Jo Anna Ordóñez
My name is Jo Anna Ordóñez and I am originally from deep South Texas, on the border, by the sea. I grew up in a very loving and supportive home with my parents and grandmother, Momo, nurturing my every whim and interest. My family has a great mix of cultures in that we are Mexican American, German and Peruvian. Celebrations and Cultura have always been a huge part of my life. Living in a small town was a bit difficult, but I managed to spread my wings.
Vidriosa Glassworks was established in 1994 and it has given me the opportunity to participate in many Arts Events in Texas and the Southwest. My work has also been featured at several Galleries including this years La Pena Gallery, Austin Texas, 2006 Toma Mi Corazon XIV Project. Ventana del Alma was the Feature Heart for their Fundraiser Event.
Today, I share my Texas Hill Country home with my Husband, Jerry, and our four beautiful children. By the grace of God we were able to adopt 4 precious angels and have been blessed in abundance.
2) What was it that sparked your interest in becoming an artist, how did you get your start?
My grandmother, Momo, was always very artistic and she and I would spend our afternoons crafting paper dolls, making crochet doilies, painting cascarones, making papel picado, decorating her house, cooking and much more. She is my inspiration, and though she is no longer with me, I keep her in my heart and in my workshop, always guiding my work and leading me back to my roots.
Over the years I studied Oils and Sculpture with some of the local artists in Brownsville, but I have never had any formal training in what I do now in my artwork !
My artwork today, Vidriosa Glassworks, came about as a hobby and a way to deal with the pressures of daily life. Thankfully, my art has now given me the opportunity to leave Corporate America and stay home with my children, all the while still bringing in an income. My chiquita, Alondra, and I still work on the fun craft projects just like Momo & I used to do.
3) How do you classify your work?
I like to
call my Glasswork a free-formed leaded glass art. Fun Art with a Twist
!
Art for the Soul, Inspired by the Sun
4) Who/What is your inspiration?
All of my work derives inspiration from my heritage, religion, nature and dreams. Some of my best work has come from a visit to the beach or a drive to the country. I love adding to my collection and can never seem to focus on just one thing, this is a blessing I think !
5) How do you want others to perceive your art?
I would hope that they would see my artwork and remember bits and pieces of themselves, some distant memory, or that it would stir up emotions and perhaps bring a Smile!
6) Do you have any big events coming up?
I participate in a number of Art Shows and Events throughout the year. This year I am especially excited about traveling to the King William Fair in San Antonio, Artfest in Cloudcroft, New Mexico and the Downtown Boulder Arts Fair in Colorado.
Our Show Schedule is always being updated and can be viewed at http://www.vidriosa.com
7) Have you reached your artistic dreams? If not yet, where else do you see yourself artistically in few year's from now?
I hope there are many more Artistic Dreams to Come !
I really enjoy what I do with glass, but there a ton of ideas I have sketched in my journal, just waiting to burst out ! My art is not at all structured and I would hope that in a few years it will have evolved into some wonderful and strange new forms !
8) Share a mistake you made (if any) along your path to becoming an artist that you would not want anyone to recreate.
I have made many many mistakes along the way. I guess if I had to choose one thing it would be that I would try to be a bit less critical of my work and learn not to take it as a personal attack when people don’t like my artwork. Instead, I now Smile, brush it off and give them a “God Bless You” in return !
9) Share a rare fact about yourself. (can be something silly, fun or even serious)
I have a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from TexasA&MUniversity but my husband still says MENSA ! This is not as bad as it sounds really, as MENSA is a group for the smart individuals who lack common sense, that fits me to a tee!
My favorite Holiday is Dia de los Muertos !
10) What words of inspiration can you share for artists that want to follow in your footsteps?
I have always told aspiring young artists and others this simple truth.
Follow your dreams and do whatever it is that will make YOU happy in your journey. Forget what you think you should be doing, and take advantage of today and where you want to be tomorrow ! When you look back at your life, you should be able to recall the path with joy in your heart and a sense of You ! Let yourself love, create, laugh and live.
11) How do you manage your time with artwork and family? Could you offer advice to someone who is struggling to juggle work/family/fun?
With four children and a business, life can be a juggling act. I do my best to schedule activities so that there is time for work, play and downtime. We have actually been able to keep the household and business going pretty smoothly now that we have become a family of Six.
All I can say is Schedule, Label and
Have Fun !
Thank you and God Bless !
JoAnna
Ordóñez Vidriosa
Glassworks