We had the good fortune of connecting with Helen DeRamus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Helen, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Every day during my entire career, I go to the studio in the morning and begin a drawing. Once the drawing is completed, I’m ready to start working on a series of paintings that are currently in progress. Working every day is a practice that keeps me engaged with my painting and drawing. It’s the daily routine of working that keeps my creative spirit alive. That habit translates into success. I love what I do and determine that if I paint my passion, it will engage the viewer who will see that work of art and relate to it on some level. Over many years my paintings have evolved and I allow that evolution even if it is hard to understand at times. Looking through the past work I see bits and pieces in each new series as they reflect the past and move into the future.

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.
I have truly been fortunate to show my work in galleries that have supported my vision in metro Atlanta, Georgia; Saugatuck, Michigan; Birmingham, Alabama, Boonton, New Jersey, and Marietta, Georgia.

In July/August of last year, 2020, I had the honor of showing my work, a series of thirty large drawings, at the Gadsden Museum of Art in Gadsden, Alabama. It was a series that I worked on since 2017. We installed it in the midst of the Covid 19 Pandemic which was a feat in itself. Though I am continuing the series, I am very excited to start a new project of small abstract figurative drawing that so far number about 50. Sharing them on social media has been fun since they are so different from my paintings. I anticipate that they may inspire paintings.

As a visual artist, the one thing that I’ve learned over the years is not to be afraid to experiment even if the work is not accepted it plays a role in the artist’s career though you may not know how at the time. Be bold and play is my mantra.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since my friends are very much like me we would hangout in every place that has flowers, trees, and art including the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Gibbs Gardens, the Georgia Aquarium with trips to the High Museum of Art. A trip to Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market for meals and then onto exploring the many art galleries around the city.

A great followup would be a trip to Buckhead in Atlanta to the Atlanta History Center, then on to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site downtown. So many things to see and do in my hometown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Art Kane, the photographer and Joseph Perrin, the professor of art and supporter of artists, were the chief professionals to influence my art career. Both of them were mentors and tough critics in a positive way. Both helped me gain the confidence and belief in myself and my work. I learned to respect criticism and accept praise.

Of late, I must mention the writing of Robert MacFarlane. His books have inspired me to dig deep into the landscape for my series of current paintings.

My husband has always been one of my cheerleaders especially when I stumble into difficult times.

The Women’s Caucus for Art of Georgia is one of the organizations that provides an artist with support and friendship and for many years they have been supporting colleagues and friends.

Website: http://www.helenderamus.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/helenderamus
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/helenderamus
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hderamus
Facebook: facebook.com/helen.deramus

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