Welcome to the Ellison Bay, WI studio of Ram Rojas.
When we visited Ram's detached home studio in March, snow was on the ground, the sun was peeking through the trees and we got a glimpse into the wonder that surrounds Ram as he paints each day. With two walls covered in large windows, Ram is surrounded by peaceful views of the woods that encircle his studio. Ram, originally from Venezuela, has been a Door County treasure for decades.
He has painted many murals in the area and is a prolific painter of Door County landscapes, people, and beloved businesses. He's been commissioned by hundreds of people and families over the years and his work (originals and prints) can be found several places around Door County.
The following photos were taken in March 2024.
WOODWALK
Describe your work in three words
RAM
Authentic, uplifting, appealing
WOODWALK
What do you love about your chosen medium?
RAM
I love trying medias that capture my curiosity. Exploring and learning about creative approaches.
WOODWALK
Tell us about the body of work you have at Woodwalk this year.
RAM
I am using several medias and styles. Some pieces reflect a very original approach with alcohol inks, water base oils, watercolors and my preferred media during my earlier years, good old oils.
WOODWALK
What are some consistent aspects of your creative process?
RAM
Right now I’m painting with a classical approach building an original with thumbnails, sketches, detail and color studies etc before starting on canvas. And the opposite of that, spontaneously applying the colors to begin and prompt the imagination to establish a subject.
WOODWALK
What does your ideal day in the studio look like?
RAM
An ideal day in the studio may contain music, podcasts, an artist friend working along, the outside conditions, etc. But really what makes the day is if the muse is with me.
WOODWALK
If you could go anywhere in the world for a creative residency, where would you go?
RAM
Florence, Italy.
WOODWALK
What inspires or influences you?
RAM
So many things. A beautiful day, a striking model, or animal, a great story and many other things. Life itself.
WOODWALK
How has your work evolved over the years?
RAM
As all the learning over years become intuitive my applications get bolder, less formal in composition and color.
WOODWALK
Is there was another medium you'd enjoy exploring?
RAM
wood carving
WOODWALK
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
RAM
Art is being different things at different times to me. Right now is my happy place. Where everything else goes away and painting is the best activity, at that moment, in whatever place I happen to be, whatever approach it takes.