Made by Grit…
I have a degree in Art History so I might be particularly passionate about art and its importance in society throughout the ages. But more so, in observing how few women artists are featured in museums’ permanent collections and solo special exhibitions, I take every opportunity I can to highlight women artists whom I adore. One such creative and inspirational force for me (for a decade!) is Jen Ramos of MadeByGirl. Her voice, her viewpoint, her personal victories through hardship have given her a renewed sense of purpose to quite simply, give joy to others where she can.
Jen also holds a dear place in my heart because she was the FIRST to feature my home back in 2011! That post led to more and more features, and I am eternally grateful.
Thank you Jen for sharing your wisdom for ‘The E List’ readers!
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You have faced both fertility issues AND breast cancer! How do you think these incredible challenges and triumphs have influenced your work?
JR: To be very candid, my husband had a vasectomy when we met. When we came around to trying for kids, he had a vasectomy reversal. Unfortunately, the reversal wasn’t successful. But looking back now at both situations, not being able to have children with my husband and the breast cancer, although those two chapters of my life were very difficult, I feel both were very instrumental when it came to my artwork. When I realized we weren’t going to conceive naturally, painting came to mind as a means to raise money toward the adoption. Basically, my artwork was the bridge to my son. So it’s very special and meaningful to me when I paint.
After my breast cancer diagnosis, I took a 2-year break to focus mostly on my health & family. I was also a health coach for others, which taught me how to get back into the real world and interact more with people vs. always sending emails.
“The whole experience influenced the way I approached my business and taught me to have less fear. It has opened my eyes to the fact that obstacles can become opportunities.”
How has art and the process of the creation of it helped you along your journey?
I love creating and appreciating art. It makes me happy and fills me with a sense of hope and accomplishment that I’ve not felt with anything else.
When you were building your (enormous) audience for MadeByGirl, were you concerned about pivoting your focus to art? How did you do it, and what did you learn?
Well, when I first started MadeByGirl back in 2006, I had no idea I would start painting a few years later. However, when the time came to launch my paintings, I felt a little concerned that no one would buy my paintings…but, I prayed and just let it go. I tried not to focus on the “what ifs” and instead I focused on all the cool stuff I had already done. I also focused on the adoption and the steps we needed to get there. During that time I painted and that also kept my mind occupied.
Do you have any advice for artists-by-hobby who want to focus on their art full-time?
I get asked this question a lot. I find it tough to answer because truthfully, my husband was able to support me while I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey. Being an artist takes a lot of work….you have to really hustle, build relationships, do not be afraid to call someone and so on! I would suggest reading books about how to market your artwork online — one of my fave books is by Maria Brophy called Art Money Success.
Another piece of advice would be to build a large body of work so that you have enough art to show. I find that people take you more seriously this way. It’s like having a portfolio, and people can really see your individual style. This is ideal when you want to submit your work to galleries, or go to art fairs, etc.
Are you inspired by any artists, past or contemporary?
Gosh, I really like so many. Each artist has a different style. DeKooning, Franz Kline, Donald Robertson, Basquiat, Cy Twombly.
How do you replenish your creativity well?
Usually by stepping back from work, or observing what others are doing and trying to do something different.
A lot of women feel the need to paint a pretty picture on social media, and don’t feel comfortable sharing their private struggles. But you are authentic, genuine, and vulnerable with your large following, most especially during these “not so pretty” times. Were you ever hesitant to do so? What have you learned through this that perhaps other women could learn too?
Of course, there was a point when I was hesitant to be more authentic and candid, but along with that hesitation came chains. I felt chained when I wasn’t expressing myself in a genuine, honest way. But what I’ve learned is that people actually connect to the “not so pretty” moments more than they do with the “superficially- posed” Instagram shots (which you see so many women doing these days).
“I now understand that there’s a sense of freedom that comes with being more vulnerable.”
Any regrets? What are you most grateful for?
With so many people trying hard to be someone they aren’t, I wish I had been more vulnerable earlier in my career. There are so many things I’m grateful for, but I thank God every day for my health. Grateful for that, because without it, there is nothing.
What’s next for Jen Ramos Art?
I have an art exhibition coming up at Midoma Gallery in November, and I will be exhibiting at The Other Art Fair in Brooklyn in November as well. I’d really love to do more collaborations as well as obtain representation by a few art galleries, and work with interior designers! I’d love to do a giveaway soon, and also continue letting people come by my place to see the paintings that are available. For more info visit my Instagram or website!
