Tyler Ramsey (artist)

Tyler Ramsey is a California-based artist who paints only with his fingers, and does not use brushes. He was profiled in the Huffington Post in 2013 for performance art in which he lived in a cage-like enclosure for an extended period while creating art in view of the public. Ramsey recently completed a very large commissioned mural that is central to the design of a new building at Oral Roberts University. He also completed a commission to create eight paintings for the United Nations to celebrate their Millennium Development Goals.

Ramsey travels throughout the developing world, lobbying politicians and inspiring children in destitute neighborhoods by painting murals with them. In 2013, he interviewed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President of Liberia. He inspired at-risk Liberian girls by collaborating with them in creating a mural. He has also worked with destitute children in Latin America and Asia.

Tyler's art is collected by highly influential people, including the following: President Bill Clinton, Jenna Bush (Daughter of President Bush), UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Clint Eastwood (Director and Actor), Gary Senise (Actor), Dr. Peter Farrell (President of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego), Michael Hammer (Hammer Museum and Gallery), William Saxbe (past Governor of Ohio), George Miller (Oscar award winning Director), Kevin Farley (Comedian and Producer), Armand Hammer III (Actor), and Blake Mycoskie (CEO of TOMS).

Relying on his direct access to important art buyers, Ramsey does not depend heavily on the gallery system. Nevertheless, the following are some galleries (and other venues) where Tyler's work has been featured. Oral Roberts University commissioned a four panel installation (a $100,000 commission), and his work has appeared in the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Ramsey was chosen as the United Nation’s artist for The Global Creative Forum in Los Angeles. He created designs for TOMS Shoes, Marc Marmel and La Isla Couture. Also, Ramsey's work has been featured at Miami Art Basel, Pacific Design Center Center, Bergamot Station exhibit at the James Gray Gallery. The City of Burbank commissioned a three panel mural from Ramsey for $100,000. Ramsey was a one-man show at the Armand Hammer Gallery, and also at the Bellagio Caramel Lounge, Las Vegas. In addition, Ramsey's work was displayed in Exhibition at Fred Segal in Los Angeles. Ramsey has auctioned off over $80,000 worth of artwork for non-profits. Popular media in which Ramsey's art has appeared are: Parks & Recreation, Current TV, CBSKCOY News, Donny Deutsch’s The Big Idea, CNBC’s Entrepreneurs, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Signature Magazine, and 944.

Ramsey also paints boutique shoes by hand for Toms Shoes the sale of which benefits children in the developing world.

In 2008, Tyler met his future wife, Jacquie Berg, while working on Survivor: Gabon. Tyler was a producer forbidden to interact with the contestants. Jacquie was a contestant. Tyler caused an international incident when he disappeared into the jungles of Gabon after being fired for fraternizing with Jacquie. Tyler and Jacquie married on October 3, 2008. They continue to marry each other while participating in the traditional wedding ceremonies of cultures around the world. They hope to make a reality TV show out of this.

In 2013, as a piece of performance art, Tyler lived in a glass box painting and performing for Tom's Shoes while attempting to break a world's record.

In 2013, Tyler was part of a plan to rescue human rights and free speech activist, Ali Abduleman from captivity in Bahrain. The plan became public when The Atlantic and The New York Times published an account of the scheme.

Actor Armie Hammer considers Tyler one of his best friends. Tyler introduced Armie to his wife, television personality Elizabeth Chambers.