Interview
Angel Torres Ortiz
Angel Torres is a conceptual artist born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, who now resides in Massachusetts. At the age of 14, Angel moved to the United States and began to learn English. Over the years, he has also learned Portuguese and is currently studying French, which demonstrates his commitment to professional development and cross-cultural communication. Angel's artistic practice includes a diverse range of mediums and styles, including illustrations, realistic portraits, landscapes, still life’s, abstract works, color pencils, pastels, and charcoal drawings. He draws inspiration from his Christian beliefs, as well as his Spanish, African, Latino, and Puerto Rican cultural influences. Angel is currently completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, and will continue his studies in Europe, in 2024, where he will pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
His artistic style is characterized by vibrant colors, bold forms, and intricate details, often incorporating natural imagery and cultural symbols. Angel's work has been recognized and exhibited in numerous galleries and events, including being appointed as a featured artist in the Ritmos Art Gallery Academy by Worcester District Representative Hilda Rodriguez in April of 2012 and continuously in 2013 at the Ritmos Academy of Art in multiple Art Expositions. His work has also appeared in local news outlets. In addition to his artistic practice, Angel is an active member of his community, having been responsible for many fundamental groups and youth leaders in his area. Prior to graduating from high school, Angel was recognized for his completion of the Advancement Placement Via Individual Determination Program and Junior Achievement Academy Program by the Massachusetts Legislature Secretary, in partnership with Burncoat Senior High School and Assumption College. He also completed the JA Success Skills Program of the Greater Worcester Area and the Careers in Accounting and Management Professions Program by UMass Amherst University in 2007. Angel has also led groups for community activities for the past 16 years, including missionary work in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Mexico, using his art to support these activities. Through his work and community involvement, Angel seeks to explore the ways in which cultural influences and heritage shape our identities. Currently, Angel was pleased to be offered the opportunity to participate in the Department's Summer Internship Program, serving in-person at the US Department of Education in Washington, DC. I will be working with the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics in the Office of the Secretary starting June 2023. Angel has been recommended by numerous Professional, Educational and Community Leaders because of his integrity and work of excellence not only in the world of Art but also in his professional career.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My name is Angel J. Torres Ortiz. I decided to become an artist at a very young age. I've always been involved in everything that has to do with creativity. Ever since I was little, I was very involved in being creative from drawing to painting and other mediums like designing clothes or sculptures. I have always felt very connected to my creativity. For me creating involves mapping an idea brainstorming how to bring it to life and then starting a process of creation and that is when I transform it creating a piece of art whether it is a drawing, illustration, painting, graphic design or even photography. The means of creating a piece of art also involves transferring what I sense, what I feel connected to and what is my inspiration or what motivates me into creating art. I started my journey in the world of art because I would like to communicate to the world some of the ideas that I believe the world should know in terms of creativity, inspiration, and motivation. That we all are one, part of the same purpose and each an essential part of a huge organism that transforms ideas into realities and dreams into experiences.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My work aims to say, “This is me”, true to myself, proud of my roots as a Latino and proud of my Spaniard and African heritage. Intentionally colorful and full of life, inspired by the color of the tropics, the rhythms of the African savanna and the eclectic Spanish descent. Proud of my Christian lifestyle and beliefs. Unapologetic in terms of who I am and where I come from but also aim to show the love for places that I got to know like Boston, Massachusetts and Manhattan New York, places that have served as inspiration for some of my art and designs.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
"Generally, my works are improvised, and I can generate realistic illustrations from my mind to the canvas. Some of my artwork starts as an idea and then the complexity of the inspiration brings me to study the phenomenon in relation to the stimulus. Later this same complexity transforms creating a passionate piece of art.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“Some of the trends that I admire in the art world are texture artwork and textile trends. I don’t intend to express my social or political opinions through my artwork, but art is an expression, and it can be interpreted by many in various ways. Texture artwork and textile trends are two fascinating art world trends that have sparked the interest of many art enthusiasts and collectors. The use of various materials, such as sand, paper, fabric, and other textured surfaces, to create tactile and visual depth in a piece is known as texture artwork. This approach of creating art allows artists to experiment with various materials and textures, resulting in a dynamic and engaging visual experience for the viewer. Textile trends, on the other hand, include the use of fabrics, fibers, and other textile-related components to create stunning and complex works of art. Textiles in art have a long history and continue to evolve in exciting new ways, from woven tapestries to decorated garments. Even though many of these trends are purely aesthetic, it's important to remember that art can also have significant social and political ramifications. Many creatives use their work as a vehicle for expression, examining themes and subjects that are significant to them and have a strong emotional impact on other people. But it is equally valid that some artists do not feel compelled to use their art to express their social or political beliefs. In the end, art has the power to inspire us in countless ways, to connect us with one another, and to spark our imaginations whether an artist decides to communicate their opinions through their work. Sometimes the artist is not trying to imply a social or political message, but people interpret it as such because art can be understood in many ways. At its core, art is an expressive medium that is open to numerous interpretations. It can be admired for its aesthetic appeal and technical prowess as well as for the concepts and feelings it conveys.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I like to complete a thorough study before I do paintings. Occasionally I take inspiration from a photograph and create a drawing or transform the photograph into a graphic design by digital manipulation. Sometimes I take a digital inspiration and translate it into a traditional piece like a painting or a sketch because in doing so it creates a door of inspiration into the realm of imagination. I like using a multitude of materials from pencils, charcoal, color pencils, pastels, acrylic paint, spray paint, oil paints, inks, and plaster. I like creating medium or large dimension (11”x14” to 36”x48”) pieces and try to avoid using small sizes because I enjoy working in openness and freedom. I use multiple mediums to paint and therefore different techniques because in oil painting, I like using the rule of thirds, in acrylic I like to incorporate pointillism, contouring, layered effect and in murals the trompe l'oeil. I also like to make abstract paintings because they have an interpretational characteristic that is enjoyable. They seem to transform their own and creating pieces that speak simplicity is the best form of art.”
What does your art mean to you?
“For me, art means creating, creating is for me an innate talent eternally imprinted by our Creator himself. One of the shirts I designed in my online store, has a message in Spanish that reads, “El amor eterno inspiro el nacimiento del arte;” translated means “Eternal love inspired the birth of art.” This is something that I always say when people ask me this question because in my opinion everyone can produce something but it is what we create that defines us.”
“Art means creating, creating is for me an innate talent eternally imprinted by our Creator himself.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“My favorite artwork is “Vases Artesanales”/ “Artisanal vases”, an oil paint I created in when I came back from a Missionary trip to Guatemala. That painting is a vivid illustration of a collection of vases I saw in an artisanal shop in the middle of the Jungle. I could not take a picture but every time I see it, I get transported to that beautiful place, among precious people. Sometimes I experiment senses from the moment I saw those artisanal vases in that market inside the jungle like fresh coffee beans aroma, smoke, sand, and ashes in my feet. It provokes a feeling of relieving that moment, sensation of the people that were there and a beautiful sentiment of benevolent nature.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Recently I was able to present my portfolio to a major figure of the art world at a private showing in Manhattan, New York where I was able to present some of my clothing designs. My clothing line "Angel Torres Art" is something I am proud to present because it is an artwork-inspired outcome that reflects my vision in design. You can find out more about it in my website. Most of my clothing designs are inspired in a multicultural approach, colors, tropical forms, ethnic shapes among others to come. It is noteworthy to share that I was recently sharing with fellow artist in the ArtExpo New York. I was also able to network with wonderful artists and see their works of art. In the ArtExpo New York I was able to share memories with various fellow artists. I love connecting with others and recently I was in the Art Expo New York sharing with fellow artists like Chantal Gesse from New York; Airi Hara from Japan; Elisa Neri from Italy, Arturo Garcia from Mexico; Madeleine Anne Cohen from New York; Attilio Chien from Taiwan; Andrea Berthel from Germany; Beate Böer from Germany and many others.”
