F5: Maye Ruiz Unveils Lamp Sketches & Surprises: Plus, Meet Her Dog Quesadilla!

From an early age, Maye Ruiz was unknowingly laying the groundwork for her future career. As a child, she found joy in organizing her grandmother’s bookshelves and repurposing items, such as turning a wicker planter into a side table. This knack for rearranging and redesigning spaces followed her into adulthood. “I eventually realized that this childhood impulse was a deep-seated passion,” she explains. “It was then I understood that my play had evolved into my calling.”

Art also played a significant role in shaping her aspirations. The works of Hieronymus Bosch, in particular, made a lasting impact on her. She would spend hours absorbed in a book of the Dutch painter’s artworks, captivated and somewhat frightened by his depictions of the afterlife. Today, she channels that same intrigue for complex details and underlying stories into her designs.

Ruiz pursued a degree in interior design, perfecting her craft over the years. In 2021, she launched Maye Estudio in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, focusing on residential and hospitality interiors, where her daring color choices became her trademark.

Despite being easily distracted during her school years, often delaying study for leisure activities like biking and listening to music, Ruiz excelled by thinking on her feet. This ability to improvise has become one of her greatest assets, enabling her to devise creative solutions spontaneously.

Ruiz is continually inspired by her materials and enjoys crafting narratives about the spaces she imagines. She also expresses an interest in sharing these stories, and others, through different mediums. “I’ve always been drawn to deep, engaging dialogues and think hosting a podcast would be an ideal platform to explore diverse and profound topics,” she remarks.

Today, we are joined by Maye Ruiz for Friday Five!

1. A Mosaic of Books and Objects

One of my cherished spaces is the red tiled bookshelf in my home. It’s here that I blend books with eclectic finds and design elements that spark my creativity. I relish the dynamic process of rearranging and experimenting—shifting books, mixing unexpected items. It’s a constant reminder that creativity often stems from reimagining what already exists, and how contrasting elements can illuminate each other.

2. Discoveries in a Tile Emporium

3. Designing Light

I find myself increasingly drawn to object design, particularly lamps. My recent sketches showcase my fondness for vibrant colors, postmodern aesthetics, and playful yet elegant forms. Balancing my chaotic inner thoughts with geometric symmetry helps in organizing my creative visions. Drawing remains a fundamental and genuine step in my design process.

4. My Anchor, Quesadilla

For someone deeply engrossed in thoughts like myself, Quesadilla (indeed, named after the delightful Mexican dish) serves as a vital ground to the present. Her company allows me to reconnect with my inner self, reenergize, and draw fresh inspiration.

5. The Vision of Tondal by Hieronymus Bosch

One of my first profound encounters with visual art was through Bosch’s The Vision of Tondal. As a youngster rearranging my grandmother’s book collection, I stumbled upon a volume of Bosch’s work and was repeatedly drawn to it. His detailed, symbolic depictions of otherworldly scenes both fascinated and terrified me, leaving a lasting impression that influences my work to this day.

 

Spotlight on Maye Ruiz’s Creations:

Carmín

Nestled in the historic Coyoacán area of Mexico City, Carmín starts as a cozy spot for light fare and evolves into a lively nightclub as the evening progresses. Inspired by the eerie ambiance of the 1970s Italian horror film Suspiria, the bar’s design incorporates elements of mysticism, intensity, and drama. A striking red canopy over the central bar anchors and illuminates the space, setting the tone for the night’s experiences.

Bekeb

Bekeb, a bar that specializes in sophisticated mixology, draws inspiration from the heartland of Mexico, El Bajío. The design pays homage to the imagery of Los Altos de Jalisco, blending elements from ranches, cantinas, and Catholic churches in what we’ve termed vaquero barroco. This project holds a personal connection for me, reflecting my father’s lifetime work on a dairy ranch.

Casa Coa

In designing Casa Coa, serpent motifs found on the property guided our creative direction. We honored the eclectic architectural style, blending Mexican and Moroccan influences. The atmosphere is a nod to the clients’ beloved film, Great Expectations, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and vibrant. Local ceramics were used to add a unique twist to San Miguel de Allende’s traditional aesthetics.