Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Ortega.
Hi Cynthia, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
It’s funny to think back when I was younger in elementary and middle school. I never believed or thought I was artistic, and now that I am older, my art abilities have grown. It wasn’t until high school, when I started taking art classes I knew art was a path I wanted to take. I grew up in a small city in central California known as Porterville. It was a big risk to move away, but I felt like it was the best idea to move to Los Angeles to work on myself and my career. I got the inspiration from my big brother, who did the same to pursue his dreams. He was the drummer for the Stand-Ins. He didn’t become a famous musician, but I was in love with the idea that he would play at bars and shows all around Long Beach. He was doing what he enjoyed. So that brings me to today currently working at Retro Row Ink as a tattoo artist and close to graduation at CSU Dominguez Hills with a B.A. in studio art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road in my journey, but I’m grateful to be experiencing life. Many events have happened in the past 7 years that I would not expect. Life throws many curveballs, but I think I’m starting to understand that I need to choose what I think is important for me and not worry what everyone else thinks. By that, I mean to choose people and opportunities I am willing to suffer for (not literally become a victim of abuse). All I’m saying is that everyone has to suffer somehow through relationships, failing in a career, finances, etc… but in the end of what you choose it will lead to fulfillment. I am lucky to have family that is very supportive but living in Los Angeles has been a very difficult change. The struggle doesn’t end today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I primarily paint with acrylics on stretched canvas or wood panels. I specialize in neosurrealism art. I achieve that through colors using the CMYK color theory, adding abstraction with a contorted or anthropomorphic figure. I’ve showcased artwork from Central California to Southern California. A recent art show in Los Angeles was Inner Links for Art Share LA. Shout out to Jesse Fregozo for considering my artwork. Apart from painting, I work at Retro Row Ink as a tattoo artist in Long Beach. Tattooing has been something I’ve wanted to do since high school, but I was prevented from pursuing that for a while. What sets me apart from others is my uniqueness. I know my artwork is not traditional, and I’m not so focused on my skill level that a painting has to look super realistic. I want to stay true. Be raw with my art, except for tattooing. That requires skill, but ultimately, I would love to tattoo some original painting/idea that is mine on someone someday. I’ll figure that out later.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Balancing play and work. Make as many mistakes and learn. Having patience and being optimistic when things go wrong. Absorb as much information from anyone or experience. Most importantly, make time for art.
Contact Info:
- Website: cynthiaortega95.wixsite.com
- Instagram: @arte_de_cynthia
- Other: https://linktr.ee/artbycyn95
