“Inspiration for me isn’t something that has been learned or commoditized. It comes when it does, not from any specific source or object, but from out of the blue. I wish I could better articulate this but it truly is impulsive and random…” – Ramos
As a product of the diverse Southern California landscape, Julio Ramos has been surrounded by the sights, sounds and creativity of multiple cultures that have shaped and inspired his personal and professional ventures. From the Hispanic pockets in East Los Angeles to the alternative lifestyles of Venice beach, from the snow filled mountains of Big Bear to the desolate terrain of the Salton Sea desert, Ramos is a product of his surroundings, and his continued inspirations find themselves in the corners of any culture, neighborhood, material or origin.
In lieu of formalized and regimented art training in traditional mediums, Ramos has instead harnessed the decades of sculpting, finishing, painting and creativity that were acquired in the classic automobile restoration trade that has been an otherwise practical form of professional employment. From an apprenticeship to owning and operating his own restoration business in Los Angeles, he has taken the everyday tools of his trade and transformed them into the extensions of his diverse and experienced creative imagination.
Metal, automotive grade paint, hues and colors stemming from motorama and shapes and techniques that can all be traced back to Ramos’ decades of restoration and craftsmanship manifest in the unique art pieces he produces.
Ramos includes gloss finishes, matte finishes, bright colors, metallic colors and straight edged as well as free flowing shapes of all kinds into his contemporary art pieces, usually coming to life on one of his hallmark aircraft grade aluminum “canvases”. His pieces don’t represent any specific automotive theme or culture, but rather serve as a foundation only for his bright and usually contrasting art.
Going forward, Ramos hopes to share his creations and inspire others to find their artistic vision in their own everyday lives. “What may be routine and mundane can still explode with vibrancy and emotional passion, and we must stay unbigoted to these ideas that are just waiting to be exposed,” said Ramos.
“My role in society, or any artist’s or any poet’s role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people what to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all.”
Ramos