Artist Spotlight: Erin Rabideau (Ruya Mira) — Crafting Beautiful Nightmares Through Fantasy, Folklore, and Fine Art
Some artists paint what they see. Others paint what they dream. Then there are artists like Erin Rabideau, professionally known as Ruya Mira, who somehow manage to capture the unsettling space in between. Her work invites viewers into worlds where forgotten folklore, surreal fantasy, and ordinary life collide in wonderfully unexpected ways. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Erin to learn more about the inspirations behind her remarkable creations, her artistic journey, and what exciting projects lie ahead.
Interview with Erin Rabideau (Ruya Mira)
Q: How would you describe your artwork to someone discovering it for the very first time?
Erin: I work across illustration, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. My work explores the alarming beauty hidden inside ordinary moments that most people overlook. Reality often feels like a stage set that’s barely holding itself together, and I enjoy creating pieces where everyday objects, forgotten myths, folklore, and strange creatures exist together as though they belong. Sometimes viewers don’t realize something is unusual until they notice the furniture appears to be judging them.
Q: Your artistic influences span several very different worlds. Who has inspired your creative vision?
Erin: I’ve always admired the emotional brilliance of Vincent van Gogh, the romantic storytelling of John William Waterhouse, and the haunting imagination found in the works of Brom and H.R. Giger. Fantasy illustration, comic art, mythology, symbolism, and even pop culture all weave themselves into my creative process. I enjoy blending beauty with the bizarre in ways that hopefully surprise people.
Q: Your work often balances elegance with the macabre. What draws you toward darker themes?
Erin: I’ve always loved the macabre because it allows me to explore mystery, symbolism, and emotion in ways that feel timeless. Darkness doesn’t always have to be frightening—it can be beautiful, humorous, romantic, and even comforting. Those contradictions are where I find the most interesting stories.
Q: You work in an impressive variety of mediums. Do you have favorites?
Erin: Watercolor remains one of my favorite traditional mediums because of its spontaneity and organic flow. I also love working in plaster and creating three-dimensional pieces. Sculpture allows ideas to exist in physical space, giving them an entirely different personality. Beyond that, I enjoy experimenting with acrylics, pencils, markers, inks, jewelry making, leatherworking, and even bespoke fantasy and Renaissance-inspired corsetry.
Q: Your professional portfolio includes some incredible clients. Tell us about that journey.
Erin: Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to create artwork for Disney, Bob’s Burgers, Fox Studios, and numerous tabletop gaming publications. Every project presents unique creative challenges while allowing me to continue developing my own artistic voice.
Q: Your fans seem to have many ways to experience your work today.
Erin: Absolutely. I operate a full-time Etsy shop, maintain a Patreon community, exhibit regularly at conventions, and occasionally launch Kickstarter campaigns for larger creative projects. I enjoy connecting directly with collectors and supporters whenever possible.
Q: What exciting projects are coming next?
Erin: I’m currently developing a fully illustrated 78-card Steampunk Circus Tarot Deck, which has become one of my biggest passion projects. I’m also launching an illustrated snail-mail short story club, combining storytelling and artwork into something collectors can experience through the mail. Both projects have been incredibly rewarding to develop.
A Career Built on Imagination
Whether she’s sculpting eerie fantasy creatures, illustrating whimsical folklore, designing elaborate corsetry, or painting dreamlike scenes that linger in the imagination long after viewing, Erin Rabideau (Ruya Mira) continues to build a body of work that feels entirely her own.
Her art celebrates contradictions. It’s elegant yet unsettling. Humorous yet mysterious. Familiar yet undeniably strange. Every piece encourages viewers to pause, look closer, and perhaps question whether the ordinary world has always been hiding something extraordinary just beneath the surface.
For collectors of fantasy art, lovers of mythology, tabletop gamers, comic enthusiasts, and anyone drawn toward beautifully unconventional artwork, Ruya Mira’s portfolio offers an unforgettable journey through imagination.
PLEASE SUPPORT Erin by following her and purchasing her work through her socials below.
Follow Erin Rabideau (Ruya Mira)
Official Website: www.fantsticrev.com
Etsy Shop: FantasticalReverie
Instagram: @ruyakrasimira
Facebook: The Art of Ruya Mira
Ko-FI – RuyaMira
