★ MEET N‘ GREET ★
Ramis Kim

Cortney Cassidy interviews Ramis Kim

Where are you currently living? Does your present environment inspire your work or process?

I am currently living in a small apartment in Atwater Village, Los Angeles. I guess my present environment inspires my process of my work a little bit since I can hear birds singing, trains passing by, dogs barking, and little kids making noises and also the ice cream (snack) cart. Sometimes I hear gun shooting, too which makes me so scared to go out at night and instead, I paint at home. Haha.

Tell us about your creative process, how do you begin?How has your process developed and changed since you began drawing/painting? Were they conscious developments or did you just progress your style without awareness?

Always my creative process begins with one of my earlier memories and feelings. And I try to find pictures that give me more ideas. I am also into photography so I like looking at old photos or photos in general. And I start changing and combining stuff and make stories out of it.

Hm...I don’t think my style hasn’t progressed that much. Or...has it? If it has, I think my work has become looser than before.

What is your typical creative ritual? Do you have any quirky habits that you must do before you set up shop and get your creative flow going?

I think I usually drink coffee before I start working. And I have to have a clean desk, which always ends up cleaning the whole house. I don’t know why but it make me more focused.

Do you normally have a plan before cautiously moving forward on a project or do you act brash and let your inspiration carry you into the creation?

-Yes, I normally have a plan before moving forward, though not that crazily. Researching for my work is taking the longest time for me. If I can’t get the idea, I stop right there and do something else until something pops up in my head. For characters, I draw some sketches in my sketch book with a pencil and then trace the line onto my paper. Usually it ends up a little different than my original sketch though. Then I have fun with my watercolor and gouache palette.

In past works you have depicted subjects such as tigers and young girls. Is this the harmonious balance of the younger aspect of yourself?Is there a personal meaning behind all of this? What do these subjects symbolize or represent?

The world in my work is seen and experienced mostly by female characters, turned out to be young girls. My work in general reflects the younger aspect of myself at least a little bit. The tigers are followed in my story because it reminds me of the old country side where my grandma used to live and tell me the fairy tale when I was a little girl. I want my story to have adventurous events. I don’t think the meaning behind my painting really matters to people if that reminds them of something else and represent something in their lives. I would be happy either way.

What inspires your work most? Basically, what motivates you?

I am inspired by any environments that currently surround me. I’ve been to some places around the world and the people I’ve met during my journey are inspiring, too. I am also inspired by old things like vintage furniture, dress, book and an old photo that I find in flea markets. I love finding anything odd and beautiful.

What separates your paintings from your drawings, beyond the clear medium presentation?

Hm...I guess my painting takes longer process and thoughts than my drawing beyond the medium differences.

What are some personal projects you are working on now, if you dare to give us a sneak peek?

I am planning to build a sculptural piece with paper. Soon to be revealed, I hope.

What are your personal theories/thoughts on the contemporary art world? Where its heading, how its been, or how you would like it to be? Do you express these ideals through your art?

I like that that the contemporary art is all about freedom of their expression and the bravery to speak. However, sometimes when I see ridiculously funny or highly overpriced work not because of what’s in it or what it says I feel little...strange...I sometimes miss that pure likable feelings towards a painting that we all used to have when we were little. But then again, how do we distinguish between good art and bad art though. I just hope the contemporary art continues to focus on pure creativity.

Thank you Ramis for being part of Little Paper Press with your limited edition print.