Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt ‘Ramseytheslasher’ Ramsey.
Hi Matt ‘Ramseytheslasher’, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have created art all my life in some form or another. I started out drawing anything and everything I would see, because drawing what I experienced always seemed to be the most adequate mode of communication. Words have never done my experiences justice regardless of my talents in writing. Even with my poetry I include a series of long exposures that I photograph at night in the various locations across South Florida. However, creating visuals, drawings, caricatures, portraits, graffiti, and graphic designs has been my main focus. I have had a lot of success in my career as an artist, designing album art for recording artists like Twelvelen, The Truth, Deer Wolf, Yoshi, and several other prolific artists. I made my way to this point by ignoring distractions and peer pressure, insisting to always do things the way I felt, and I am glad I have. People have a tendency to want to tell you what you ‘need’ to do as an artist and I have watched many people lose all motivation, focus, and drive because they listened to those people. I never did.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not in any sense of the word. Not even a single pen or brush stroke in my work translates any air of smoothness in the midst of doing it. Even so, making the art is the easiest part, if I could say there was an easy part. There isn’t. I can’t even begin to describe to you the adversity in this particular life path. I was relentlessly punished, oppressed, and abused for my independent nature from the time I was a young boy. I was severely physically abused, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually as well. I’ve never been able to exist without rampant criticism, social ostracization, and abuse on some level from my parents, family members, teachers, peers, strangers, and the government on all levels. I had no one to protect me but myself. And that’s the backdrop for how I eventually became ‘Ramsey The Slasher’. Two years ago, I discovered my wife of 11 years was being unfaithful. She made up a lie in order to throw me out of our home, and hide my kids from me while I did whatever I could to survive on the streets of West Palm Beach. She told me she wished she could burn all my art to the ground. She said it was nothing and did nothing for us, after I had single handedly supported her, me, and our 3 children from my art. I am finally back on my feet and producing some of the greatest work I feel I’ve ever produced. I am currently producing art and my own music, working 50 hours a week at a gas station downtown, and doing art for multiple clients. There is no dream job here. Just a compulsive desire to constantly create, coupled with the hope that one day it will turn my life around finally. My main focus however, is the myriad of projects I am constantly
Developing, and continuing to be the father my daughters need.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The best way I feel, in order to describe my art, is generally ‘Mixed Media.”
More so, I call it mainly ‘Abstract Gonzo Surrealism I specialize in anything that doesn’t involve copying anyone else ever. I specialize in mixed media, particularly combining markers, acrylic paint, and fine art pens. I am also known for my signature plaid backgrounds and my self developed style of micron pen crosshatching and heavy use of the legendary Bic crystal which is the best and cheapest pen ever made.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I wouldn’t advocate looking for a mentor. I would just focus on making authentic original work. Your mentor will find you. You will see your reflections in each other and that is how you know. Usually it is not just one. There are many. Once you understand that everyone is just another version of you, it becomes much easier to network. Sometimes the only barrier is a part of ourselves that we don’t accept which holds us back from connecting with the people we need to. Giving everyone a fair chance is important, but standing up for yourself is most important. Never let anyone tell you who you are or what your bottom line is. That is the only thing I can truly say has worked for me out of any other approach.
Pricing:
- Prints of my work range from $20-$200
- Murals range from $500-$10k+
- Original Canvases range from $100-$5k+
- Originals on paper range from $100-$5k+
- Clothing and Custom designs available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tapcard.biz/tapcard/ramseytheslasher/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramseytheslasher?utm_source=qr
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ramsey-the-slasher
