Johnny on the spot
| Wednesday, Jan 13 2010 02:08 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Jan 13 2010 04:03 PM
Johnny Ramos art exhibit
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Bossanova Studio, 814 18th St.
Admission: Free
Information: 369-9606
We asked Metro Galleries' Don Martin -- an instrumental Ramos' supporter from the beginning -- about how he feels seeing his protege open his own gallery and what Ramos might expect in this rough climate for the arts.
You must be pretty proud that you sort of discovered him and now he's blossoming enough to open his open place. What does that feel like?
Martin: It's been great watching him grow ... from seeing his work five years ago at the old Xander's restaurant (and him pestering me about it I might add!) to now ... I think if anything, I helped him present his work in a more asthetic, professional way. I'm very proud of him and and look forward to watching his continued growth as an artist.
Are you still going to be showing his stuff?
Martin: I'm not sure yet... he has asked me too, but not sure that it makes a lot of sense to do so.
How does his stuff sell for you? What are some comments you hear about hiswork from your clients? J
Martin: Johnny has been a one of my top 5 selling artists. Most clients enjoy his use of color and the whimsy of the floral paintings.
What is it about his work that speaks to you?
Martin: I enjoy color ... and Johnny uses color exceptionally well in his work. I'm also an aficianado and collector of all things mid-century ... his work takes much from that era of art and design
What are some adjectives you associate with Johnny?
Martin: Energy, good heart, colorful
Is now the time to open a new gallery?
Martin: It's going to be tough ... it's a full-time job to market and promote and you have to pay the rent, the utilities and make a bit to survive. I think we've seen the bottom of the economic collapse ... hopefully 2010 will be good for all the downtown galleries -- BMOA, Surface, Metro and Johnny's new venture.
MENTOR: 'I'M VERY PROUD OF HIM'
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Henry A. Barrios / The Californian Artist Johnny Ramos is adding to the downtown art scene with a new gallery name bossanovastudios. He is teaming with Web designer Kynan Chambers for the unique venture.
Things that inspire art can spring up in unusual places. Delano native Johnny Ramos spotted his several years ago at a furniture showroom midway between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
"I had all these ideas in my head but I didn't know how to get them out," Ramos said, adding that at the time he was going through a period of severe depression. "I saw this abstract painting on the wall and I knew that's what I wanted to do; that's what gave me the kick in the butt to get started."
The painting was in a store on La Cienega Boulevard owned by Gerard O'Brien, a collector who specializes in a style of design known as California Modern or Mid-Century Modern, a type of architecture and product design that flourished in the middle years of the 20th century.
Ramos' visit to the store took place long before he had any idea his paintings would one day be exhibited at the Bakersfield Museum of Art and Metro Galleries, or that he would enjoy a large clientele both here and in Los Angeles.
Or, that he would be celebrating the opening of his bossanovastudios here on 18th Street, an event scheduled for Friday evening. By the way, the studio's name reflects the artist's love for bossa nova, a Brazilian style of music popular in the 1950s and '60s. Ramos listens to songs like "The Girl from Ipanema" as he works.
The reception will be held in Ramos' studio, which occupies a long narrow space at the rear of Fluxor Studios, owned by his partner Kynan Chambers, a Web and graphic designer.
Chambers' area at the front of the building is a model of neatness and efficiency. Ramos' space is the exact opposite. Yet he makes no apologies for his environment, which is notable for its paint-spattered concrete floor and block walls.
"This is where I work, this is what I do," the artist said, using his booted foot to push aside a paint can. "I want people to see that." His black leather work boots also bear splotches of paint along with pieces of silvery duct tape that hold together the soles and uppers.
However visitors can expect comfortable seating. Tucked into one corner is a conversational area that includes a couple of original Eames chairs, refurbished by the artist, and a 1960s-era ivory-colored leather sectional with plump cushions filled with real feathers.
"I've always had a thing for the '50s, the '60s and the early '70s," said the 36-year-old Ramos. "I wasn't alive then but all my furniture is from (that period) and I drive a 1973 Cadillac -- and before that I had a 1972."
Ramos has had no formal training in art but says he's an admirer of the work of American abstract artist Franz Kline. He began painting in 2003 during his lunch hours while working full time at Dunn-Edwards Paints. His fellow workers offered little encouragement.
"They used to kid me and say, 'You're never going to get anywhere with that stuff,'" he recalled. "But I kept on doing it anyway."
Even though his career as an artist has begun to take off in a big way, he still works two hours a day as a paint mixer at Dunn-Edwards. Much of his work now involves doing custom paintings that reflect a particular home's interior décor. He visits clients at their homes to discuss preferences for colors and canvas sizes, then returns to his studio to create the design. Currently he's working on a floral design inspired by the fabric in a gown a friend bought in Japan. Unlike most of his abstract work, with its bold and somewhat angry splashes of color, the stylized floral pieces are more delicate and detailed, and softer in tone.
The show that opens Friday will include paintings of various sizes, as well as sculpture and photos. In keeping with his retro leanings, Ramos uses what he refers to as "vintage" cameras for his photography, and makes sure the model in the picture has a 1960s look.
Admission to the Friday reception is free but Ramos suggested, only half in jest, those who come might want to bring along a bottle of champagne.
