Break through the recession

Michelle Ramin shows economic woes bring inspired art

By Alysse Dalessandro
Published: June 3rd, 2009 | 9:20am

During the recession, one would think necessities like food, shelter, and clothing would receive priority over art. Rather than let economic woes get her down, Portland-based artist Michelle Ramin keeps busy by creating art on top of working a nearly full-time job (30 hours a week), and still somehow manages to play in a band. Optimistic Ramin sees the recession as a chance for renewed creativity.

“Because my work hasn’t been selling as much as it used to be, I’ve actually been able to break through in a new, different way. It wouldn’t have happened if I had been more focused on selling my work,” says Ramin. “I think people should continue to work through all the economic trouble and working more on their art than they ever have and they will come out with greater, more inspired art.”

Ramin’s creative breakthrough came when a curator presented the opportunity to show a few large scale pieces. The challenge? Ramin usually works in 12 inches by 12 inches and the show would be going up in five weeks. With hard times on the mind, Ramin accepted the offer and proceeded to create six figural pieces of her sister on 30-inch by 40-inch panels. It took some 40 hour-weeks on top of her nearly full-time job, but Ramin finished the work. In June, the show can be seen in Frank James, a Portland fashion boutique and in the False Front Studio for July.

Although Ramin’s subject matter changed for her most recent show, her personal style remains intact. “The personal aspect comes in when it’s all about what I’ve experienced: I never use any photos that I haven’t taken or I don’t really reference any places I haven’t been to or people I’ve never talked with. It’s more just about what I’ve gone through in my life,” she says. Also signature to Ramin’s pieces is the vibrant colors. She says, “I’m really interested in them and in how colorful the world is and can be if you look at it the right way.”

Her past pieces have used these elements to focus on the relationship between industry and nature. She grew up wanting to be an architect, so it’s no surprise that buildings and structures play an important role in her art. “I feel like my pieces discuss the structures and how they were created and how the nature has always been there and the two of them are forced to work together,” Ramin says.

Ramin takes inspiration from her settings and experiences. Currently, Portland is the scene. A native of Central Pennsylvania, Ramin decided to move to Portland after researching the life of musician Elliot Smith during her senior year of college. After only two weeks in Portland, she started work at Art Media, an art supply store where she continues to work. “It encouraged me to get to know the scene, the galleries and all the places that showed art and what kind of art was being made,” Ramin says. “It’s always inspiring every day.”

As for the contrast between nature and industry in Portland, Ramin has to look no further than her studio surroundings. Located in southeast Portland, Switchyard Studio sits near both the waterfront and the train tracks. Ramin estimates its about 10,000 square feet and home to 35 artists.

Even with all her work in art, Ramin saves some creative energy for her band the Black Globes which dabbles in everything from random noise pop to Bruce Springsteen. Although Ramin has a bit of stage fright, she says the band is more of a release than anything else. Stage fright may sometimes get the best of Ramin, but the recession won’t stop this artist from creating art.

To see Ramin’s work visit www.michelleramin.com. To purchase art, visit www.michelleramin.etsy.com.