When people think of bastions of art within the Northeast/East Coast, they might scream "PHILLY" before thinking of Trenton. Growing up in Trenton, I've seen the art scene here thrive - whether its the Vicious Styles Crew throwing up beautiful murals, Leon Rainbow expressing himself on a female's body, the annual Art All Night festival or many other events, Trenton is thriving. While Gallery 125 recently had to close its doors due to lack of funds, that in no way destroyed the art scene here, as seen with Tamara Ramos' Euphemia Photography. Ms. Ramos has been through a lot, but has taken her life experience, coupled it with her love of photography, and has channeled that energy positively into helping cultivate the city's scene at large. I threw up the poster for the Euphemia art reception that's going down on August 7th, and figured it'd make sense to speak with the woman who does art locally, and makes sure to reach out to positive entities that help support the city as well. What I find out is how she came up with the name "Euphemia", what goes into starting these kinds of events, and got a nice portrait of someone who's trying to inject positive influence into a city that's seen by the outside as being more cold and negative. There's a lot of beauty in this jungle...khal: In reading some of your backstory, I know the name “Euphemia” holds a lot of memories, both good and bad, within your family. What made you decide to affix that name to your photography service?
Tamara Ramos: Euphemia was my grandmother’s name. She passed away at a young age due to domestic violence. She was an amazing woman, according to all thirteen of her children. Although she could not read or write, Euphemia would tell amazing stories that would reflect her world views. Her love for art was shared by my father, who she encouraged to paint and draw, even though his father disapproved. She would hide my father’s art because he would be punished if it was found. My grandmother never had the chance to live a life where her talents, love, stories and courage could be shared with the world. I never met my grandmother, but when I hold a camera and point, her spirit directs me. My name is Tamara Ramos and I’m proud to be the Founder of Euphemia. By naming my company after her it makes me feel her spirit she can see all the different art in all genres. It makes me feel like her name will live on.
khal: I remember reading about the “Interpretations of Euphemia Photography” show, which not only showcased your work and the work of local talents, but also served as a benefit for Woman Space.
Did you get any feelings of life coming full circle when you started coordinating this event?Tamara Ramos: Yes I did, I certainly did. When I started to take the photographs for this event, every piece felt like it belonged to her and to the cause. All the art that was involved was beautiful, powerful, inspiring and moving. It also meant so much to the artists because we all knew someone very close or had a friend who has been a victim of domestic violence. So our energy was really strong and positive.
khal: Now, for those out there who might be photographers or artists in any field, can you break down what goes into pulling off an event of this nature? What are some of the biggest challenges one might face?
Tamara Ramos: If you are an artist and want to pull of an event to showcase your work or other artist's work, the one thing you must have is patience and passion. I honestly can say I had little challenges pulling an event together because I had help all around. Thanks to Candice Frederick and all of the artists who are involved with the show. One of the things I pride in Euphemia is that the artists are part of a family; they all have to be involved with the process somehow. If you are trying to put a show together just remember the people around must have the same love and passion as you do.
khal: Speaking on all of this leads up to the Euphemia reception on August 7th. You’ve got a pretty diverse group of artists this time out; how did you go about choosing artists to represent at this reception?
Tamara Ramos: Euphemia’s goal is to touch and inspire every community we visit. In each exhibit, we have different themes to make things more interesting and open people’s minds. With different artists involved, it makes the exhibit exciting, to be able to introduce a sculpture next to a muralist and next to a photographer. It pushes your mind. It was not hard at all to find any of my artists, as they are around waiting to be seen.
khal: I have to think that you’ve got a good number of the submissions in – any favorites that you think will really captivate people?
Tamara Ramos: Honestly, I did not get any submissions; I recruited by asking these artists to be a part of the exhibit. I saw their work and loved it - the artists moved me in a very different way. Each and every one have a piece that is my favorite, so I could never pick.
khal: With this reception and your previous one in April, you made a point to take donations for quality organizations within the city. How important is it for you to make your receptions less about you, the artist, and more about this sense of community within a city like Trenton?
Tamara Ramos: It is very important that Euphemia participates with the community, that is why I wanted to donate our funds to a organization, because my entire artist family involved are part of the community and understand the importance to keep their community well and alive with art. We all need it - I know when I was younger and out in the street there were two things I respected, that I felt loved me more than my surroundings were music and art, they never went wrong. TDA (Trenton Downtown Association) has done a lot for the community and hopefully we can help them keep going, as well as other organizations around. Also, Euphemia is about exposing these artists in the city; for some of them, this will be the very first time they showcase their art. Isn’t that amazing? Their first time, it’s like watching a baby stand up and walk - you just never forget that moment. I’m so proud and excited to be part of that memory with them.khal: What’s next on your plate after what’s sure to be a hot showing?
Tamara Ramos: After this exhibit, I’m planning to work on putting a children’s art exhibit together, and I'm also working on a photography book, and a book for young girls. I’m hoping to continue to be part of this art revolution happening in Trenton, NJ.
khal: What are some aspirations that you might have with your art – are you thinking about or attempting to get your works out in larger districts, like Philly, NY, etc.?
Tamara Ramos: My aspirations with my art is to change one person in this whole world by creating a piece that will just make them feel completed, changed or inspired; to be able to stop war and create peace & love. Is that asking for too much? Seriously, my aspiration is to build Euphemia to a place where artists and the community can come and express themselves in a positive way. Art galleries that will not just hang artwork on a wall and serve wine and cheese; it will also include all other aspects of artistic expression such as theater, dance, singing, poetry and more. An art gallery that will be totally inclusive, allowing the artists to be totally involved in the process of showing their work by volunteering to help organize the event so they understand that it is a family experience and not just a business. A gallery that will eventually have a home where we can teach young girls their self worth, their beauty and their history through speakers, classes on women’s history, and much more.
khal: Being a husband and a father myself, I know how difficult it can be to juggle your responsibilities and furthering your art. Do you find it being hard to provide time for each portion of your life?
Tamara Ramos: Yes, it is hard having a family as well as working and going to school. But it all fits because it was meant to be. My children are very involved with this process; they understand at their young age my history and my grandmother's history. They think, in their words, that it’s cool. Even though while I’m taking photographs and walking around like a crazy woman they still think it’s cool and love to help me with lights, and at the events you will see them as waiters. All I can pray is that they grow to understand that the only way to live this life is to do something you love and help others.
khal: Do you do any kind of “for hire” work, say in graphic design?Tamara Ramos: I don’t do any for hire work right now, but when I do I will shout you out and let you know. If they come to exhibit and are looking for work, they should come through and bring their business cards or samples, because you never know who you can meet at any time.
khal: How does Tamara Ramos unwind? Do you have any hobbies outside of your photography?
Tamara Ramos: The way I unwind is to be around my friends and family, and usually the camera still pops out.
khal: Before we wrap this up, do you have any shouts or final thoughts for the people?
Tamara Ramos: I want to thank all the artist involve Matthew Giobbi, Polo Cortes, Han Koon Ooi, Kasso, Leon Rainbow, Ian Reid Conley, Michael Quesada, Post Midnight, Christopher A Kess, Hilbert Espina , Jody Person and Candice from Candice Frederick Public Relations, and of course the TDA for allowing me to use them for donations this time around.
For all things Tamara Ramos, be sure to check out her Facebook page. And be sure to check out the Euphemia Art Reception on August 7th in Trenton.
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