We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Ramirez Etheridge a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha Ramirez , appreciate you joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

When I am perceived by the outside world, it is through this lens of “Latino/Hispanic/immigrant. Truth is, I don’t even speak Spanish. My family goes back more than four generations as natives of Texas. We lived and worked on the land that was once Mexico. I am often asked, “where does your family come from”. The answer is Texas. My family is from Texas. My grandparents were born in Texas. I am from here.

For most, that answer is just not good enough. I’ll get the follow up question, “oh, you know what I mean, where do you originate from?” I know what they want me to say, “Oh, I’m from Mexico.” But, I’m not. If you REALLY want to know where I originate from you would have to get a history lesson. See, all the land from Texas to California was once Mexico, and before Spain came to this continent, this land was occupied by natives.

That is who I really am. A NATIVE, whose people were conquered by Spaniards, made to assimilate and obey under Catholicism, to eventually be called an immigrant on the same land my family has occupied for generations.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Art kept me company as an only child. It was my playmate and confidant. I would draw the pictures I saw in my old “Little Golden Books” collection and draw out my own stories. My mother saw that I had a talent, and at the age of eight she got me into painting classes. I learned acrylics and have been building on those first lessons ever since.

I have worked as an independent artist, completing many commissions, murals, and other works. I call myself the “Starving Artist” as the income for this work has always been supplemental to my 9 to 5 occupation. Unfortunately, small town Texas does not offer many opportunities for artists who do not paint landscapes, windmills, or cows. I am grateful for advancements in technology that allow me to expand my audience. Now, through social media, my work can be seen by those who the algorithm deems would be interested in the content.

Through my content, my main objective is to motivate and inspire those who are in need of encouragement. I strive to give inspiration not only to other creatives, but to also give enlightenment to those who find themselves in the midst of struggle or depression. I am excited when someone reaches out to me saying, “I needed this.” or “Thank you for this message.” If I can assist just one person get through a hard day, I have done what I set out to do.

Through my art I dream of establishing myself enough to go full time and support my other passion, philanthropy. I have worked for and with several non-profits helping those in need, organizing donation drives, feeding the homeless, sponsoring children during the holidays, as well as founding efforts to bring community gardens to needy neighborhoods. Much of the proceeds I have earned from my artwork has gone to the implementation of these kinds of programs.

If all my dreams came true, my art would provide a means to support a community center that would include a community garden, soup kitchen, and art gallery.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

In my experience, those who create MUST create. Even without the financial gain or public recognition, creatives would still pursue their projects. To create is the act of letting go and bringing out what is being held within. Some describe the experience as channeling. We feel that the art that is created comes from a place that is beyond ourselves.

No matter the source, creatives pursue art like those who pursue sustenance. It is like breath, food, or water, it is a necessity of existence.

In your view, what can society do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

With the rise of AI and automated creativity, the best way society can support creatives is to actually support creatives. Submitting a prompt into an AI engine does not constitute creativity, yet it is revered on social media as unique and breathtaking. AI creates in seconds what could take some artists a lifetime to achieve. Following, supporting, buying directly from real creatives is the best way to support the art community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SAArtistries
• Instagram: s.a.artistries
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samantha.aguilar.75
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@s.a.artistries1423
• Other: TICTOK @saartistries