I like to bring in “artists” to my classroom to share their work and to share, especially with my studio arts students, their artistic process. For the contemporary, local artist, it is an opportunity to discuss their work and engage an audience. Enrique Ortiz is the father of one of my students. His grace, soft spoken voice and deep commitment to his family and lineage offered my students and myself an unique insight to the man behind his artistic creations.
Enrique told an anecdotal story of his love to mix sand and water as a boy in the Dominican Republic. He credits his love for what is tangible in nature to the creations he has designed at large hotel events. Below he stands in front of a crane carved from a watermelon; even the skin of the melon is repurposed as a floral arrangement. He also makes three-dimensional paintings of animals, using textiles, fibers and paint.
Watermelon Crane and Fruit 
Chocolate Bird with Spread Wings