Interview: Lollie Ortiz
Luca Curci talks with Lollie Ortiz, one of the winners of ARTIST OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER 2020.

Miss Ortiz playfully indulges her imagination with curious inspiration. This journey of “colorful discovery” continued to flourish throughout her school years with “artistic competition recognition.” Seeking to refine her talents, she pursued a design degree from the San Francisco City College. She also attended specialized classes in advertising and film from the Los Angels of School of Design. Ready to start her career, Miss Ortiz received an internship from entertainment design company which evolved into the role of an Art Director for various Hollywood entertainment assignments. Her artistic and leadership skills would be responsible for a series of successful advertising campaigns.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Lollie Ortiz – Since I was a kid, art has been a driving force behind my “independent spirit” and desire to pursue what I imagined into a reality. Art is also a bridge to the passions of others or the disadvantage, like my son who is both a “special needs adult” but also an accomplished gallery artist.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
LO – My determination to work in art direction and films started in college. To help pay for my art expenses, I took a job in a printing shop. This gave me my first taste of production and how words and imagery were brought to life as printed matter. Shortly after leaving design school, I found myself creating graphic art and storyboards for various corporate and entertainment companies. This allowed me the experience of working with various design teams and projects that had many layers of skills I had to transform into success stories. I also found myself creating props and 3D scenes for stage plays which later proved very valuable in terms of dimensional perspectives when I decided to become a sculptural artist.

LC – What is your creative Process like?
LO – I find that whenever I want to tap into creative ideas, they somehow come to me instantly as visual imagery. Inspired to make something happen, I quickly start creating rough sketches. Then I begin building mock-ups or or producing different computer designs to enhance what I envisioned. Sometimes this process includes experimenting with various materials or utilizing photographic set ups to show how light can influence the final direction of a design.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
LO – Most of my work is based upon my passion for fine art statements. From abstract sculptures to elegant forms of representational art, these works define my desire for artistic freedom in 3D form. This includes the usage of rainbow colors which for me symbolizes the “spirit of empowerment and diversity” As a free spirit, I also enjoy tapping into my “whimsical” side as a way of creating art that resonates with my love of pop art as well.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays?
LO – Being an artist, for me, has always been a way forward no matter what I was doing. It has given me a reason to explore the unknown and do my best, even in failure. Today, being an artist is even more important since I believe we can connect the power of art, love and reason to many voices through the various means and forms of global communication.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
LO – Everywhere.