We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alberto Ramirez Jr.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alberto below.
Hi Alberto, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
There’s not one particular thing my parents did for me or said that guided me into the visual and performing arts. They were , quite simply , very positive toward the things I enjoyed like drawing or reading comic books , for instance. They never discouraged me . And that kind of love goes a very long way. Well into adulthood.
Alberto, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
After college , I began working in the visual arts as an artist in residence for a non-profit mural painting organization. I did that for several years. I had no particular goals in mind . I was a very young man , working and being paid well to paint murals and generally enjoying my life.
At a certain point ,though, I found the work was becoming less and less fulfilling. I never liked the idea of simply working for a check. I wanted to really enjoy myself. I wanted to have fun and decided it was time for a change.
By chance , I saw a newspaper ad for an improv acting class offered by a local theater. I took the class and loved it. There I met my future wife , Pam , who introduced me to children’s theatre and I was back to having fun.
At that theatre , I painted back drops and made props for the plays , then , Pam’s encouragement , acted in my first play. Being a former circus clown with Ringling Brothers , Barnum and Bailey Circus, she also taught me that wonderful art form which led me to going to working as a circus clown with that very same circus. I owe a great deal to my wife .
These days I also perform with marionettes and continue to clown with my wife at local events . And, of course, I still draw and paint . And it’s still quite fun.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I’ve met a lot along the way that taught me so much about how to live the life of an artist . Books and videos are good but you can’t ask them questions .
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I wanted to attend the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Clown College. It was a big dream to learn from circus pros , so when the circus was in town in the summer , I’d head off to the audition at the Freeman Coliseum . Only 25 to 30 people out of an average of 3000 were accepted every year. I got a rejection letter three times in a row but after several years of intense study and practice I made it into the school .
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arriba_arte_studios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArribaArteStudios/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arribaartestudios5798
- Other: http://ramirezfamilyworkshop.blogspot.com/