Meet Francisco Ramirez | Artist, Painter & Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Francisco Ramirez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Francisco, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The single most important decision I made, that contributed to my success, was to believe in my work.

I worked multiple nine to five jobs until I was thirty six. This repetitive maudlin life quickly took a turn for the best in 2016 and 2017 when I acquired my first mural for Art Ark Apartment thanks to Genevieve, the manager of the Art Ark Gallery. I think that was the catalyst to a new chapter in my life.

Because of this mural I was financially stable and it allowed me to take a different direction. I decided to become a full time artist. I quit my job and started painting all the time. There was a lot I wanted to get out. Ultimately people saw the work I did and I started being more involved with art shows in the community, which opened doors for commission work and murals.

Being surrounded with the right like-minded people, and showing up to paint every morning, kept me going in those first few years. In the community I was in, connected to Local Color, we artists had constant exposure to one another’s work and efforts. Someone was always organizing something and there was always a show to go to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I can say that my art can sometimes be described like my personal journals, painted reminders of things that i’ve gone thru. It can sometimes be a memory of nostalgic thoughts and feelings fused with dream like environments. My art is a reminder of my journey in times of loneliness, but in a saturated colorful way. It is a testament of a journey embracing and accepting myself for who i am, always changing in my own way.

I can’t say what sets me apart from others but i can say that I try to be better to myself and others from where I was yesterday. I enjoy the conversations that i have with people when they see my work, it makes me realize that my paintings aren’t just mine and that something i created has a deeper connection to someone else and I’m pretty proud of that.

Transitioning to a professional artist wasn’t difficult, it felt very easy. There where challenges along the way like the administrative aspects of being a professional artist, its definitely a challenge for me but like everything else Its a constant work in progress.

If theres anything Ive learned in this artistic journey its definitely knowing that you have a voice thru visual representations. Ive learned that creatives have this ability to inspire others in many ways. this could be political, or simply helping someone finding themselves. i would say that taking the leap of becoming a professional has been an entire learning experience in it self.

If i wanted the world to know something about me it would definitely be that I’m not perfect, i have my flaws like every other human being out there. I’m terrible at responding to email and my writing can be better, but I’m a modest artist with lots of potential. I would ask the world to give my work a chance, only because I feel you might find something special in it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve lived in San Jose for many years and I’ve seen businesses come and go but you’ll still find some tasty little gems to go to if you are ever in town.

I would start off the mornings by going to my favorite coffee spots, one for every day of the week. Voyager, Voltaire, Chromatic, Academic, Moonbeam, Nirvana and Crema Coffee. You can’t go wrong with these choices but if its just food your looking for then i have a few suggestions for you to try, like La Peñita, Original Joes, Pho Teresa and Pho Ha Noi. In Japantown you may find some good spots too, especially if you enjoy ramen or sushi.

After a nice meal I would suggest walking it off, there are a few galleries in downtown like Anno Domini, Kaleid, Works san jose, Empire seven studios which is in Japantown area and Citadel which sometimes has open studios.

If you enjoy live performances then City Lights Theater is the place to go, along with 3 Below Theater, these places carry a nice intimate setting. There are others larger Theaters like The Montgomery and the California Theater as well but i personally like a smaller sitting area.

After a nice play a good cocktail is recommended, and for that we can start at Mini Boss where you’ll find yourself in a 1980s time capsule filled with arcade games and pinball machines. the walls are filled with original art and the atmosphere is amazing. we will make our way out and head to Mama Kin where live music is welcomed. they’ll tend to have great local bands and often host open mics which can be a quite a treat. But if your looking for craft beer then id say Foxtail Fermentation, the food is great and the beer is tasty.

There are lots of spots to hang out in downtown or around San Jose and there are lots of amazing people to meet like Mighty Mike Mcgee as an example but ultimately I encourage curiosity because San Jose has a lot to offer and i am definitely scratching the surface on this. If I’m being honest Ive had some of the best conversations with friends next to a trash can and some cheap beer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Local Color, an arts organization that elevates artists had a big affect on where I’m at today. Back in 2017 when I first started as a full-time artist, I was given the opportunity to have a residency artist spot at an abandoned Ross store. I remember paying 50 dollars a month for the first three months and everything felt right as if i was supposed to be there. I found a community that helped me developed a consistent discipline for myself by painting everyday. I found a sense of worth as an artist because of other amazing people like Erin Salazar, Max DeHart and Jduh.

But none of this would have been possible if it weren’t for Donny Foley. I used to visit Kaleid very often and would find myself chatting with him since he ran the gallery hours. he literally pushed it on me and I’m grateful for that. I think he’s one of the few that believed in me.

I would also like to give a shoutout to Genevieve Hasting. Because of her i got my first mural, she was also responsible for my first solo show which i missed because i got covid. I want to thank everyone that crossed pathed with me, friends, family, and loved ones, you have made me into a better. thank you for believing in me.

Instagram: @fco1980

Image Credits
Miguel Ozuna