Fourth generation painter, Ivan Claude A Ramos, pays tribute to his late father through his works. Vicente Ramos, one of the most prolific realist painters in the Philippines during the 70’s and 80’s passed away in 2020 at the age of 70. One of his last few works were shared to FTV by son Ivan.
Ivan Claude A Ramos (Navi)
27 May 1997, 25 yrs. old
FTV: What’s your art style and what materials do you use?
I: Soft pastel, oil paint. Realism and modern art style.
FTV: How long have you been painting?
I: 5 yrs.
FTV: What motivated you?
I: My dad, my love for classic art.
FTV: How has your dad’s work inspired you?
I: My dad for me is the greatest artist of his time. Vincent R. Ramos. His art style is also realism. But he can do any type of style, any medium, and is very creative. My modern and realism ideas came from him. When I was a kid I tried painting, but then I stopped [after getting hooked on] computer games. When I turned 19, I started to paint again.
Di nya in-explain o tinuro sakin pag p-paint. Di nya pinilit. I was just hooked by his works. It feels like it motivated me to start painting again. His works talks, like na parang kaya ko din gawin, gusto ko din maging artist, gusto ko syang sundan.
FTV: Are there any other artists in the family?
I: My dad, uncles, grandfather and great grandmother father side.
FTV: Can you share how it is seeing your elders painting when you were young?
I: Pare pareho po sila parang pag nag pipinta sila, ang payapa, di nakakasawa tignan. Unti unting nabubuo yung painting, yung saya sa mga mata nila, yung ngiti nila. Yung enjoyment, passion and mararamdaman mo yung pag mamahal nila sa paintings nila. Parang parte ng kaluluwa nila, inalay nila sa pyesang yon.
FTV: What is your goal as an artist?
I: To be the greatest and inspire others.
FTV: How do you wish your art to be perceived or viewed?
I: I want it to be viewed as if they could feel the piece. As if they could go inside of the piece and feel the atmosphere inside the piece. [For them to] feel the passion.
FTV: How is the life of being a visual artist/ illustrator in the PH?
I: It’s pretty hard [when] clients look for paintings that are cheap but full of details. Sometimes you just have to value your art and have clients that understand the value of your piece.
FTV: What are your dreams and goals as an artist?
I: To be known and part of history someday. Give knowledge to others to respect each and every art style.
FTV: What is your message to Filipinos around the world if any?
I: Like my dad said to me that keeps me going. “Paint with your heart and soul, iparamdam mo sa bawat pahid mo, ang pagmamahal mo sa obra mo.”
