Meet Krisztianna Ortiz | Artist & Parent

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

Hi Krisztianna, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Oof. This is a good question. Let me know if someone has figured out the balance because it feels like I’m perpetually unbalanced. These days, though, the direction I’m careening in feels much better.

I used to be addicted to hard, visible work. The need for money to live drove this at first. After reaching financial stability, competence in my work led to productivity becoming a reflection of my worth. That feeling was addicting—knowing that as long as hard work and productivity were maintained, worth was assured.

Then I had a child. That’s when the switch in my head started. He needed me in ways that no one else did. Working harder to provide financial security seemed like the best course until it became clear that nothing could replace quality time with him. It never occurred to me before that my presence was more precious to someone than my productivity.

I used to be, and still am, unbalanced in work life. I fear I will always be. I am addicted to late nights, long hours, and I worry too much. I make my family wait while I finish projects, but I know it will wear on my health. I want to be here for my family many years from now, and barring anything unexpected, I need to take care of myself to be able to last however many revolutions I get around the sun.

Additionally, as the stay-at-home and default parent who is also homeschooling him, much of my labor now remains invisible. That tangible sense of accomplishment from a project is missing, but it’s found in the smile of my child.

So, prioritizing relationships and the emotional well-being of myself and my family over work has become the norm. When I’m struggling with how much less art I create now, as a parent, I think about my kiddo and how many times he smiled that day, and how safe he feels around me.

And lastly, grace for myself. I can only do so much. Sometimes the hardest work is taking a deep breath, slowing down, and hugging those close to me. The grind will have to wait sometimes too. Blessings here specifically to my best friend and husband, who is my light in the dark, and who reminds me I need to drink water.

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.
I’m a multidisciplinary artist, which is my fancy word for “I can’t pick one medium”. Growing up as the daughter of Hungarian refugees, I found my sense of belonging in LA’s diverse immigrant neighborhoods. My art reflects this journey, using various mediums like clay, porcelain, resin, watercolor, acrylic, and digital techniques. I love how each medium lets me express different aspects of my story and cultural background. I studied Illustration & Graphic Design at Otis College of Art and Design, then spent 20 years in Entertainment Advertising. Transitioning from that successful career wasn’t easy, especially balancing family and art. Overcoming challenges meant embracing new paths and staying dedicated to evolving my craft.

My work really spans mediums. My most popular pieces right now are called Muertitas, mixed-media sculptures of beheaded, antlered women adorned with flowers and Day of the Dead motifs. They embody the essence of nature spirits, serving as custodians of cherished memories of our departed loved ones. Despite the horrors inflicted on their bodies, they continue blooming and represent healing and protection. I also have a graphic novel done completely in graphite called Sleepless, which was a fantastic dream sequence I had, watercolor paintings of skulls and butterflies, a series in colored pencil and copper foil exploring healing from loss, and cute-fantastical-forest-creatures and kitties. Hopefully this gave you a bit of a peak into the breadth of the random.

Currently, I’m working on a Mermaid sculpture and painting series that I’m excited about for my upcoming group art show in August at the Camarillo Art Center. I’m also planning a new sculpture series to be revealed at the Sculpture Group Show at Hive Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles in November. I’m really looking forward to exploring themes of power and rebirth through this upcoming body of work.

I’m also looking forward to finally finishing my Astrology Calendar this year. It is a series of digital artworks exploring the symbolism behind the astrology signs, while drawing unique and meaningful bones, crystals, flowers and stars for each. This project’s process is exclusively available on my Patreon, but once it’s ready, I’ll be sharing it publicly on my socials.

My art is about expressing who I am and connecting with others through shared experiences and emotions. Trauma does not define us. We shape who we are in the face of it, and we are ever-changing, growing, and blooming. My art celebrates diversity, identity, and resilience. Whether you’re exploring my Patreon for exclusive content or joining my email list for updates, you’re supporting my journey and artistic expression. I invite you to dive into my world and discover what resonates with you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooh I definitely would depend on the friend. Let’s assume this friend wants a bit of excitement and big city vibes, but not too much and have space to decompress and unwind.

We’d pack a snack and start off late morning or midday at Elysian Park. Its beautiful trees and grassy hills are a comfort in the middle of the concrete jungle, with easy parking near downtown LA and beautiful views of the city. After strolling and gathering our thoughts, we would head down to Chinatown and enjoy some really good Vietnamese food at Phở 87.

Then, we’d head over to The Hive Gallery near the Fashion District in Downtown LA. Yes, parking is a challenge, but I would be driving us and we’d have their favorite playlist in the car to keep the vibes going. The Hive is one of the longest-standing galleries on the Downtown Art Walk. The founder, Nathan Cartwright, is an artist as well and has some incredible installations. Walking through the gallery feels like being in a bee-hive of art, with little honeycombs of creativity branching off from the main one, where each artist has their own walls to display their work. We would wander and explore, soaking in the creativity. If it was in this upcoming November, I could show them my new work in the space as well.

Afterwards, we would head home, sit on the couch with a good wine (Mine would be La Crema Pinot), stalk all the artists we found on their socials, and chat about which ones we’ll save up money to support.

The next day would start with hiking, a beach visit, followed up with tacos. We’d head farther north up the 1 freeway towards Malibu and hike to Escondido Falls. With recent rainfall, the waterfalls are still flowing strong. Then we’d head to the beach. The trick is to keep driving south along the 1 until we find easy parking near some sand. Paying for parking is worth it when friends are in town. I prefer getting closer to Santa Monica for this because hunger strikes fast, and I’d want to take them on a Taco Crawl to places like Tacos 1986, Blue Plate Taco, King and Queen Cantina, Trejo’s Tacos, and maybe even find a street taco vendor. Tacos are like my art mediums; I can’t pick a favorite. After tacos, we’d grab some McConnell’s ice cream, head home, and make sure we have plenty of aloe for any sunburns.

On the third day, we would need to spend less money since we spent it all on food and parking the day before. LACMA is free every second Tuesday from 11 am to 6 pm, and their exhibits never miss. We could pack a lunch and honestly spend the whole day there. There’s so much to see, grounds to walk, and art to enjoy. I appreciate how the architecture gives you breathing space from the hubbub of the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many, but I’d like to shoutout to my top three.

First: My husband, Joel Ortiz, who is my partner on this spinning rock flying through space. He supports us all financially and emotionally. As the first person to see my art, his initial response has been my litmus test for how my work is communicating. Additionally, he built my studio a sliding door to keep our kiddo away from all the toxic paints and sharp objects when I turn my back.

Next: 11:11 Projects. There is no one kind of artist, but we are familiar with the solitary, hermit artist who is terrible at creating social connections and self-promotion. That’s me. Enter 11:11 Projects, a San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles-based organization connecting artists with their communities. They helped me gain momentum with my art by connecting me with galleries. They also offer endless classes by hiring professionals to coach whoever is willing to sign up. I have received help with my portfolio, getting eyes on my work, and meeting awesome artists and creative groups. Check them out and show them support at 11:11 Projects, https://www.1111projects.art

Lastly: Photographer Chris Rigg. We met at Ventura Community College in the photography classes’ dark rooms. He went on to become an amazing photographer, and when I needed help, he donated his skills and time to support me. He took incredible photos of my Muertita sculptures, which even won an award. Without those pictures, I would have never gotten the traction online that I did. They were stunning, and capturing the textures and mixed media of my sculptures was a challenge he mastered. I am still devising ways to repay his support in kind. Until then, you can find more of his work at Rigg Imaging, https://www.riggimaging.com

Website: https://krisztianna.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisztianna

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisztianna/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Krisztianna/

Other: https://www.patreon.com/Krisztianna
https://cara.app/krisztianna/

Image Credits
All photos by Krisztianna except for the one of the two headed sculpture (named WILLOW in the file) Christopher Rigg is the photographer and his copyright is on there.