We had the good fortune of connecting with Elly Pagán Ramos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elly, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My whole life has been a risk. Growing up with a disability has taught me to take a few risks of my own. Not only physical risks but mental, emotional and financial risks. Some good and some I learned from. I was always different than the other kids at school but braver than most. My mother taught me that it is easier to be brave than to regret not risking it, for the rest of your life. When I moved to Georgia, I had no place of my own, no car and no artistic inspiration. It wasn’t until I started to work in Atlanta, after working hard for what I needed and wanted, is that I took a big risk and just started creating. The biggest risk for me was the emotional part. The fear of rejection has always been in the back of my head. The fear of nobody liking what I do or just me risking my all for nothing. To be honest with you, creating has been one of the best risks I’ve taken. It has taken me places I never thought to go and It has introduced me to a whole community of artist that I admire. I have been blessed with fun commissions and challenging projects.

My biggest risk in life was having my daughter. I was labeled as a high risk pregnancy. Giving birth with my type of disability made it very dangerous to go through with it. And I did! Rosalia is now two years old and spicy like her Mami.
The most recent risk I’ve taken is having my own At-Home Pet Nursing business, which is going pretty good.

The risk taking is constant and I enjoy a good challenge.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is meant to make you smile. I like to incorporate lots of color and Spanish lettering. The goal is to teach the public a bit of Spanish, about the Taino, Afro-Taino and overall Puerto Rican culture. I am proud of being from where I am and proud of my ancestors. A lot of hard work and dedication has gotten me to where I am at today. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs but thankfully I have a supportive family, friends and art community that push me to do better and to never give up. They’re also my motivation to keep creating. One thing I can say I’ve learned so far is, to keep going. Rest is a must but don’t ever stop using your imagination. Jellybinzky Art is about all the arts. If I can imagine it, I will find a way to creat it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are a few spots that I would definitely visit with my bestie. First I would go to the aquarium to see the beautiful sea creatures. We would stroll through the East Atlanta Village for some food options. Maybe stop for some pizza at Grant Central. For the other days I would probably go check out The Vortex and walk through Little Five Points. For some beers, we’d visit 97 Estoria on Krog St. Some sightseeing of the murals around that area as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my daughter for being my number one inspiration for all my hard work and the reason I take risks. Thank you to all my supporters and my Puerto Rico for being my muse. Also, Shoutout to Patricia Hernandez for helping me since day 1 in Atlanta.

Website: Jellybinzkyart.bigcartel.com

Instagram: @jellybinzkyart

Facebook: Elly Pagan

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