November has arrived and I bring you another issue of my series “Meet Artist of the
Month.” In this series I am getting to know Latina artists from all over the country! This month, I have interviewed an artist from Turtle Island. Browsing through Instagram, I could not help but notice Danielle Ramo’s work! Her colorful depictions of Pre-Hispanic gods, idols, and symbols caught my eye and I had to ask her if I could interview her to learn more about her work! Read about her inspiration below and check out some of her pieces.
Visit her IG @danielle.ramos.art or her FB https://www.facebook.com/DanielleRamosArt?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Carolina: What is your cultural background?
Danielle: I am American by nationality, born and raised in the United States. My cultural background is a rich blend of Native American and Spanish heritage, deeply rooted in the regions of Southern Colorado and New Mexico. My family has lived in these areas long before America was America, and I’m a proud inhabitant of Turtle Island.
Carolina: What inspires your work?
Danielle: What inspires my work is a deep fascination with Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican history and ancient stories, particularly creation narratives. I find myself drawn to the vibrant colors and intricate tales that define this rich cultural heritage. My passion lies in translating these stories, traditions, and histories into visual art, creating a bridge between the past and the present. Nature is another significant source of inspiration for me. The array of colors and textures that Mother Nature offers is unmatched, and I believe she is the greatest artist of all. I draw from her palette to infuse my work with the same vibrancy and life that I find in the stories of our ancestors.
Carolina: What are your hobbies outside of art?
Danielle: My hobbies include plants; I love plants. I grow plants for a living and I find great joy in coming home to take care of my garden and house plants. Additionally, I have a passion for cooking. Over the years, I’ve collected recipes from my grandmother and I love making her food. Apart from art, my favorite hobby is reading; I adore books and they occupy most of my free time.
Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihuatl, 22″x28″
Cactus Lady, 11″x17″ Xochiquetzal, 19″x24″
Danielle writes: “Xochiquetzal’s name incorporates the word xochitl, or “flower.” Flowers were, in fact, central to her imagery. She is usually shown adorned or surrounded by flowers, a symbol of feminine fertility in Mesoamerican cultures. She was also shown with other hallmarks of female beauty.
Xochiquetzal was a creator of humans as well as intermediary between them and the gods. Frequently referred to as a facet of the female divine goddess, Tonacacíhuatl, from whose womb the first four Aztec gods were born, Xochiquetzal witnessed the creation of gods and humans. Although she was a mother herself, this goddess never grew old and always appeared in the full bloom of youth.”
Mictecacihuatl, 11″x17″ Chalchiuhtotolin (Jeweled Fowl), 22″x28″
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