
Teaching Artist Chele Ramos
On January 31st each year, Inspire Your Heart with Art Day reminds us of art’s powerful impact on our lives. Whether it’s the sense of pride felt in drawing a picture or the feeling of community in creating art as a group, art has many benefits beyond the basic skills of brush strokes and line techniques. Prairie Music & Arts interviewed Sun Prairie artist Chele Ramos to celebrate this special day. Ramos is leading a School’s Out Day Superhero Self-portraits activity on February 28th at the Westside Community Building. Here’s what she had to say about the influences that inspired her, what led to her becoming a professional artist, and what she hopes to share through teaching.
PMA: It sounds like making art has been a part of your life since you were young. Tell us more about your journey as an artist.
A: Although I loved to draw as a child, it wasn’t until my mid-thirties that I began painting. I started learning how to paint because I wanted something that was just for me. I was at a point in my life where I felt like everything I was doing was for someone else, and I needed art to bring back my sense of self.
PMA: Making art offers such individual feelings; what excites you when you are creating art?
A: I love getting lost in a painting. The self-reflection that happens when I paint is, I think, what excites me the most. Also, playing with different mediums is exciting. I love learning new things and discovering how different mediums can portray my ideas differently!
PMA: Teachers play a big part in our inspiration as artists. Is there an artist or teacher that inspired you when you were young?
A: When I was young, I felt encouraged to draw because of my third-grade teacher, Mrs. McFerrigan, who flattered me with kind words about my realistic portrayal of Abraham Lincoln. Later, in my teens, my Mother encouraged me to draw with charcoals, teaching me what she knew about portraiture.
PMA: The arts play a big part in our development as individuals. How have the arts impacted you?
A: The arts have changed my life. They have given me a sense of purpose and a medium to use for my personal growth and reflection. My mental health really depends on it.
PMA: Your website expresses that you like to focus on portraiture. How would you describe your artistic style, and what is your favorite medium?
A: I would describe much of my work as Expressive Realism. Lately, my art is directly about mental health, feelings, emotions, and thoughts. I use a variety of mediums to achieve these ideas. One of my favorite mediums to use is watercolor paint.
PMA: You’re going to be leading a session on February 28th as part of our Schools-Out Day program. Describe the activity you will be leading.
A: I will be leading students through creating a mixed-medium superhero self-portrait. The idea is that the child reflects upon what makes them unique, special, strong, etc.
PMA: What do you hope students will gain from the experience of creating their own Superhero art?
A: I hope they will feel pride in who they are and feel compelled to create more art!
PMA: You keep busy as an artist; what other projects are you working on?
A: I am working on a year-long mental health project that I will be exhibiting in November at Art Lit Lab. I hope to do a few art workshops open to the public throughout the year as part of this project.
PMA: With any endeavor, there are going to be challenges and learning moments. What challenges have you experienced, and how have you dealt with them?
A: There are many challenges, but the biggest challenge is overcoming the nagging voice in my head that tells me I’m not good enough. I have to intentionally ignore that voice and just do it anyway.
PMA: Since today is National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, do you have any advice for young artists?
A: Make art! Don’t worry about how good it is, just make it. Every day. Even if it’s just a few lines.
PMA: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: I’m super excited to make art with the children in my community. I believe everyone is an artist, and creativity feeds the soul.