Meet the Artist - California Handbag & Jewelry Designer Lisa Ramos

In this blog article I am getting a little more personal with readers about me. If you don't know me below is short introduction. For those who do know me I hope you learn something new. So, lets meet the artist behind MONOLISA.   

Meet the Artist Lisa Ramos 

1. Before becoming an artist I worked in tech for 20 years - assistant, project manager and lots of sales. 
2. I have a bachelors degree in sociology - I wasn't sure what I wanted to do in college so I picked this major.
3. I have learning differences and dislike classroom settings - I still avoid classrooms.
4. I am a self taught metal and leather smith artist - I continue learning everyday.
5. I can’t eat dairy, but love it - I miss cheese pizza!
6. My favorite place to visit is Hawaii - the Big Island is incredible. 
7. I am a neat freak and keep a very clean house - a house guest once said it doesn't look like anyone lives here, such a complement...lol.
8. Creating with my hands has significantly reduced my anxiety - I always want to be in the studio.
9. I can’t draw, but can picture images of my work in my mind - drawing is not a prerequisite for being an artist.
10. I use to be a long distance runner - now my hips and feet are shot.
11. I am sensitive to loud noises - chew quietly please.
12. My guilty pleasure, getting into bed early and watching makeup tutorial videos - I love makeup. 
13. I have a side project called GiftsFromArtists.com that supports the art community - check it out and thanks for shopping local.
14. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area - I now live in Clayton. 
15. I have been obsessed with handbags and jewelry ever since I can remember - I love sparkly things.
16. Sapphires are my favorite gemstone - especially pink colored. 
17. My biggest success in life, meeting my husband - we met 19 years ago. 
18. My biggest failure, too many to pick from - I will keep counting. 
19. I worked at a jewelry store with my mother in my teens - my mom taught me how to work hard and she is a tough cookie.
20. I don't like to cook or bake - I prefer doing the dishes. 
21. If I could live anywhere it would be South Florida - the beaches are incredible and I have friends there. 
22. My favorite flower is an orchid - it lasts longer than a week and re-blooms. 
23. I appreciate structure and keep a tight schedule - I don't like surprises. 
24. My creative process evolves organically and at the least likely times - in the middle of the night, during a conversation, doing laundry or driving.
25. I love technology and use it to manage my life - yes I have a task list and auto reminders. 
26. I don't like wearing jeans, I prefer dresses - Although I do love large sweats in the winter. 
27. I had ovarian cancer at the age of 33 - my gut told me to go to the doctors. 
28. I don't like going to movie theaters or eating hot dogs - I know it is strange. 
29. I am deathly afraid of sharks - I love snorkeling.
30. I didn't enjoy reading until my late forties - now I read in the middle of the night when I can't sleep....which is a lot.

My favorite Beach in Boca Raton, Florida - Red Reef Park