Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Ramirez-Santin.
Hi Karla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am who I am today because of the people who inspire and uplift me. As the youngest of three, I always wanted to be like my older siblings. My brother used to draw, so I began drawing as well. In first grade, my teacher, Mrs. Marx, recognized my artistic potential and gave me opportunities such as creating the cover art for our class playbill. I also won the Art Award and a bookmark design contest that year. Additionally, my sister, who always knew she wanted to teach, would come to our class to help, and we all looked up to her. The seed was planted early, even if it took time for me to fully embrace the path of becoming an artist and educator.
In the years that followed, there were many signs that I had both artistic and teaching potential, yet it was easy to suppress those desires when I was constantly exposed to the idea of the “starving artist.” In high school, I graduated near the top of my class and felt strong pressure to succeed. Although people often told me I would go far, I struggled to believe I could make a living as an artist. Because of this, I stayed in my hometown and attended community college to figure out my path.
I initially majored in psychology, inspired by my mom, and considered becoming an art therapist. However, on the very first day, before classes even began, I realized it wasn’t right for me and changed my major to art. I considered graphic design for its perceived stability, but when I transferred to UNT and met with a counselor, I learned more about the program and quickly lost interest. When I asked about the Studio Art (Drawing and Painting) major, I was immediately sold and finally allowed myself to pursue my long-standing desire to teach art at the college level.
After graduating from UNT, I was commissioned to create a piece for my high school alma mater. Once I completed it, I was unexpectedly offered a scholarship that would cover my tuition and fees for the three years required to complete my MFA at TWU. I accepted, and a year later, I began graduate school.
While there, I was challenged more than ever before, and my work improved exponentially. I was also given the opportunity to do what I had always dreamed of: teaching drawing and painting at the college level. In 2024, I graduated with my MFA, and I am incredibly grateful to continue doing what I love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road to success has had many bumps along the way, but with the love and support of my family and friends, I have always persevered. While working toward my MFA, my mom was diagnosed with glioblastoma, and my life was forever changed. I chose to continue my studies while caring for her, balancing school, work, and the emotional weight of watching her health decline.
At the same time, I was going through a difficult breakup, which added another layer of uncertainty during an already overwhelming period. I had to move multiple times and often relied on couch-hopping while trying to figure out my living situation.
In the midst of it all, I was offered the opportunity to have a solo exhibition at the Latino Cultural Center. Although my plate was full, I accepted. Working toward completing my MFA and preparing for the exhibition gave me a reason to keep going during the darkest time of my life. I channeled my grief and anger into my art, and many wonderful doors have opened since— group and solo exhibition opportunities, hosting art workshops, participating in art panels, etc.
My mom unfortunately passed before she could attend my graduation and first solo exhibition, but I know she would have been incredibly proud. I feel her presence every day, and I am eternally grateful for the strength I inherited from her.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Art is at the center of my world, and it is likely what I am most known for. In addition to creating and selling my work, I teach drawing and painting classes at Texas Woman’s University and work as a Lab Specialist for the Visual Arts Department at Dallas College. I have also been a member of the Cedars Union’s Cohort V since February 2025.
My artistic practice incorporates a range of media, mementos, and found objects to explore grief, immigration, gender, and the intimate intersections between these experiences. Rooted in autobiography, my work reflects the fears, guilt, and emotional pressures I navigate as a DACA recipient, immigrant, and woman shaped by external expectations.
Collaboration is central to my practice. Through intimate conversations and shared experiences, I interweave my narrative with those of other women, girls, and immigrants to challenge systems that silence or distort our stories. At its core, my work is a tribute to my parents’ sacrifices and a commitment to creating space for solidarity, questioning systemic oppression, and affirming lived experiences that are often overlooked or marginalized—while fostering hope for a better future.
I am most proud of my ability to move people through my work. I often encounter complete strangers moved to tears while viewing my art—sometimes because they feel seen and heard, and other times because they empathize despite not sharing the same experiences. Either way, it is an honor to create a space where people feel safe enough to fully experience their emotions. I strongly advocate for embracing all of our feelings, and I believe this is what most sets me apart. I welcome rawness and honesty in my work, because it is through that openness that I am able to truly connect with others.
How do you think about happiness?
Hope and gratitude have always come easily to me. So many aspects of life bring me joy, but my favorites include spending time with loved ones, listening to good music, enjoying yummy food, and teaching, creating, and appreciating art.
What makes me happiest is seeing people live the lives they’ve dreamed of and choose to do good for others. When we’re truly content, that sense of fulfillment creates a domino effect—lifting moods, brightening the world, and inspiring kindness.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @art_by_kfrs
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-ramirez-santin-a04919191/
- Youtube: @karlaramirezsantin7802
Image Credits
Sheryl Lanzel should be credited for the pictures of me in my studio and one of the pictures of my paper butterflies.
Kaye Kypuros should be credited for assisting me when capturing the photo of me in the paper blanket.
