Congratulations to Patricia Ortiz who placed as a finalist in the 5th Edition!

Who are you?

I am a Mexican artist and Art Therapist. I was born in 1991 in Monterrey, Mexico where I have resided most of my life. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy at Emmanuel College, Boston. My liberal arts studies prepared me in clinical psychology and studio art techniques, majoring in Art Therapy. In 2018, I read a Masters in Art Therapy, in Barcelona, attending mental conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, psychosis, affective, personality and eating disorders. My career as an Art Therapist proved to me that by engaging in the expressive arts I could safely explore memories, alleviate distress and be mindful. Art has always been part of my life since I was a child, it is a safe and soothing space that gives me an opportunity to constantly reflect upon my emotional experiences.

What inspired you to begin utilizing oil paint as a medium?

I was inspired to use oil paint as a medium in college with my professor Kathy Soles. The exercises working with palette knives mesmerized me to continue. I love the slow-drying, versatile texture and silky finishes of the medium. 

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your winning work "Caged"?

I have been on an intense, personal journey towards regaining my mental and physical health. Mainly from personal unattended issues and the vicarious trauma from my experience working with severe mental illness. 3 years ago I was diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder called Fibromyalgia, I was completely burned-out with chronic anxiety, going through extreme weight loss due to stress, isolating myself socially, to a point I could not get myself up from bed.

The image of Caged showed up when I did Ayahuasca for the first time last year. It was a moment where I found myself ‘swimming’ through darkness and found a cage with one of my veiled figures inside in the exact position as the painting. I opened the cage and pulled her out and when I unveiled her, the figure was a cadaver. It was very impactful realizing that this figure represents all that heavy dead weight I have been carrying inside of me that does not let me move forward. It’s a representation of my illness, the traumatic memories and sensations from the past; everything that I need to let go of in order to make progress in my healing process. Painting the image was an act of liberation. 

There is a follow-up painting with the same narrative I am working on now that translates into the death of the past. 

What drew you to explore the human figure in such an intriguing way, i.e under cloth?

One day I imagined my traumas and fears as ghost-like entities that reside in our unconscious minds. So I decided to create a series of these forms as veiled, faceless figures embodying mental states of existential awe, revealing those moments of intimacy and authenticity within our mental lives. I explore the mind-body connection in a symbolic way through body postures, chromatic contrasts and dark lighting to create an overall mood and impression. 

Can you discuss your use of a stark black background in your paintings?

The dark background represents the unconscious. That’s how I imagine it. An eternal, never-ending, timeless, dark space with intense forces were we can find the answers to our own mystery. It is our mental battlefield, that plays with our reality, dominates and drives us if not properly explored. But it is also a space filled with wisdom and history. 

What do you hope to communicate with your work?

I want the images to resonate with others’ mental states where they can feel identified and feel a sense of wonder and curiosity. I hope to communicate inner truths where the beholders can feel empathic and acknowledge how we tend to know only the appearances of persons and not their inner reality.

Do you have a particular piece that you view as your most accomplished? Why? 

The Essence, my very first painting of the collection. It proved to me that I can create physically whatever I imagine. Besides, it has been touring around the world! 

Can you discuss why you chose painting as a medium for your work and voice as opposed to others?

Each piece is a process that takes so many hours and days to complete. So working on it patiently, thinking, mindfully breathing, helps me process psychologically what the image represents even further than taking a photograph or doing a sculpture. 

Have you experimented with other mediums? If so, which ones and how?

I have worked with drawing, and I did a few pilot studies of sculptures using fabrics, wood and resin but I have not continued on that project. I do however have a huge interest in learning about film and sound editing to use as a new medium. 

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your works?

My biggest learning experience has been to be patient and not be in a hurry while working because the rush with reflect on your final product and you will make more mistakes. 

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?

I would say selling my work to international art collectors and participating in international collective exhibits.

What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?

I am working on a solo exhibition taking place in May 2022 at Etra Galería located in Monterrey my hometown. I will present around 12-14 big format paintings, something I had not done before. I upload works in progress on my Instagram and finished works on my website.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists/photographers, what is your advice?

I have 3. First, find a good mentor that supports and genuinely believes in you as an artist. Second, always be authentic in your works. Third, challenge yourself, if you are feeling too comfortable, it is time to make a change in your practice.

To view more of Patricia Ortiz’s work

Website

Instagram