Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Ramirez.
Kelsey, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I didn’t take my art skills too seriously until I went to high school. I was transferred to an alternative school. There, I met some of the most wonderful people I have met so far. They supported my skills and that’s where I really began to flourish. The teachers and mentors I had, allowed me to work on some murals on the walls at school. Once I graduated, I fell into one of my toughest battle I have faced so far. I fell into the death trap of heroin. I stopped painting and drawing. Fast forward one year, I left the country to seek out some help which I got. Once I came back to the States, I was terrified of coming back. Luckily, I had finally landed a job I would find myself doing for the next four years and hopefully the rest of my life, tattooing. The love I had for growing as an artist was finally rekindled. From that day on, I have worked extremely hard, my art skills have improved drastically. I finished my apprenticeship, and began tattooing in a sterile and professional environment. This has been both a great and terrifying experience, but I’m glad to be here and to share my story. For those fighting addiction, you can do it.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a lady tattooer based in the Chicagoland area. This last year I have been focusing on the Japanese traditional style tattoos. There are so much history and legends in this large-scale and even small-scale tattoos. It’s a constant learning process. Many of my paintings have some sort of story or legend behind them. It’s not just something I was able to spill onto a paper. They are the end result of my hard work and studies of the Japanese culture and mythology.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I believe it has, the art has changed along with the people. The artists of today are more expressive and confident in their own ideas rather than being worried about what people may label them as because of what they painted or tattooed.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am almost always participating in art shows especially at Vamoose Tattoo removal on Damen Ave, you can always stop in there to check out my work. Purchasing one of my paintings is a great way to show your support! If you’re looking for something more permanent, you can always stop into the shop to get one of my original paintings or designs tattooed!
Contact Info:
- Email: kramirez3557@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kramirez557
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kelseymono
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vegburrito
Image Credit:
Kelsey Ramirez
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