Artist Profile: Manuel Cortez

Three Monks: Heads, hands, and feet are composed of coconut.

Artist: Manuel Cortez
Business name: Organic Transformations
Location: Anaheim, California

Website:
Organic Transformations

Manuel, how do you describe your work?
I start with a coconut or a gourd and transform it into something totally unique. This is why I chose Organic Transformations as my business name.

What is your creative process like?
My creative process comes to me while I am in dream state. That means that even when I am sleeping, I am working on my art. During my dream, I work on this project from start to finish. When I awake, I put it down on paper. Before I even begin to gather my materials, I will know every step and every component required to complete my project and I will know what my finished product will look like.

Silent Warrior: Composed of foam.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
My art training began at the age of five. My grandfather taught me how to sketch. I would sketch, draw and paint. When I grew bored of that, I moved on to mixed media. I have no formal art training. However, I use the skills learned while working at an autobody shop and in construction and apply it to my art.

Detail of Gourd Purse

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Glue. I love adhesives to create texture and to enforce. My top favorites are industrial strength super glue and Sumo glue.

What inspires you to create?
I grew up in an extremely abusive home. Luckily for me, my grandfather taught me how to draw as an outlet to deter me from the atrocities at home. I create for myself, my wife, my daughter and those around me. I am inspired to create to see and hear the reactions from those who observe my artwork.

Gourd Purse

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
Persistence. Every project has difficult moments where it would be easier to just throw it away. But there is always that moment at the end, when you have your finished product right in front of you. The moment when it is finished and I keep looking at it finding every flaw and my wife comes in and just smiles and says that it is beautiful. Hearing her say that and seeing the smile on her face inspires me to finish the project.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
When you are finished with your artwork, really look at it. Look at it up close and fix any tiny flaw, add any necessary detail. Look at your artwork from far away and do the same thing. Don’t get lazy when you just want to be finished with your work. Your art is a reflection of you. Take the time do what you need to do. A cookie cutter on a stick with feathers glued to it is not art!

Manuel Cortez: working on gourd art.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
My wife and daughter, skateboarding and Kundalini Yoga

What’s your favorite comfort food?
I am not one who eats comfort food. I would say that skateboarding is my comfort food. I do love my wife’s vegetarian cooking to sustain me.