JESÚS ORTIZ

BY ANISSASTAMBOULI

Any moment, even if it seems insignificant, can be inspiring. Two rose-headed lovers swept up in a passionate kiss, a barrage of button hot air balloons soaring high above the clouds, floating cherry tomato balloons with a penchant for escape, a girl sashaying fashionably in her orchid petal skirt — these are but some the sweetly charming and whimsical creations of 3D artist Jesús Ortiz.

Since his childhood, Ortiz dabbled happily in all forms of art. Distinctive in his creativity from the beginning, Ortiz even painted his watch so that it would be uniquely his. At the age of 14, he began to study a variety of artistic disciplines in Cordoba, Spain, including natural and technical drawing and met other artists with similar interests. While he learned much in his studies, he remains steadfast in his belief that true learning comes from practice and work. Originally moving to Málaga from Cordoba to study advertising in university, Ortiz has since stayed, made his home there, and now crafts contemporary art in one of the oldest cities in the world.

“I started working with real objects in a casual way, initially including illustrations in some photos,” explains Ortiz, “I liked the effect of the illustration on a photo, and that’s how I started to focus on the illustration as the central theme of my gallery.”

Blending natural objects such as flowers, leaves, twigs, fruits and vegetables, and manmade objects such as buttons, clips, cotton, matchboxes and confetti, with adorably detailed cartoon drawings or realistic portraits, his creations range from beautiful to endearing, but always intricate in their simplicity and exquisitely captivating.

“Many people tell me that I always bring them a smile with my works and that they transmit calm and tranquility,” says Ortiz, “I am very direct in my work, I like to show a little, but to transmit a lot. Simplicity and playing with colours fascinates me.”

One glance at his portfolio and the expanse of his creative well is

inarguably apparent. To create such pieces, one must look at everyday items in unique ways that have yet to be expressed by their current being or use: a rose becomes a hat and the eyebrows of a lady’s face; a hot pepper becomes a smiling gnome’s conical hat; a hibiscus head becomes the horn of an old gramophone; a pinch clip becomes the head of a pet alligator. Married with talented drawing abilities, Ortiz orchestrates simple, playful tableaus and cute couture that immediately captures your attention and your heart. “Inspiration simply arises,” admits Ortiz:

“It is not something that can be explained, it just happens. Ideas can come at any time. I think it helps to be calm, without situations of stress and with a clear mind. Any moment, even if it seems insignificant, can be inspiring. Each image depends on the moment. Sometimes I can think of an idea and look for the elements to create it; other times, I see an object or a flower and I can think of an illustration to add to create something original; other times I simply photograph objects and save the photos, so that when I see them again at a later time, I can come up with ideas that I did not think of the first time around. I like my images to be very clean and without too many elements. Works that feature many elements are meant to be enjoyed over time in order to discover everything that the author wants to tell us. In my case, posting my art on Instagram where images are viewed quickly, I think it is better to be very direct. To transmit as much as possible with fewer elements.”

The platform of Instagram has been integral to Ortiz’s social development as an artist. He first began publishing his images in 2013 and since then, the exposure and ability to reach people around the world have led to working with fashion designers for couture collections, worldwide campaigns, and even working with some brands on Instagram. While very selective in accepting proposals, Ortiz had never imagined working on projects such as these on his own, and he is very grateful for these opportunities.

“Now I have the possibility to work for myself,” relates Ortiz, “I have worked for major brands, and I have projects outside my country thanks to Instagram. It has been a very good leap for me because I have a lot more creative freedom when I work on my own.”

Now, Ortiz’s illustrations are for sale printed on paper, small mirrors, magnets and cloth bags, as well as commissioned work for clients.

“I would like to work exclusively on my own,” says Ortiz, “Focus on my online store and commission as an illustrator for my clients.”

To check out Ortiz’ online store, please go to .jesusoart.com and find—or create—that perfect gift to tug at the heartstrings of that special someone!

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