Obliq Art

01/05/2025

Each sunset reminds me of the transitory nature of our existence. The sunset is a gift given each day. It reminds me of the importance of making the most of our time while preparing for eternity. We all owe God a death.

09/28/2024

09/19/2024

Full moon as seen from our front yard overlooking the "Slope." The Harvest Moon is seen as a time of abundance and reflection. Many cultures celebrate this full moon with festivals, gatherings, and ceremonies, honoring the earth's cycles and the balance between day and night. I am celebrating a cooling-off period in the desert and getting ready to plant a fall crop.

07/27/2024

Obliq Art has been more than a gallery; it has been a gathering place for artists and a hub for the Phoenix art community. Our journey began with a vision to create a place where art and artists could thrive, and with each event, exhibit, and Soirée, we have seen that vision come to life. Soiree #9 kicks off the weekend on Saturday evening, followed by our Open Studio and gallery sale on Sunday. It will also be an opportunity to tour our studio/home if you have an interest in purchasing our property. https://larryjortega.com/soiree-9/.

07/26/2024

In Shakespeare's play, Caesar is betrayed by his close friend Brutus, leading to his famous utterance, "Et tu, Brute?" This symbolizes a profound sense of betrayal and the shattering of trust. In a hypothetical scenario where Joe Biden resigns, a sense of betrayal by close political allies or advisors might contribute to his decision, paralleling Caesar's experience. https://larryjortega.com/blog/

07/16/2024

Join us for Soiree #9, our annual creative arts gathering at our studio/home high above Sunnyslope's heart. It is by invitation and starts at the "golden hour" on Saturday night, October 26.
This year, we celebrate the spirit of our artistic community with art-centric events that promise inspiration, connection and... Food-Fashion-Music & Art

The "S" in Soiree #9 symbolizes Sunnyslope and the synergy created by the Soiree events.
It also stands for "Sale" on Sunday with our newest paintings and sculptures. On October 27, we will open the studio to all art enthusiasts, collectors, art lovers, and friends from noon until the golden hour. We will also present our latest pieces throughout the indoor gallery, studios, and sculpture garden. All are welcome.

Check out our event page or contact us for details, location, and RSVP. https://larryjortega.com/soiree-9/

07/07/2024

Three masks tell a spiritual story from ancient times to now. The"quiote" of a Blue Agave stands as a totem. Hot desert nights have me creating seductive light in the gallery. https://larryjortega.com/

07/03/2024

Our home and studio have witnessed countless sunsets and creative breakthroughs. They have been the backdrop for our art-centric events, like the Sunnyslope Open Studio Tour, the Sunnyslope Plein Air Fest, and our art-centric Soiree series. We are finishing this series at #9. These gatherings were born out of a desire to cultivate a space for professional creatives to connect, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. Each event is a celebration of art, community, and the spirit of Sunnyslope. , ,
https://larryjortega.com/

06/26/2024

Summer sunsets are a dramatic experience in the desert. The winds blow, the clouds come over the mountain and finally some rain. I appreciate every drop. Views from our studio/home in the Slope.

06/26/2024

Discover the magic hidden in plain sight! My latest sculpture features prominent elements like the serene moon, a detailed casting of an Agave leaf, and the majestic Quiote—the life-giving stalk of the agave. But another aspect of the work emerges as the sun sets or in a darkened setting: an eerie, captivating glow of bioluminescent-like light. This sculpture comes alive in the dark, with colors that transform under UV light, adding a mystical dimension to the piece. A beautiful piece to display in an outdoor setting. The 12" x 18" shelf is made of wood and resin. , https://larryjortega.com/sculpture-art/

06/19/2024

With Caldwell County Mexi-Q – BBQ in the valley has gone to the next level with these guys.

06/15/2024

🌟 Celebrating Father's Day and a Very Special Birthday

This weekend, as we celebrate all the amazing fathers out there, I am filled with joy and gratitude for a truly extraordinary Father's Day memory. This photo captures a moment that forever changed our lives – the day our precious daughter came home for the first time in Kahaluu, North Shore.

Born prematurely on Father's Day, she had to stay at the hospital till her lungs developed and her weight reached a particular level to allow us to take her home. Seeing her in the arms of her big brother, the love and bond between them were already so evident.

To all the fathers celebrating this weekend, I honor your dedication, love, and sacrifices. And to my daughter, whose birthday we celebrate tomorrow as well, you are a constant reminder of the miracles and blessings life can bring.

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads I know. And happy birthday to our little miracle.

06/13/2024

The Soiree #9 logo captures the [flowing]mood of the evening. It evokes the essence of a night filled with creativity, connection, and celebration. Soiree #9 is our annual [private] event for a group of professional creatives, and it is most likely the last Soiree for us at our studio/home in Cinnabar Canyon. Positive energy is always emitted from this event. The golden hour begins the evening at a location that overlooks the valley's lights and has stars in the backyard. https://larryjortega.com/sound-bath-art-detour-36/

06/12/2024

In the quiet moments of our lives, when the [hustle] fades into the background, we can wrestle with the inescapable truth: we all owe God a death.

This sobering realization is not meant to cast a shadow over our existence but to consider and plan a path to a life of purpose, reflection, and gratitude. By acknowledging our mortality, we can embrace the deeper meaning in our everyday experiences and relationships. The realization is more prevalent in the latter part of our lives.

The spiritual riches of a well-lived life are brought along to the moment of death.

Bobby Brewer lived a rich life, and he gave away his life to those who were touched by his ministry. As many of you experienced, it was a sobering reminder of the tenuous nature of life.

06/10/2024

Moving into the "Golden Hour". The light is "magical" while succumbing to the dark. Goodnight sun. Hello moon. Creating a new playlist for Soiree #9. Thinking about the fun things we have played during the previous Soirees. Working on a new sculpture garden exhibit and the outdoor shadow box. The thin veil sufficiently hides our identity but not our persona. Its going to be a fun evening with some of our closest friends. https://larryjortega.com/sound-bath-art-detour-36/

06/10/2024

"Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes... but no plans." Peter Drucker
The image reflects my mood. Cinnabar Canyon inspires us daily, proving the desert has an uncanny way of seducing us.

We are [ending] the Soiree series at #9. The image captures my [Romantic]imagination of the evening of the event. Our outdoor setting overlooks the city, and behind us is the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

The Soirees began as a private art-centric underground event.
Born in the pandemic. Creating and recreating the Soirees has added friends and significant cohorts. We are inspired by so many of you and what you are doing to be in service of others.

At the same time, it's been an honor to launch art-centric events in the Slope. Sunnyslope Open Studio Tour and Sunnyslope Plein Air fest brought good juju to Sunnyslope. OHSO Brewery- Paradise Valley is one of the latest full-service restaurants adding to a legitimate dining district. Our first plein air event was a full moon paint-out, along the canal behind the former Spoke and Wheel and now OHSO Brewery- Paradise Valley.

More to come.

06/07/2024

Sunnyslope is not just another neighborhood; it’s a fascinating area of history, culture, and creativity. Originally founded as a sanctuary for those seeking healing, that spirit is woven into its fabric. From its early days as a haven for health seekers, Sunnyslope transformed into the rugged "badlands" known for its biker gangs, drugs, and crime. So much of the area is Phoenix Mountain Preserves, and that was one of the features that attracted the "creative class", flying saucers, and other interesting people. I transformed a recent photo of me into an alchemist practicing art. https://larryjortega.com/