Natural and Surreal
Title: “Resilience in Radiance: The Desert Agave Quartet
Among the many captivating pieces of cast resin and rare earth mineral sculpture of four Agave leaves resting on a molcajete stands out as a singular testament to the artist’s innovative approach and reverence for nature. I take inspiration from the rugged beauty of the desert landscape, immortalizing one of its most enduring symbols – the agave – in a work of luminous brilliance. https://larryjortega.com/product/cuatro-agaves/
The sculpture, aptly named “Resilience in Radiance,” pays homage to the unforgiving desert landscape and the agave’s unique role as a symbol of survival and resilience. Four meticulously crafted Agave leaves are arranged in a naturalistic formation that captures the plant’s distinctive rosette pattern. Cast in clear resin, each leaf is embedded with particles of rare earth minerals. These infusions lend an ethereal quality to the work, harnessing the energy of light and transforming it into a source of soft, bioluminescent-like radiance in the dark.
The desert agave leaves are cradled by a molcajete, an element steeped in cultural significance. This traditional Mexican mortar, fashioned from volcanic stone, grounds the piece in its cultural roots while providing a striking contrast to the luminous leaves. The molcajete’s rough, tactile texture juxtaposed against the smooth, radiant leaves creates a compelling visual dialogue – a testament to the harmony of nature’s diverse elements.
“Resilience in Radiance” is more than a mere work of art – it tells a story of survival and resilience. During the day, the sculpture absorbs ambient light energy, its mineral inclusions sparkling with quiet anticipation. As night falls, the leaves gradually begin to emit their stored energy in the form of soft, bioluminescent-like light. The effect is enchanting; the sculpture comes alive, creating an intimate oasis of light in the midst of darkness. It’s a testament to the endurance of the desert agave, storing energy in the harshest of climates, only to release it when the world around falls into darkness.
The Art of Larry Ortega
This piece perfectly encapsulates Larry Ortega’s artistry – his ability to draw inspiration from the natural world, his dedication to honoring cultural heritage, and his innovative use of materials and techniques. “Resilience in Radiance” is not just a sculpture; it is a glowing story of survival, resilience, and the magic that happens when art, culture, and nature meet.
Title: “Sirens of the Desert: A Desert Totem”
“ Be careful with your dreams: they are the sirens of the soul. They sing. They call us. We follow them and never return ”. Gustave Flaubert-
Blanket of Darkness
When a room is blanketed with darkness, the work then transforms into a mesmerizing light entity. The desert agave, with its bioluminescent-like light, is a result of the innovative incorporation of phosphorescent materials and discreet LED technologies. As a result, an otherworldly array of colors: Shades of green, sea blue, sky violet, and occasional bursts of pink and orange ripple across the sculpture, creating an illusion that draws you to the source. The sensual shape is both smooth and distinctive. It is called to live in the harshest of environments and to flourish.
In that blanket of darkness, the desert emits a symphony of subtle, otherworldly sounds, vibrations carefully drawing from the inspiration of desert life. The Myth of the Sirens and their Magical Song comes to mind, beckoning you with the sound of light vibrations.
Magic can happen when the natural and the surreal meet. It is an homage to the mysteries of the deep universe and the alchemy of the desert. Most importantly, the desert agave is an ethereal beacon of beauty, capturing the magic of the endless landscape, lighting up the night in an array of enchanting colors, and serenading the spiritual with its captivating siren song, much like the Desert Totem. https://larryjortega.com/desert-totem-sirens-of-the-desert/
Absorbing Light
A limited edition, two remaining. Shown with a wooden and resin stand. From $600 to $1,200, including the base.
