Photographer based in Houston, TX
André Ramos-Woodard, self portrait
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
I have always been inclined to make art, ever since I was little. Growing up, I used to doodle in my sketchbook all the time and redraw anime characters with my cousin; from a young age, making art was just the thing I did that brought me the most joy. It wasn't until high school that I picked up the camera. I took a photography course and hated it at first, but after I realized I could manipulate my images and create other-worldly pieces with the help of Photoshop, I quickly fell in love with image-making.
United States education system, 2022, Digital illustration, pastel, and colored pencil on inkjet print, 30" x 20", ©André Ramos-Woodard
“I'm currently continuing my series 'BLACK SNAFU' and working on a new series called "what it's like to feel." Both are inspired by my experience with life in different ways. For 'BLACK SNAFU,' I wanted to look into the history of drawing and cartoons, but through an African-American lens.”
hard-earned property, 2024, Digital illustration and colored pencil on inkjet print, 24" x 24", ©André Ramos-Woodard
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
I'm currently continuing my series "BLACK SNAFU" and working on a new series called "what it's like to feel". Both are inspired by my experience with life in different ways. For "BLACK SNAFU", I wanted to look into the history of drawing and cartoons, but through an African-American lens. I quickly found some pretty appalling subject matter (minstrelsy), but decided to reappropriate the characters in order to be didactic about the Pan-African experience and colonialism. In "what it's like to feel", I take and create images revolving around my experience battling depression. The series has been a bit of a coping mechanism for my struggles, but I also hope that others who face these issues will see themselves in the work and know that they're not alone.
BLACK SNAFU at Houston Center for Photography, Houston TX
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
For inspiration, I usually talk to my family and friends. My loved ones are the people who can get me out of a rut when I'm stuck in one, so getting my thoughts out and exchanging ideas has always been a bit of a lifesaver. When I'm not doing that, I go on deep dives looking at contemporary artists.
(Left) BUNDLES, 2024, Digital illustration on inkjet print
(Right) The Itis (Remains), 2024, Digital illustration on inkjet print
Describe your practice and process. Where do ideas start for you? In the studio or being in the world?
My process is intuitive, spontaneous, and real. Though I love visually appealing work, I don't just make images to make pretty images; I go out of my way to try to portray something to my audience. That being said, my ideas usually start in my head. This can happen anywhere, too: on a drive to work, in the studio, at a friend's place... If an idea pops up, I've gotta take a second and jot it down.
(Left) Pretending to call a storm or sum shit, 2023, Archival inkjet print
(Right) SWEET HOME/ CLOSE TO YOU, 2024, Ink on archival inkjet print
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
The pieces I make either start with a sketch or with some sort of written note regarding my ideas. It's really hard to pinpoint what my style is, but most of the time, it doesn't end when the shutter is clicked. I'm either drawing on, digitally manipulating, or collaging photographs to get to an end result. Honestly, I don't know how I arrived at where I'm at exactly. I just try to make things that can speak to people and hope that my practice continues to evolve.
Painting on a photograph entitled "BL!NG" for BLACK SNAFU, 2020
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
I don't! I mean, I always like to listen to music when I'm making work, but I like to listen to music at any time of the day so I don't really think that counts. I work out of a studio in my house, too, which is a bit of a double-edged sword. Sometimes that means I sit for hours in front of a screen, and other times it means my bed is too close for me to make it to the studio (lol). It all just depends on the day!
Setting up a shot for a piece entitled "Bad Blood(?)", 2021
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences are my mom, dad, siblings, and husband. Without them, I wouldn't be the person I am today. None of them have any training in visual art, but just their support in my life grants me the strength to keep making stuff.
When it comes to visual artists, my favorites right now are Qualeasha Wood, Zora J Murff, David Leggett, Nina Chanel Abney, and David Shrigley.
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
Yes! And in no particular order...
Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon
The VVitch by Robert Eggers
Hellraiser by Clive Barker
Fritz the Cat by Ralph Bakshi
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
Resurrection Apparatus, 2024, Archival inkjet print
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
My amazing mentor Prince Varughese Thomas has always told me to "KEEP BUSTING ASS", meaning the grind never stops when it comes to being a contemporary artist. Even though it's incredibly difficult sometimes, I try to stay artistically inclined. Thanks Prince!
(Left) Untitled (Amerikkkan Flag), 2021, Archival inkjet print, 27" x 40", ©André Ramos-Woodard
(Right) Guardian (Hartense), 2023, Archival inkjet print
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
Never, ever give up. Just because some curator or publisher doesn't like your work doesn't mean that the next one won't love it. Keep shooting your shot.
frontin', 2024, Digital illustration, pastel, and colored pencil on inkjet print, 40" x 32", ©André Ramos-Woodard
Stay up to date with André Ramos-Woodard
Website andreramoswoodard.com
Instagram @andreduane