Rodrigo Ormachea
he/him
Ventura CA, USA
My name is Rodrigo Ormachea. I am an interdisciplinary artist and a fourth generation jeweler. I was born in Cusco Peru and moved to the states with my family at the age of 2. My son Sumaq is a constant source of inspiration through his evoking of earnest imagination.
“My work has always revolved around seeking familiarity in forms. As an immigrant the need to establish roots has become an important aspect to not only how I live my life but has permeated into the importance of my art and what it means.”
“I am a fourth generation jeweler from Cusco Peru who moved when I was 2 years old. Metal-smithing has quite literally helped me reconnect with tradition and helped me regain a link to my ancestry that previously felt like an impossible task.“
How does your work relate to the theme connection?
"Azulado", sterling silver, 18 + 14k gold, turquoise, blue zircon, Andes opal, apatite, blue diamond, 2.5" x 1.5" x 2", 2024 What role does connection play in your creative process?
“My creative process is driven firstly by the materials. Joining together various metals and stones into a cohesive product or piece has always been my source of inspiration. Beyond the physical act of collecting these materials together is the stories of those that take on these pieces for adornment. Seeing my pieces worn and woven into other's stories and traditions has become a sense of euphoria that I never expected.“
"Spiraling", sterling silver, 14k gold, raw/rough diamond, .9" x .9" x 1.1", 2024 What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
“Its super important for me as a queer father rooted in a generational practice that I am honest and forthright with my identity. Having my son grow up in the workshop the same way I did except with queer parents allows me to connect with the existing patrons of the jewelry world while keeping the door open for other queer individuals just getting to know the boundless beauty and opportunities that the metal-smithing world has to offer.“
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“My work bench is quite literally side by side with my fathers bench and the evolution of both our work has been a constant source of inspiration and excitement. My aesthetic has been directly been influenced by him and that feels so so special.“