Artist: Ramon Shiloh
Biography
I am a man shaped by both failure and survival, carrying the weight of child abuse, conflict, and the lessons learned from witnessing my mother endure violence and hardship at the hands of men consumed by addiction and ego. Watching her struggle and rise again taught me early what strength truly looks like, and it became my lifelong promise to never inflict harm on women or children. After her death, I moved through the world angry, cynical, and alone, yet I chose to continue the work she devoted herself to within Native communities, carrying forward the compassion and resilience she instilled in me. As an artist, chef, mentor, and storyteller, I reflect deeply on the man I have been, and the responsibility I carry to grow beyond, with honesty and humility. This drawing honors my mother’s legacy and stands for all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as every woman who fights to survive, reclaim her voice, and rise against violence meant to silence her.
Ramon Shiloh: CoCreator of Life and Keeper of Time
Completed: 2021 - 12" x 18" - Prismacolor Premier Pencils, Rapidograph Technical Pen, Koh-I-Noor Red, White, Burnt Umber, Green, Yellow-Orange, Ink Ultra Draw, Sumi Ink, Iwata Airbrush and Stencil, Pantalic Paper
Courtesy of The Art of Ramon Shiloh
About the piece:
This piece came together through a really personal and layered process, mixing detailed pen work with softer shading and texture. I used Prismacolor Premier pencils, Rapidograph technical pen, Sumi ink, Ultra Draw ink, and Koh-I-Noor colors like red, burnt umber, green, and yellow-orange to build emotion and movement throughout the drawing. The airbrush and stencil work helped create atmosphere and depth, almost like memories and emotions drifting through the piece. Every material had its own voice in the process, helping me express themes of pain, survival, strength, and healing connected to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Working on Pantalic paper, I approached the drawing slowly and intentionally, allowing the story and emotion to reveal themselves layer by layer.
Ramon Shiloh: Generational Wealth in Salmon
Completed: 2020 - 12" x 18" - Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil, Rapidograph Technical Pen, KOH I NOOR Black, Iwata Airbrush
Courtesy of The Art of Ramon Shiloh
About the piece:
With this piece, I wanted to reflect on the life cycle of salmon and how deeply it connects to survival, family, memory, and renewal. I have always been inspired by the way salmon return home through instinct and endurance, moving against the current no matter how difficult the journey becomes. To me, their path mirrors our own search for identity, purpose, and belonging.
While creating this work, I kept thinking about hunger as more than just a physical need. Hunger can push us back toward our roots and reconnect us with something ancient within ourselves. Through the salmon, I wanted to explore what it means to survive while learning how to protect, gather, and honor the things that sustain us.
The salmon in this piece represents connection. Even though each one moves differently, they are all part of the same larger journey, much like family and community. Their movement across the composition reflects how wisdom, struggle, sacrifice, and love are carried from one generation to the next.
I also thought a lot about tradition and memory while making this work. To me, salmon carries both survival and story. It holds the teachings of our ancestors while creating space for future generations to find their own path.
As I finished the piece, I found myself reflecting on rest, remembrance, and letting go.
Our travels are ending.
It is our time to pause and reevaluate a better tomorrow.
The sun dips against our backs as we rest in the bosom of warmth and remembrance.
We shed our judgment.
We shed time and place.
We shed our memories.
We shed through the sky, and space.
And still, our ancestors continue to love again, and again, and again.
