Meet Tommy Ortega | Artist & musician

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

Hi Tommy, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m born and raised in Miami, 3rd generation Cuban and Mexican. Being from Miami, the city throws so many cultures and people from all walks of life. That bustling and diverse energy is what makes me open and appreciate each persons story and impacts me heavily in the way I approach my art and capturing people in paint.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art focuses on the age-old tradition of portraiture. Immortalizing individuals and their story into a single moment. I’m always exploring themes and diving deeper into subconscious expression to find the reflections of our identities through imagery and iconography. Like visual poetry.
I’m most excited for my upcoming pop up show called the Miami Alternative Project in which I’ve painted 13 portraits over 2 years each showcasing those involved in the local art and music scene. Those that are not as represented in the typical Miami schema.
To get to where I am today took the dedication and refinement of my craft. Deconstructing typical “art institution” attitudes that break down people and make them question what real art is.
It was when I decided to be, that I flourished.
I wish to be THE portrait painter of Miami and only plan to grow in scope and execution of my visions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A must-see and must-feel experience is without a doubt the weekly Art Club meetings that happen all over north Miami and wynwood. A place to see music, Djs, and a place to meet local heroes and legends and the creative backbone of the city.
One of the best museums in Miami is hands down the Rubell, with rotating exhibitions they always showcase the kind of art that one has put their soul into. To eat excellent and authentic Mexican, there isn’t a place I’d go other than El Rinconcito Mexicano on Calle ocho, they’ve been serving my family for generations.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The stubbornness and confidence that comes with being an artist is not born in someone. It takes someone else believing sometimes so that we can learn to then believe in our own crazy ideas. For me, that person was my 7th grade art teacher Peter Santamaria. An incredibly talented artist and an amazing person who deserves a shoutout.

Website: https://Tommyoartwork.bigcartel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommyo.artwork?igsh=cGI5MHEyamozbm1o&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Gabriel Mercado
Tommy Ortega