Fernando Ortiz, Michigan
Member Since August 2007
Artist Statement To “subjugate” metal, stone, wood, clay or any other material until they are melted in my hands and transformed into a vivid piece of existence, which is the beauty of Creation, has been one of my continue battles and my biggest satisfaction. My sculptures evolve as I work within my mind’s eyes. My designs, even though inspired generally on the human figure, exceed the simple search of anatomical perfection and move beyond the academic to become stylized, suggestive, abstract or just an expression of the movement.
I was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba 1972. In 1999, I immigrated to The United States and since then I have lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
I earned a degree in Graphic Design and Computer Animation at Phoenix University, AZ and I currently work as a designer for Hickory Hardware in Grandville, MI. Also, I have my own studio in Grand Rapids, MI.
In Cuba, I worked as a Sculptor for more than 6 years in the Provincial Shop of Arts and Ceramic in Old Havana.
My vast artistic collection of more than 300 works was destined for commercialization without being exhibited due to the critical economic situation in Cuba. Today, those artworks are found dispersed in different countries around the world, specifically Spain, France and Germany.
Since in United States, I have showed my artwork in the following events:
September 28, 2006 Destination: 1111. The largest open studio event in West Michigan.
September 15, 2006 Eyekons Gallery "Art meeting the sacred. An interfaith dialogue. Art through interfaith eyes" Grand Rapids, Michigan. USA.
September 1-3, 2006 Sixth Annual Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival, Holland, Michigan. USA.
December 7, 2004 “Traveling inside: Hispanic American Artists respond to cultural difference” Exhibition at Madonna University, Michigan. USA.
World Aids Day 2004- December 1st “Fighting HIV/AIDS…The power of Symbols”. Artists express AIDS II exhibition at Grand Valley State University, Michigan. USA.
THIRD PLACE AWARD in the ARTROM Gallery “Beyond Boundaries” 2004 International Art Competition, Rome. Italy.
2004- 2nd Annual West Michigan Hispanic Business Expo at Delta Plex Expo Center, Michigan. USA.
2004-The 2nd Exhibition of Latin-American Art of West Michigan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. USA.
2004- 4th Annual Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival, Holland, Michigan. USA.
Contact info: (616) 293-9397
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