Rising Stars: Meet Dayanita Ramesh of Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dayanita Ramesh.

Hi Dayanita, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Visual art has always been part of my life, and I’ve always felt like it found me. When I was younger, I loved drawing with markers and crayons. As I grew older, I found that painting resonated with me most, and it became my primary medium. The materiality and physicality of painting are where I can truly lose myself and work intuitively.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most artists, I’ve had my share of ups and downs in my creative journey. As I get older, I can take them in stride, see how it is all part of a bigger picture, and be more patient with myself. I had to understand that art is work, and the more you put in, the more you get out of it.

What’s helped me is remembering to take it one day at a time, to keep creating, to keep going, and not to give up. You have to stay true to your vision and ideas, be patient, and cultivate and refine them. I’m always proud of what I’ve created but never satisfied, and that’s what moves me to the next project. I think Michele Lamy is often attributed with this quote, “Be addicted to your passions, not your distractions,” so I try to keep that in mind at all times, too.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work traditionally and digitally. My primary mediums are acrylic paint, ink, and digital illustration.

I have created murals, books, comics, commissions, and stationery for events (like brand influencer dinners and weddings) and collaborative commercial projects with Crooked Media, With Others Wine Bar, and Studio DIY.

I also write a Substack about art, artists, and museums called “Take Your Time.”

I love illustrating picture books, a form that really emphasizes visual storytelling and harmony with text. I’ve worked on a few as gifts for my niece and nephew. I’d love to be published, and I’m open to illustrating and working with an author or as an author/illustrator.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
To always keep learning! I love to take “beginner” classes or workshops, because I always learn a new perspective and meet amazing people. Visual art is so expansive, and I always find something new in a class, an article, or a book.

Another lesson I’ve heard from artists across many media is that you’re always working on your art, even when you are not. I’m working on art when I arrange flowers, when I bake, wash dishes, sort my laundry, and the way I decorate my house. A friend once told me that I live artfully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dayanitaramesh.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayanitaramesh/
• Other: http://norush.substack.com/

Image Credits
Personal Photo Credit goes to Leah Rom! She asks that you credit like this: Photo by Leah Rom