Robert Ortiz
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My mother and father, born on the island of Vieques,
Puerto Rico, came to New York in 1934. I grew up in Greenwich Village
where I studied classical piano beginning at age five.The process
and discipline of making furniture is not unlike that of making
music. Measure upon measure, one builds a piece, one note, one joint
at a time. With patience and dedication, the goal is to achieve
a well arranged and orchestrated piece, perhaps even a work of art.
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Both crafts demand honor and dedication, attention to detail
and nuance, and a respect for the creative process.
In 1984, while attending a conference in Chicago, I came across
George Nakashima's "The Soul of a Tree", displayed in
a bookstore window. Thus began my desire to dedicate myself to making,
simple, beautiful and well-made furniture. |
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1985 – Having been a High School
Spanish and Theology teacher, a performing musician on the college coffee
house circuit, and worked with emotionally troubled adolescents, I decided
to become a woodworker after reading George Nakashima’s book, THE
SOUL OF A TREE. I read everything I could about furniture making and went
to work for two years in a production cabinet shop.
1987 – I decided to open my own woodworking shop
in Baltimore, Maryland. The goal was to someday design and produce a line
of furniture. For the first nine years I made other people’s designs
and ideas.
1996 – The Sofia Line is born when a client requests
a Glass Top Coffee Table. She leaves the design up to me. I decide to
try combining my admiration for Japanese design with Shaker proportion
and function. The client likes the coffee table and the Sofia Line is
“off and running”.
1997 – Robert Ortiz Studios opens in the Historic
District of Chestertown, Maryland. There are 3 pieces in the Sofia Line.
2000 - Recipient of The Academy of the Arts Museum first
prize award for “Best Body Of Work” at it’s “Arts
Market Place” juried show. There are 12 pieces in the Sofia Line.
2002 – Recipient of The Philadelphia Furniture
Show and Fine Woodworking Magazine award for Best New Artist.
2003 - Recipient First Place, Best in Show award at the Academy of the Arts Museum Show. There are 24 pieces in the Sofia Line.
2004 - The Daniel Line Coffee table, End Table and Side Board are introduced.
- Roberto Jorge Ortiz
