Meet Maria Ortiz | Freehand fiber artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Brooklyn,NY , Bushwick to be exact. Growing up back then in my neighborhood wasn’t for the weak I tell you. We were raised embracing our heritage , very proud Puerto Ricans . We were taught that we have Spanish, Taino and African ancestry , my grandmother really put it in our minds that we were “Indios” and that we must always acknowledge it. So growing up I always knew my identity and now I make dolls that show that off. I have a line of dolls that are “My heritage dolls” which show out all of our mixes as Puerto Ricans . My upbringing made me tough and knowledgeable, and I use those skills on the daily bases .

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Goldenhookdesigns was first started as a way to stop smoking and has become one of my biggest passions . My heritage dolls have been one of my proudest works since I make dolls that represent us all , different skin tones, hair textures , features since as Puerto Ricans we come in all colors . I’ve also been working on an art collab “The Manteca Art Project “ with fellow Newyorican Poet Shaggy Flores . For this collab we are showcasing the Afro Boricua historical figures such as Pedro Albizu Campos, Arturo Schomburg and many more to come . I’ve worked very hard to get where my skills are right now . Endless nights and definitely hand pains to get to where I want to go in life which would be to open up a local shop in the Chicago area . I want everyone to know that we as a people will not disappear, unlike the erasure of our Taino culture in history we will continue to share , repair and grow the culture .

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Miami I would first go to Calle ocho to definitely each some Cuban sandwiches . Probably pass by domino park and play with some of the elders .
Night life I would take her to La bare’s in Fort Lauderdale to have a good time 😉. So many places to get good food but we would have to stop by Hollywood and get some Puerto Rican food by 441. And of course we hitting up south beach and the Keys

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My grandmother deserves the recognition of being my tekina (teacher) of our heritage . Elba Fantauzzi ❤️ may she rest in peace .

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