Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen DeRamus.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My journey to becoming a full-time artist started early with my introduction to art, music and photography, all interests of my father, who was an inventor as well. Encouraged by my family I pursued all those interests from a very early age. I graduated from Emory University with a concentration in Asian art history with those early studies informing my paintings including my special interest in the organic and nature. My interest in photography grew along with my interest in studio art after graduation but life took me through many experiences including teaching, designing custom clothing, sales rep for a musical entertainment company, publicity and advertising photographer, a complicated path. In the early 1980’s I studied with my mentor, Joseph Perrin and settled into a life as a studio artist and there I found my passion
Please tell us about your art.
I am a painter creating oil and encaustic paintings. Both mediums allowing me to layer, structure and re-structure images. It is the process of painting that obsesses me, the beauty of the colors and the texture I can create. I spend time working on paper as well with a variety of mediums because drawing forms a basis for all my work along with the hundreds of images from the photographs that I take. The paintings and other works are not a direct translation of those images but rather the “feel”. For a long time, I have used the imaginary landscape as a means to communicated my interest in memory using my observation of the fragments, wandering aromas, and visual, translucent scraps we accumulate from here and there. I like weaving the recognizable along with mysterious forms into a work of art. I want people to take away my love of beauty in all its manifestations.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Choosing to make art full-time is a challenge but if the artist is willing to be flexible it is possible, which may mean making art that is not exactly what you like to do best. It takes a lot of energy so taking good care of yourself physically is so important. Make connections with other artists, keep learning your craft, go to exhibits and look for the best work from which to learn. Work every day even if you have only a short time. Besides talent if takes dedication and more dedication. Make work that means something to you. Ultimately it is not the tools you use or the time you spend, but the authentic message you have to give. There is no easy way.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My studio is located in the Artisan Resource Center in Marietta, Georgia. Since I work there every day, a quick call to me to arrange a visit is always possible. I post the images of my work on Social Media and on my website and Artwork Archive. Locally, my work may be seen at the RobertKent Galleries in Marietta, Art Alley in Birmingham,Alabama, and The Gilded Grasshopper in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Watch for announcements of work in exhibits and other galleries as well.
Contact Info:
- Address: Artisan Resource Center Helen DeRamus Studio
585 Cobb Parkway SE, Suite L-1 Marietta, GA 30060 - Website: http://www.helenderamus.com
- Phone: 770/378-9003
- Email: deramusstudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hderamus
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/helenderamus
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/helenderamus
- Other: http://www.deramusstudio.com
Image Credit:
Helen DeRamus Studio
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