Art Saves • by LaLa Ortiz

As a child I loved nothing more than to run off into a quiet corner by myself and make things. My favorite section in the library was the kids' arts and crafts corner. By the time that I was 10 years old I had checked out every one of those books at least five times. So, I moved out into the “Grown up “ sections!

I also enjoyed spool knitting, sewing, and making books in which I would write poems and short stories complete with illustrations, cover art, titles, credits, and copyright dates, of course! I would give these away as gifts to anyone who would have them.

I especially loved making toys, dolls, animals, and puppets out of recycled materials. Anything with moving parts was a fascinating favorite!

I used to hide in the closet after bed time to read and work on art projects. Sometimes by candlelight because it made me feel like I was in “olden times”!

My Biggest Fan
Luckily for me my mother is a school teacher and a master seamstress, knitter, crocheter, and just an all-around wonderfully creative person. She always kept our art supply closet packed with glue, scissors, paint, brushes, yarn, fabric, trim, and embellishments galore and all of the construction paper you could ever ask for, in every color under the sun!

My mother taught me to sew as soon as I could hold a needle in my tiny hand. I was 4 years old when she gave me a needle and thread and some pink, satin fabric. I stitched up my first project, a pink, satin envelope purse, entirely by hand. It took me two years to complete the project. When I was done my mother took it and added on a beautiful, big, blingee, crystal button for the closure. I was smitten! From that moment on I have been hooked on making my own clothes and accessories. I especially love the embellishment part and anything that sparkles! Purses are still a favorite project for me. Hmm ... how did she know that would happen?

She always encouraged us to create and experiment. She is still a wonderful supporter of my art. In fact, she is probably my biggest fan! Thanks Mom!

Escape from the Daily Grind
So, How has art saved me??? Well, art has the ability to transport me completely away from reality. Away from my regular, everyday life of alarm clocks, deadlines, and dirty dishes! Once I go off into my studio, “my quiet little corner,” all of the world just melts away. There are no bills to deal with, no stress, nothing bad at all! It is just peaceful and everything is right in the world!

I still prefer to work on my art in the middle of the night. The dark side of midnight is when my creative juices begin to flow. Self doubt and anxiety fade away like yesterdays (I don’t know ... whatever faded away yesterday).

Without this escape from the dull day-to-day grind of my office job I would just go nuts! Anyway, this creative outlet is what makes my day feel productive and that my life is worth living. It is the difference for me between earning a living and making a life. I know this sounds extreme but, this is my reality. Without it I would quickly perish.

To learn more about LaLa Ortiz, visit redwoodcoastcreativearts.typepad.com.

Comments

[LaLa Ortiz]

Jenny,

Thank you very much for featuring my Art Saves story on Crescendoh! I am flattered that you would allow me to share my goofy, madness on your blog! I feel like I am in such good company here and that my story is safe, surrounded by masters and magicians, ans angels of the art world! One thousand thank yous to you and Belle and anyone else behind the Crescendoh scenes.

Peace out!
LaLa

[Christine]

I enjoyed your story Lala and have loved the links you have shared this week!