Ramekon O’Arwisters

Sculptor and meditation instructor, Ramekon O’Arwisters explores the impact of art and spirituality on issues of social justice, race, sexuality, and culture. In 2012, Ramekon founded Crochet Jam (crochetjam.com), a community art event steeped in the African-American tradition of weaving in a calm and non-judgmental environment without rules or limitations.

To deepen our understanding of Ramekon’s practice, we asked him a few questions about the roots of his work, the choices that shaped his career, and how his creativity continues to evolve.

For people new to your work, how would you describe what you create and the intention behind it?

Growing up in the American South during the Civil Rights movement, I found acceptance in learning to quilt from my grandmother and learning how to use a sewing machine from my mother. Today, I carry  forward those teachings through my public art-making event “Crochet Jam.” 

In my studio practice, I transform marginal materials - ceramic shards, textiles, zip ties, leather, and found objects into densely layered sculptures, crocheting, braiding, and knotting these elements into hybrid forms. I embrace life’s complexities, and reconfigure them into artwork that are sensuous, poignant , and defiantly completely on my terms. 

Looking back on your career so far, is there one decision or moment that you feel really shaped the path you're on today?

The one decision that really shaped the path that I am on today was to keep my day-job for as long as possible, which provided a pension, health and dental care once I retired. 

How has having a studio at PFF impacted the trajectory of your art and life?

My Creativity is there to protect me. My studio at PFF is a dedicated space for making art.

For more on Ramekon’s work, visit his website or find him on Instagram at @ramekon and @crochetjam.