Meet Ana V. Ramirez | Photographer

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

Hi Ana V., what matters most to you?
Home is a place of comfort, an oasis where we can recharge. And while that means something different to each of us, the same principle applies. I create art to help people make their space a refuge; a space that brings them joy and expresses who they are. I’ve moved around a lot and in every home I find ways to make the space mine. My goal is to help others do the same with my art. When helping others choose one of my images I always ask: “What speaks to you? What do you feel?”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is about details. It’s about slowing down and being present in the moment. Whether it’s a large landscape or a tiny flower seeing takes time and I have found that my best work happens when I stop and pay attention. Attention builds connection. And when you create that connection with your subject, your work also speaks to others.

I began taking photos when I was a floral designer. At the time I struggled to get photographers to capture the images I envisioned for my portfolio so I started taking my own. It was a “learn by doing” effort and it paid off. Years later, and with the help of my mom, I opened an Etsy store and began to sell prints.

My goal has always been to help others create a space they love. It makes me so happy when buyers tell me how a particular photo takes them back to a happy time in their life or helps them meditate. Thanks to that Etsy shop I was approached by Pottery Barn to be one of a handful of artists featured in their new wall art collection. It was a wonderful partnership that lasted for ten years!

Along the way I decided to get a formal photography education and earned an MFA in photography at the Academy of Art University. Grad school was tough and it’s not for everyone but it was great for me. I learned so much and it pushed me to work outside of my comfort zone and grow as an artist.

These days I continue to learn new techniques, explore different ideas, and try new things with my art. Being an artist is a constant practice and I look forward to what comes next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For me, visiting Denver (and Colorado) is all about being outside. There are so many beautiful places to go! In the city my favorites include the Denver Botanic Gardens, Cheesman Park, and Washington Park. Outside the city the possibilities are endless. Some of my favorites include Mt. Falcon Park, Monarch Lake, and Barr Lake. Then, of course, are the National Parks and Monuments: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Colorado National Monument, to name a few.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom was always the one who believed in me. She helped me launch my first online store on Etsy and always supported my work. She passed away several years ago but I keep a photo of her on my desk and her memory continues to encourage me today.

Website: https://www.anaramirezphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anavramirez/

Image Credits
Photo of Bruno and I: Christina Cookson of Wag Your Tail Photography Other photos: Ana V. Ramirez