Today we’d like to introduce you to Morel Orta.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Morel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hi there, have you ever heard the expression “Jack of all trades, master of none”? I actually hadn’t until recently (I grew up overseas) and I feel it is the best description of myself that I can come up with, so let me explain why. I am an artist that believes there is an art form for every emotion. Sometimes you have a bad day at work or something minor happens to you, resulting in an emotion – but one that you know is not worthy of keeping. So I sit at the piano and play it away. Music is my immediate “let it go and move on” art form. I am also a sailor (although not an art form); also a favorite “let it go” activity.
Photography comes right after. I see photography as my day-to-day diary. In photographs I try to share how I feel and see the world. I am not a writer and English is my second language so I prefer visual communication as a form of translation (an image is worth a thousand words kind of thing).
Then there are my paintings. They are my discovery and understanding mechanism. I paint when I can’t comprehend something, when something hurts and I don’t even know why. I paint in the search of meaning and often I find meaning thru painting, which is why it’s hard to let go of my paintings sometimes; they are a part of my story in a way.
Finally there is architecture. I was borne to be an architect so it has always been my bedrock. My parents used to buy little matchbox cars for me (like most parents), and instead of just playing with them I used to build models of cities so my cars could drive around. Highways of cardboard, handrails of spaghetti, light poles of Q-tips. I loved creating cities and I still do, now just in real life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes and no. I always knew I wanted to be an architect growing up, so that part was easy. The creation of an artist studio separate from my “day job” as an architect for a firm was a whole different ball game.
I have never painted, taken photographs or done anything art related for the intention of making money. Rather they are creative outlets that I enjoy, that have subsequently grown into other unexpected successes. And with these successes, added pressures I have never had before.
When you do things out of love it’s hard to put a price on your work, that is why I default to asking for advice on people that know better (meaning artist representation and appraisals) for guidance, some are great at what they do and I appreciate tremendously their help.
So I have been learning as I go, being careful how I spend my time, trying to find a balance between work (on its many forms) and life. And most importantly trying to have fun in the process.
Morelorta Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I would say that I am most proud remaining truthful to my beliefs and art making. What I mean by that is that my art, on its many forms, remains and will remain driven by love and not monetary gain. I have been blessed with a career that I love in architecture, so the work produced in the studio can and will remain fresh and honest. It will be emotional while being smart, taking advantage of any opportunities that may present themselves.
I am also proud that I am an immigrant that brings with me all of the colors and feelings of my native Venezuela. I am the grandson of a carpenter that built fishing ships in Margarita Island. When I sail, paint, or take photographs (specially my sailing series) I always remember that.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Increasing my audience is my main goal right now, I have many repeat clients that love my work, but like everything increased exposure increases your growth. That is where social media is wonderful as it multiplies your reach. I am also eyeing to work on some large-scale sculptures. I feel that is my next experimenting ground. So keep an eye on that Instagram feed as new things will be coming!
Contact Info:
- Address: 15 Channel Center Street. Apt #301 Boston MA 02210
- Website: www.morelorta.com
- Phone: 617-331-9153
- Email: info@morelorta.com
- Instagram: @morelorta
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