked every minute | HOW TO SEE

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  • Published on Mar 7, 2026

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  • @etchnings
    @etchnings Month ago +506

    Ma'am Asawa has taught me that an artist is a human that teaches humanity to other humans. This tribute has touched me to my core.

  • @socialjusticejewelry
    @socialjusticejewelry Month ago +296

    "Make forms with a line that doesn't steal the air from anyone." Beautiful forms, beautiful human.

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago +6

      Beautiful forms indeed, and a lovely way to think about design that respects everyone's space.

  • @andygreatfield
    @andygreatfield Month ago +363

    Her work is exploding now. And rightfully so. You can see the level of craftsmanship and introspective on display here. Kudos as well to her children for helping keep the legacy alive, they seem to have done an excellent job.

    • @SteepedInAnimalSauce
      @SteepedInAnimalSauce Month ago

      So hot right now.

    • @enidcoleslaw3589
      @enidcoleslaw3589 Month ago +8

      The level of introspective on display is insane

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago +7

      Her craftsmanship really is incredible, and it's so inspiring to see her legacy being carried forward with such care.

    • @Newsomfangirl
      @Newsomfangirl Month ago +4

      Spectacular. A seed in the ground. She was the end result. A life worth living. Mahalo.

    • @blueberryyogini
      @blueberryyogini Month ago +2

      How is her art exploding now?

  • @iimpoliite
    @iimpoliite Month ago +122

    the love her children have for her work could bring me to tears , even if the world can’t see you… your own flesh trying to understand the history and influence of your work??? incredible . all i could ever want too .

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago +14

      That's such a beautiful way to put it. Seeing that kind of legacy and understanding within a family is truly incredible. It really is everything.

    • @blueberryyogini
      @blueberryyogini Month ago +6

      I loved her kid's comments. They really fleshed out her existence for our understanding. I like their insights, like how her son said he got so used to guests coming through the door frequently. I like how her daughter was interested in her mom's Japanese life before coming to America. Cool kids. 😊

  • @maya97249
    @maya97249 Month ago +162

    Thank you for making this artist known to me ❤

    • @rr7firefly
      @rr7firefly Month ago +1

      Aside from the images, the narrative and the sculptures the music soundtrack is wonderful. Really loved this documentary of a very special artist.

  • @jamesislandcharter
    @jamesislandcharter Month ago +211

    Another example of the beauty of diversity in this country and why people should be allowed to flourish and just to BE.

  • @kava2021
    @kava2021 Month ago +71

    One of her children said she could thrived on just a few hours of sleep and packed as much as she can in a day. So she can create…I’m so impressed that she doesn’t limit herself to being a sculptor but also she draws, paints, does printmaking,…as well as attending to her six children, gardening…teaching. What a life filled to the capacity!!!

  • @sydvaca
    @sydvaca Month ago +167

    i went to ruth asawa san francisco school of the arts class of 2014. growing up in SF we were exposed to her work in elementary, taught some wire looping techniques in art class, and had a pride when the school was named after her. but i never knew this much of her story! what an incredible life. truly inspirational and maybe my longest-standing inspirational artists, 25+ years being absolutely mesmerized by the wire lace sculptures. truly a legend, RIP miss asawa, rest in timelessness or maybe don't rest at all (;

    • @larsphilipsonisaac7164
      @larsphilipsonisaac7164 Month ago +7

      That sounds so interesting. Would you have any idea of where to learn how to wire loop? Love to try it. And I’m a farm worker , lots of wire!

    • @earthrooster1969
      @earthrooster1969 Month ago +4

      ❤so well you expressed about her ❤

    • @sydvaca
      @sydvaca Month ago +4

      @larsphilipsonisaac7164 i think it's mostly a learn by observing/doing thing because her method is i believe protected in some way. i couldn't find a video on how to do it.
      that said, my brother remembers (he made more wire pieces than me, i was more of a friendship breacelet soft materials girl) maybe i can poke him to make a tutorial

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago +4

      That's a really cool personal connection to share. It must have been special to grow up with her work and legacy woven into your school experience like that. Her story is so powerful, and it's amazing how her art continues to captivate for decades. Thanks for adding that perspective

    • @annaisapalindrome
      @annaisapalindrome Month ago +11

      Someone I know had Ruth as a substitute teacher at SotA! They had nothing but amazing things to say about her and said she also taught the students tai chi which is so wholesome

  • @rflcain
    @rflcain Month ago +54

    we need a motion picture adaptation of her story she's fascinating

    • @kibaileyb
      @kibaileyb Month ago +4

      yeah ; she got me with the 5-6 kids…
      i had no idea i can have children and continue my workday 😅. inspiring

  • @Lbnbn5490
    @Lbnbn5490 Month ago +50

    I’m not sure how this got to me or even why I clicked play but I’m damn glad I did. A nice deposit to restoring my faith in humanity in these all too ugly times.

  • @terraloft
    @terraloft Month ago +61

    My heart expanded hearing her voice

  • @Lina01958
    @Lina01958 Month ago +55

    She was a truly remarkable human being. Her art is so unique and special. I can’t properly express how much so. And even still, the part that impresses me the most about her, is the view her children have of her. For her to be as productive in life as she was, as dedicated to her art, as innovative, and seemingly still be just as present with her children, is truly a feat. She continually impresses and inspires me. Beautiful documentary on her.

  • @confrontingphotography4815

    This was a delight, thank you.

  • @JFFaboo
    @JFFaboo Month ago +59

    What a tremendous gift this video is. I feel so enriched by knowing more about this remarkable woman. Thank you.

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago +1

      Glad you enjoyed the video too! It's amazing to learn about such inspiring people together.

  • @Paulholio69
    @Paulholio69 Month ago +41

    A life well lived.

  • @JohnSeed
    @JohnSeed Month ago +37

    I'm in awe of Asawa's art and humanity. Thanks for this inspiring glimpse of her world.

  • @tuanvu8823
    @tuanvu8823 Month ago +29

    We saw at the Moma. One of the best exhibitions! Her soul is still there with us. She carried into the museum. ❤ Thank you MOMA.

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago +1

      That sounds like a truly moving experience. It's amazing how art can make an artist's presence feel so alive and close.

  • @MeloSpaces
    @MeloSpaces Month ago +33

    starting today, I will pursue to make it my best day. I will no longer allow depression, artificial and materialistic yearnings to dictate my life, I will trust the earth to keep me alive as long as I am able to. With unconditional love, after many many months of research for the divine and looking within and beating myself up for not finding the right path, everything has led, finally to this understanding, to let it be and to be one with the world entirely.

  • @GratitudeGriot
    @GratitudeGriot Month ago +18

    Her children have kept their parents' home beautifully!! i'm inspired by artists who are also parents. im constantly caught between the need to create and earn a sustainable income for my family. Seeing Asawa was able to do it for decades gives me hope!

    • @rr7firefly
      @rr7firefly Month ago

      Where in Noe Valley is this home? I would love to walk past it to honor Ruth Asawa. I once lived in Noe Valley and I am an artist as well, so I feel connected to her. I wish I had known more about her when I lived there because I was familiar with several of her artworks in the public domain.

  • @casaperfectamadonnamiadona

    A wonderful, fantastic artist. A wonderful caregiver for children. A beautiful person, a beautiful woman, and the beautiful art she created. I AM DELIGHTED. I'VE BEEN LIVING WITH ART FOR YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER MET SUCH A WONDERFUL, CREATIVE ARTIST. THANK YOU.❤❤❤❤❤👍👋👋👋👋👋

    • @HomeFromFarAway
      @HomeFromFarAway Month ago +3

      I hope my kids feel that way about me one day ❤ what a joy

  • @Talentedtadpole
    @Talentedtadpole Month ago +27

    A great Artist. Under appreciated. That must change.

  • @TEPO--
    @TEPO-- Month ago +19

    Ode to Ruth Asawa, her art and to her vibe to a neighborhood and to the world.

  • @JéssicaMendes-k1r
    @JéssicaMendes-k1r Month ago +5

    As a mathematician i am amazed.

  • @selalewis9189
    @selalewis9189 Month ago +11

    I saw her sculptures several years ago at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. So beautiful 🤩

  • @sagevillamama
    @sagevillamama Month ago +21

    I have loved her work for many years. I thank my sons former teacher for a field trip which introduced me to this wonderful, dynamic, superb artist. Every time I see her work I notice something different or it looks new. I can never have enough photographs of her work from the museum. I'm so inspired by this super star women. Thank you to her family for sharing her story and beautiful art with us again. I feel so blessed. I would love to have 1% of her talent. As a minority woman I know how it feels to be seen for your work and not your skin tone. ❤❤ Thanks MOMA! This made my day! I'll be back to visit. 😊

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago +1

      Her work truly does keep revealing new layers every time we look. It's amazing how art can connect us across different experiences and still feel so personal. That field trip introduction sounds like such a meaningful moment. Here's to many more inspiring visits!

  • @angelosmith7215
    @angelosmith7215 Month ago +13

    Ms Asawa does Amazing work and my Friend is Married to her Grand Daughter

  • @anetakrystyna
    @anetakrystyna Month ago +12

    I love her. Art, personality, philosophy of life. From the first day when I attended an exhibition in Oxford and saw her art and felt her spirit.

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago +3

      Her art really does have a special way of touching people. It's amazing how a single exhibition can leave such a lasting impression.

  • @hudson2861
    @hudson2861 Month ago +5

    Ruth Asawa has changed my focus and my life. I find her art incredibly moving. The wire sculptures are mesmerizing. Truly a gifted artist and an amazing human being.

  • @MadelineMerchant
    @MadelineMerchant Month ago +3

    That house looks so breathable and full of life

  • @jessicaj7510
    @jessicaj7510 Month ago +6

    my grandfather was an artist, art teacher, and friend of Asawa in San Francisco. He was always showing me how to look at things :)

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago

      That's such a wonderful connection to have! It must have been amazing to learn how to see the world through his eyes. Those kinds of lessons are truly special.

    • @wattpadjunkie1133
      @wattpadjunkie1133 Month ago

      Can you tell us what he told you on how to look at things?

  • @neesaljohnson86
    @neesaljohnson86 17 days ago

    I love her work. Thank you to her children fir sharing their genius of a Mother

  • @Ben-v7e
    @Ben-v7e 16 days ago

    Man, I'm inspired, chastised, and humbled.

  • @shanohu
    @shanohu Month ago +2

    this blew me away. so inspiring

  • @kidicaruz
    @kidicaruz Month ago +18

    Didnt know her before this video. Fascinating person, her work looks really amazing!!

    • @maryowen6094
      @maryowen6094 Month ago

      I had never heard of her before either. I wonder did she write about art too?

  • @stephanzenz5054
    @stephanzenz5054 26 days ago

    What a fertile mind. Extraordinary artist, woman and mother.❤

  • @WesFanMan
    @WesFanMan Month ago +1

    What a wonderful person.

  • @ruthgonzalezmartin8671

    Nunca olvidaré la primera vez que vi una obra de Ruth Asawa, desde ese momento se volvió una de mis artistas favoritas.

  • @sg639
    @sg639 Month ago

    What a powerful lesson of art, industry, perseverance, inventiveness...the list continues on. This video is essential for students to see for many reasons, but mainly for a cue as to how their time might be productively spent growing their own unique vision, talents, and purpose.

  • @TrixieHop
    @TrixieHop Month ago +12

    SO excited to see this. Ruth Asawa is one of my all time favourite artists and now it is so wonderful to see a little of her family life too. Thank you. And what a world it was then to have Black Mountain College.

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago +2

      Ruth Asawa's work is truly inspiring, and it's great to see more personal glimpses shared. Black Mountain College was such a unique and creative place in art history.

  • @pdgoc2375
    @pdgoc2375 21 day ago

    In person, these are the most beautiful, ethereal works of art, especially with dramatic lighting, gorgeus.

  • @TheBeamEffect
    @TheBeamEffect Month ago +1

    so glad to receive this quite a genius she was in her own right

  • @sunbird7349
    @sunbird7349 Month ago +3

    Such a beautiful Heart...

  • @GloomBloomGroove
    @GloomBloomGroove 15 days ago

    I love her, I learned about her in a sculpture class at uni. Such deep and moving work.

  • @Rollie-go
    @Rollie-go Month ago +13

    Absolutely love finding out about this Ruth Asawa, whom I had never heard of before. So inspirational!! Beautiful thoughtful pieces, embody a lifetime of generosity

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago

      Her work really is a beautiful discovery! It's amazing how her sculptures capture such generosity and thoughtfulness.

  • @natashalawes6038
    @natashalawes6038 Month ago

    What an Amazing and Beautiful Lady She Was and Still is 😍🎉

    • @natashalawes6038
      @natashalawes6038 Month ago

      The Singapore Gardens by the Bay was Definitely Inspired by this Lady!!!

  • @KaleEmino02134
    @KaleEmino02134 Month ago

    I love her last sentence here 😮😊

  • @NC-qc7wd
    @NC-qc7wd Month ago +2

    Absolutely brilliant. What a genious

  • @justcheryl5568
    @justcheryl5568 19 days ago

    Amazing women and blessed family.

  • @Ali-Manning
    @Ali-Manning Month ago

    Incredible artist 🎉❤ and Legacy

  • @MrJohnblaine
    @MrJohnblaine Month ago

    She's fabulous... her children experienced an incredible mother.

  • @metrinstoefta1490
    @metrinstoefta1490 25 days ago

    Ruth Asawa is SO SPECTACULAR she reaches out to us from beyond time. the chorus of joyous comments here is truly extra-ordinary. thank you Ruth.

  • @paintedleg3886
    @paintedleg3886 Month ago

    Ever inspiring. Thank you. 🙏

  • @omayarushd6509
    @omayarushd6509 14 days ago

    Simply put, Ruth Asawa was no less than a genius! I love her art and her great personality. She still lives through what she did, elevating the creative human spirit!

  • @Onthesummit
    @Onthesummit Month ago +2

    Greatest artist of all time.

  • @bexiexz
    @bexiexz Month ago +1

    ruth is so deeply incredible

  • @Boudicia55
    @Boudicia55 Month ago

    Amazing woman. Pure natural unique talented inspiring ,there are so many words that come to mind.

  • @girliemarie7135
    @girliemarie7135 Month ago

    Beautiful story

  • @coastofkonkan
    @coastofkonkan Month ago +1

    Force of Nature. Just amazing.

  • @MarsG0Dofw4r_
    @MarsG0Dofw4r_ Month ago +1

    Teach art then teach others art. We then love art and teach others to love.

  • @rickkuny6591
    @rickkuny6591 Month ago +1

    What an extraordinary life

  • @MuseologyInsights
    @MuseologyInsights Month ago +2

    I admire the strong women of East Asia.
    Thanks to you, I’ve discovered another artist - thank you so much.
    Being an artist feels like an outward explosion while simultaneously turning inward.❤

  • @earthrooster1969
    @earthrooster1969 Month ago +3

    Wow! What a huge big soul...her large view of life, overflowed endlessly and will continue to do... through her beautiful children and of course her work!

    • @TheBook_Hungry_Minds
      @TheBook_Hungry_Minds Month ago

      Her spirit really does shine through in everything she created and everyone she inspired. It's amazing how a legacy like that keeps giving.

  • @johnpaulzagami52
    @johnpaulzagami52 Month ago +2

    Wow!!! What a cool woman. Amazing artist.

  • @poochies2wheels
    @poochies2wheels Month ago

    wow! I'm so grateful for this video and even more so for Ruth Asawa. thank you.

  • @unlikebee
    @unlikebee Month ago +6

    This is one of my fav artist talks from moma so far! Love these retrospective and story based ones

  • @isithometimeyet6553

    What an amazing and inspirational woman.

  • @deboramccallum3987

    Life of simple means turns into creative genius..amazing

  • @Twozerofived
    @Twozerofived Month ago

    a citizen of the universe !!

  • @PoppyCox22
    @PoppyCox22 Month ago

    Wow! Talk about inspirational!!🤩❤❤❤

  • @teresafierro1789
    @teresafierro1789 Month ago

    Gracias Por Dar A Conocer A Esta Gran Artista Y Mujer..Increíble Su Alto Nivel De Arte y Creatividad En Todas Las Areas De La Expresión Artística..Gracias Por Este Video.

  • @paulweiss2720
    @paulweiss2720 Month ago

    Terrific piece! Thank you.

  • @pete-t5p4w
    @pete-t5p4w 11 days ago

    Amazing that this genius is virtually unknown! I am in awe and must go to MOMA!

  • @JisooKim-wo3if
    @JisooKim-wo3if Month ago +1

    Asawa's such an inspiration

  • @Elmeromerosaborranchero-q8x

    And we do. We're growing every moment, each one at their one pace; slowly, calmly, meditatively, passionately as we breath in this same instant

  • @mrtnkelly
    @mrtnkelly Month ago +1

    What a beautiful person. ❤

  • @TheDavizlau
    @TheDavizlau Month ago +1

    Thank you! Such a wonderful documentary film! Ruth Asawa was a superwoman and fantastic artist.

  • @tom9836
    @tom9836 15 days ago

    what a wonderful video of a stunning artist!

  • @joshuatsang3036
    @joshuatsang3036 Month ago +1

    To be able to work all the time without burning out, she must've had some extraordinary spiritual link to her work that kept her going.

  • @Daniel-j6c7v
    @Daniel-j6c7v Month ago

    I grew up in Japan and went to Art school in SF I feel like she's my soul mate 💙✌️🙏

  • @luannnapier6255
    @luannnapier6255 Month ago

    Ms Asawa is an inspiration. She teaches by example. She constantly moves gracefully and doesn't stop or worry or feel the tension of competition. I love how she lives.

  • @aissatou_04
    @aissatou_04 Month ago +2

    What a lovely look into her work!

  • @justinfournier3894

    that seed metaphor at the end is spot on
    thanks Ruth

  • @raquelgeneve
    @raquelgeneve 21 day ago

    I'm fascinated 😮
    The example of a good use of internet, to make this kind of thing be viewed by a lot of people

  • @misstara9838
    @misstara9838 Month ago

    What an incredible woman and line of work she leaves behind. Her story is so important for many reasons. I remember the first time I saw her work, I gasped and was mesmerized. I can still see it. Now.

  • @erkayasa
    @erkayasa Month ago +1

    What an inspiring artist, thank you

  • @Moe-d9b1u
    @Moe-d9b1u Month ago +8

    Great ! What an inspiring women ❤

  • @MissDarlaDeville
    @MissDarlaDeville Month ago

    Wow what an inspiration, as a mother and full time artist who is trying to balance it all this is beyond inspiring. So moving.

  • @von.888
    @von.888 Month ago

    What a beautiful soul.

  • @Pedro_Veste_Preto
    @Pedro_Veste_Preto Month ago +2

    Her saying in the end filled me with a good feeling and a new perspective! Great Video!

  • @jessycaphoenix8152
    @jessycaphoenix8152 Month ago +1

    I enjoyed this immensely

  • @shidatja
    @shidatja Month ago

    She’s a rare genius 🥺.

  • @richradka
    @richradka 15 days ago

    I somehow had never heard of her, but I just chanced upon her retrospective at Moma and it was really a revelation to me

  • @grumblekin
    @grumblekin Month ago +1

    As a Nisei myself (half like her kids), nothing makes me more proud than to see this.
    She was a whirlwind of creation and gave us all the tools we need to carry art forward.

  • @TulipTide-k1z
    @TulipTide-k1z Month ago +1

    wat een prachtig werk, bedankt voor de plot

  • @algreenallartwork
    @algreenallartwork Month ago

    YES! The Ruth Asawa exhibition visited Stavanger, Norway in 2023 - stunning to see, and there was a thrilling open panel discussion about many aspects of her life that enabled me to develop my own work on patterns of creativity in the mind and body over various stages of our growth and development. I'm eternally grateful, to her work in general, and those curating and exhibiting her work and life story.

  • @svenlundergard1
    @svenlundergard1 Month ago

    Such an incredible human. Just awe inspiring for me that she had so much ENERGY!!

  • @sunshine7789
    @sunshine7789 Month ago +1

    What an incredibly woman and family.

  • @TobyWorsfold
    @TobyWorsfold Month ago

    When I die, if I am very, very good in this life, I hope I can come back as Ruth Asawa. What an incredible life she lived.

  • @HopskotchBunny
    @HopskotchBunny Month ago +2

    What a wonderfully talented artist who raised an amazing family who can pass down her legacy. Absolutely love her artwork, her spirit, her family and this video. Thank you ❤🕊️

  • @luluwinke6581
    @luluwinke6581 18 days ago

    this should be taught to children immediately 🎇