Norwich artist Ruddy Muddy sells van amid financial struggle

Ricky Minns, better known as Ruddy Muddy, grew a universal following for his tribute pieces on the back of his white van.

However, after struggling financially and with stress, Ruddy was forced to sell his van two weeks ago.

Ruddy Muddy is best known for his art pieces on the back of his van (Image: Ruddy Muddy)

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The gap has left the artist questioning his future in the profession.

Ruddy, 48, said: “I’ve been worried about work recently without the van.

“The last 18 months have been so hard and all the problems with my van were causing much of the stress and anxiety.

Ruddy’s tribute to Liam Gallagher, who shared the work on his social media (Image: Archant)

“My muddy art has always been the best outlet so it has been a double whammy selling it.

“I’ve thought multiple times this year whether this is the last year I make this my job, find something else and have the art as more of a side hobby.

“I feel really fortunate that I get to do what I love for a living, but it just feels like I’m keeping my head above water.

“I’m known for my tributes and if I don’t have a van it could be two or three weeks until I can do it, by which time it makes it feel like an afterthought.

Ruddy, 48, said he’s thought multiple times this year whether this is the last year I make this my job (Image: Newsquest)

“The muddy work is what people are interested in, which I need a van – my canvas – for.

“It’s like Banksy keeping all his work at his house.”

A GoFundMe was created two days ago by a previous customer of Ruddy’s, Abbi Lewis, who said: “Ruddy wouldn’t ask for help himself, yet he tirelessly raises funds and awareness for so many other people and causes.

A GoFundMe has been set up to try and raise the money needed for Ruddy to get a new van (Image: Steve Ball)

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“As a struggling artist he’s had to sell his old van which is, essentially, his canvas and a critical method of transport for him and his work too.

“He’s an exceptional man who deserves a bit of kindness back.”

So far £1,485 has been raised out the £8,500 target.

Ruddy Muddy’s tribute to Bruce Forsyth (Image: Ruddy Muddy)