In the first of a series of interviews with the artists in 2009's Art Rocks charity showcase is Ohio born, New York City native, Leigh Ruple. Art Rocks New York is November 12th at the Bowery Hotel. Interview after the jump.

What influenced you to get into art, and what influences you today:

My parents were artists.  I grew up in a household that held critical discussions, and I think this had a big impact on me.  Today I feel influenced by artworks engaging politics and feminism.

Do you have a preference - painting or drawing. How are each unique to you:

Paintings are my preferred surface for an image because the canvas allows a unique space to simultaneously provoke myself and the viewer.  I am particularly interested in creating a feminine space within the masculine trajectory of painting.  Drawings tend to help me work out logistics, ie formal issues such as color and composition.

Many of your pieces have figures in them. What do you base the subjects off of; your photos, found photos, collage, etc.

My paintings are drawings are primarily portraits of women. The 'feminine' forms and figures allow me to contemplate the objectification of gender.  I am considering 'the male gaze' associated with figurative art, and attempting to paint the female into a position of power or ascension against 'the gaze.'

What about your experience at Cooper Union has stuck with you the most.

The friends I made at Cooper Union were awesome.

What is a recent show or exhibition you were in that is memorable.

'The Crack Up' at ATM Gallery, curated by my friend and painter Sascha Brauing, was really fun.  Also 'Life and Times of...' curated by artist John Tremblay at Silver Shed.  Exhibitions curated by artists are great because they feel less about the market and more about a vision, or a community.

Where do you see your art evolving to.

I would like to create a feminine painting space that transcends canvas and stretcher bars.

-Emmett

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