"The biggest inspiration for my art comes from my work teaching children. My class supervisor once remarked that she could sense the influence of my students’ art in my own work and vice versa."

Artist Libby Ramage transforms everyday scraps into expressive visual poetry that blends humor, grief, and passion. Teaching kids for two decades and witnessing their bold, uninhibited creativity deeply shaped her approach to art. Libby often incorporates her students' abandoned works into her collages. She paints in a converted dining room filled with artwork and collected objects, including Mexican folk art.

In this interview, Libby talks about her family life, artistic journey, and how her young students influece her art. 

What’s your home life like?

The past two years have seen a huge change in my life; my husband’s health problems required much more time, and I became a grandmother. My son and his family just relocated to Boston, and I have sublet his New York apartment to use as a print studio. My priorities have altered a lot. My family and my art are still top, but I’ve had to relinquish my lap swimming and my flamenco classes.

What are you most proud of—whether in art or another part of your life?

I’m most proud of two things. First was the mural I did for my children’s elementary school gym wall that involved the entire school, The Wall of Hopes and Dreams. Second was being selected several times for the Butler Institute of American Art’s midyear show, my most recent acceptance was juried by Audrey Flack.

How do you structure your day?

I usually work for a couple of hours early in the morning before the demands of the day overtake me. Then, I work again in the early evening when everything has calmed down. I go to New York for several days twice a month to work on my mono-printing and bring home finished or nearly finished pieces to photograph.

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

The biggest inspiration for my art comes from my work teaching children. I’ve been an art teacher for kids aged 3 to 9 for nearly 30 years. I still teach preschool art at a local school two afternoons a week.

Tell us about your evolution as an artist.

I grew up with a mother who was a Sunday painter and was surrounded by the artwork of her great-grandfather throughout our house. As a child, she encouraged my creativity—letting me paint stairway walls, wooden salad bowls, and generally gave me much encouragement. I eventually attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where I earned a diploma and a fifth-year certificate in painting, printmaking, and video.

How do you decide when an artwork is finished?

My art feels finished when it’s framed or sold. I often revisit older pieces, incorporating them into new work or altering them in some way.

What is the most interesting observation someone has made about your work?

This is a hard question. My answer would be that my class supervisor once remarked that she could sense the influence of my students’ art in my own work and vice versa.

Is there an artwork from another artist that has had a significant impact on you?

Paul Klee has had a big impact on my confidence. His work, though small, shines like a jewel. His sense of childlike play also resonates with how I approach my art. Patti Smith is my beacon.

What’s your favorite museum?

My favorite museum is the American Museum of Natural History in New York. I love the landscapes in the dioramas, and the insect displays are fascinating because of the surprising change in scale. The Hall of Gems and Minerals is fantastic. The tribal masks, the Hall of Birds, the dinosaurs—it’s all wonderful.

Is there anything else you’d like to share to help viewers better understand your work?

Growing up, I thought of myself more as a writer than a visual artist, so I often incorporate words into my work. I'd like to think I've perfected the art of visual storytelling.