Helen DeRamus Biography
Helen DeRamus is an accomplished artist hailing from the cultural city of Atlanta, Georgia. Raised among the historic riches of Grant Park, she harbored a deep fascination for arts from a tender age, receiving her first camera from her father at the age of eight. Dabbling in dance, piano, and guitar throughout her childhood, she also attended public schools where her exceptional academic prowess granted her an early admission to the esteemed Emory University.
At Emory, DeRamus found herself gravitated towards history, particularly Art History, and it paved her path towards a lifelong romance with art and its influences. She explored intricate aspects of art studies, delving into advertising art and figure drawing at the Art Center of Northern New Jersey. Stretching her boundaries of knowledge, she also indulged in research of various artists and continued studying painting.
Post her formal studies, DeRamus straddled multiple roles, designing children's accessories, teaching in New Jersey and magnificent tours into the entertainment industry. What spectacularly brought her back to art was her successful stint running her own photography business, which then expanded into abstract still life and nature photography.
For her creative process, DeRamus prefers the tranquility of early morning solitude, translating her intuitive sense into abstract images realized through charcoal, pen, watercolor, and lithographic crayon. The real magic, according to her, resonates in the absence of a rigid plan, allowing multiple layers to form organically. Her art subtly reflects her own experiences with the natural world, echoing an intoxicating blend of childhood memories, travel tales, and poetic musings inspired by Robert Macfarlane.
Her uniquely astonishing artistry has been appraised in numerous group and solo exhibitions, with some of her contributions featured in decorating TV series and print magazines. One of her most cherished creations is a grand 72 x 96 painting, which remarkably pushed her boundaries.
DeRamus' art isn't just a visual spectacle, but an intellectually stimulating manifestation of theories, experiments, and judgments. Her artistic philosophy has been significantly influenced by artists Diebenkorn, Giacometti, Paul Klee, and her teacher Joseph Perrin.
She has been actively associated with multiple artist organizations like the Women's Caucus for the Arts, National Museum of the Arts Registry, and Sonoma State University's Special Collections. DeRamus' work has graced several art galleries like TEW Galleries, RobertKent Galleries, and Roan & Black Gallery, winning her numerous accolades and purchase awards.
Her work constitutes a part of several prestigious collections, placed prominently in the Jacksonville State University Permanent Collection, the Dr. John Burd Estate, and the North Georgia College and University. DeRamus' art emanates an uplifting and calming aura that universally appeals to her wide fan base. They often find her art reminiscent of serene landscapes scattered across the country, alluding to natural formations subtly expressed in soft color palettes.
An artist of her stature does not limit herself to just art. A keen piano player and an avid poetry reader, DeRamus also has a deep love for sports and fitness. At this stage in her career, she is exploring new materials and techniques, showing a keen interest in printmaking. It’s a testament to her unwavering commitment to innovation and a constant quest for exploring new frontiers in her artistic journey. As a believer in self-expression and the tangible influence of art in society, DeRamus continues to inspire and shape the artistic landscape with her individualistic creations.