Artist Statement
The foundation for my work in painting and sculpture is a feeling of awe and inspiration
when I look out upon nature and all of creation.
After study of the paintings found in the Chauvet caves of France and Borneo
approximately forty thousand years ago, it appears that creativity is unbounded by
space and time and beyond words.
I have found that creativity is also volatile and audacious. Being aware that composing
a work of art is a response to the world and in expressing that, a communique to
others, I begin the workday inspired.
Initially using large brushes and buckets of color to apply sweeping strokes to the
canvas with movement, the process begins in a state of humble anticipation and
enjoyment, I like to paint, I like to build.
In reaction to the primary application, the process of applying paint or building
becomes more intuitive than intellectual and truthfulness sets in. Now the piece itself
gives direction to what it needs further.
With ego set aside, present to the moment, decisions on what to add or take away
from the work become natural and easy. Conscious awareness becomes a guide to
continue.
As the finished piece comes into view, the work of relationships of color and form feel
resolved, complete and whole, ready to be shared with others.
The process and the completed work is both an homage to creation and a
communication to the viewer.
The practice provides both fulfillment in work, finding freedom in the doing and a
pathway of discovery for the self.
In gratitude for the craft, learnedness and our beautiful world
Artist Biography
Born in Philadelphia, Alfred Ortega studied painting and sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Ortega’s work is currently represented by the Atlantic Gallery, Nantucket and Millésimé Philadelphia. Ortega has exhibited at the Woodmere Museum and Twenty-two Gallery in Philadelphia. The artist’s work is represented in the permanent collection of the Pennsylvania State Museum and in private collections.
Noted for his bold use of color, Ortega’s paintings and oil prints emanate primal energy. His prominent, large canvases reveal a dynamic world populated with vibrant forms and figures barely contained within their frames. A master monoprint maker, Ortega’s vivid oil prints of figures, landscapes, and portraits are animated by an unabashed freedom of form and color and a daring love of life.
Education
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Certificate
Awarded Franklin Watkins Grant
West Chester University, West Chester PA
Philosophy
Independent Museum Study
Musee du Louvre, Paris, France
Musee d Orsay, Paris, France
Musee Mailol, Paris, France
Rijks Museum, Amsterdam, Holland
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Holland
Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain
Tate Gallery, London, England
Collections
Pennsylvania State Museum, Harrisburg, PA
