By: Ariani Ray

Jose Ramirez is an artist, educator, and father rooted in Los Angeles. His pieces can be seen anywhere from the homes of family and friends in the form of calendars and illustrated children's books to Trejos Cantina in Hollywood, where he has painted original murals. I first met Ramirez through his youngest daughter, Sol, who I quickly became friends with through Self Help Graphics' Youth Committee about two years ago. Through Sol, I was able to interview Ramirez and learn further about his art and even his garden.

Ramirez, who currently lives in Los Angeles, has lived here his entire life except for the ten years he spent attending high school and college. Ramirez attended the University of California Berkeley, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Art. Following his time at Berkley, he received his teaching credentials from California State University, Los Angeles.

When I asked about what first drew him to art, Ramirez shared that the responses he got from his teacher about his art were so positive that feedback from his teacher helped foster his introduction to art. The responsiveness from his teacher and the healing qualities art

posed for him at the time led him to explore art further and increase his interest. Ramirez shared that his favorite art mediums to work with are acrylic and enamel. His use of both of these mediums can be seen through the art he creates.

In addition to being an artist and father, Ramirez is also an educator. At the moment, he works at Esperanza Elementary as an Intervention Specialist. Ramirez speaks highly about his past and current students, sharing that alongside his children, and his artwork, an accomplishment of

which he feels quite proud is his students. He also shares that the students, parents, and his relationships with the communities he teaches and has taught in are his greatest inspiration. Being an artist has impacted his teaching career in a positive manner. He shared that by living life through the lens of an artist, he is able to be a better teacher. He states that through his artistic outlook on life, he can lesson plan, teach, and work within his classroom extremely well.

Ramirez shares advice on navigating the art world through trial and error and how critical mistakes are to the livelihood of success. He discussed that while learning to navigate the art world, he learned that communication is essential, which he elaborates on by sharing the

importance of discussing what you, as an artist, are willing and able to do. Additionally, he recommends worrying less about the art world (the critics and whatnot) and focusing more on making good art.

On top of everything Ramirez manages to do, he also maintains a beautiful garden that includes a large range of plants from fruit trees to maize. Ramirez shared that three things that best represent him would be trees, schools, and music. If you are interested in learning more about his garden and his art, you can visit his website: https://ramirezart.com

Ariani Ray is a second-year member of the Youth Committee at Self Help Graphics & Art. She is a current junior at Girls Academic Leadership Academy and the arts and entertainment editor for the Echo, her school's paper. Ariani is an athlete, frequent baker, and enthusiastic reader in her free time.