Meet Rosa Mar Tato Ortega - Our De-fence Against Loneliness Artist
Can you share a bit about your experience as an artist and your artistic style?
As a Spanish-Australian visual artist with a postgraduate degree in Fine Arts, I've recently made the Mornington Peninsula my home. However, my roots run deep in Northcote, where I raised my children and nurtured my creative spirit, having had a studio at Artery Cooperative off High Street, where I delved deeper into my process.
My practice is multifaceted, blending elements of deep listening, community engagement and immersive research. Drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of conversations and experiences, each outcome I create tells a unique story woven with threads of culture, history and its environment.
What do you love most about your work?
The opportunity to work with colour, materials and imbue stories into permanent artwork. Delving deep into the essence of a place, immersing myself in its stories, its people and the site’s unique energy is inspiring. Creating artwork for public and private settings allows me to offer a profound insight into what moves me – the intricate connections between community, culture and environment.
Enriching communities through art is at the core of my practice. It's about more than just aesthetics; it's about getting to the heart of the matter, sparking conversations and fostering a sense of belonging. Each piece I create is infused with the spirit of the site, reflecting its essence and inviting viewers to experience it in a new light.
How did you feel about being chosen to collaborate on Jika’s De-fence Against Loneliness project?
Being selected to collaborate on Jika's De-fence Against Loneliness project is a significant honour for me. This project holds particular importance due to my personal connection to the area. Residing near Jika Jika and frequently passing by with my children, I had long regarded it as a childcare centre. It has been a real insight learning about its true purpose and the chance to contribute to its transformation fills me with excitement.
I am deeply committed to imbuing Jika's open spaces with functional, commemorative and thought-provoking elements. My objective is to create artworks that transcend mere aesthetics, catalysing meaningful reflections on social issues and nurturing a sense of community connection. This project presents a remarkable opportunity to make a lasting impact sparking meaningful reflections on social issues.
What have your impressions of Jika Jika been so far, and how have they influenced your approach to this project?
My impressions have been incredibly memorable. I perceive it as a dynamic and energetic hub within the heart of Northcote, brimming with life and vitality. This vibrant atmosphere has greatly influenced my approach to the project, inspiring me to create artwork/installations that are equally welcoming and engaging.
I am enthusiastic about capturing the essence of Jika Jika through my artwork, aiming to reflect its vibrancy and spirit in every aspect of the project. My goal is to create installations that not only enhance the physical space but also resonate deeply with the community, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
After engaging with the community, what common themes have emerged about Jika Jika’s role and impact?
Through my interactions with the community, several common themes have emerged regarding Jika Jika's role and impact. It has become apparent that Jika Jika holds a special place in the hearts of many, serving as a hub where magic happens. It embodies values of connection, belonging, and creativity within the community.
The input from community members has highlighted the profound significance of this site, emphasizing its cherished space among locals. Their valuable insights and stories will play a pivotal role in shaping the project, ensuring that it authentically reflects their aspirations and experiences.
What have you enjoyed most about the project so far?
What I have found most enriching about this project thus far is the profound depth of engagement with the Jika Jika community. Every conversation and consultation has been a journey into the collective soul of this vibrant community. Through surveys and intimate interactions, I have delved into the intricate tapestry of individual needs, aspirations and desires, gathering insights that serve as the foundation for creating a space that authentically mirrors identity and spirit.
What are your hopes for the impact of the new installation on our community and centre?
My aspirations for the impact of the new installation on Jika Jika are multifaceted. Firstly, I envision the De-Fence Against Loneliness project as a catalyst for curiosity, igniting a collective spirit of exploration and discovery among visitors. I aim for it to serve as a beacon of inspiration, fostering meaningful interactions and forging lasting connections within the community. I am determined for the installation to fulfill its pivotal role in cultivating a more inclusive and welcoming space, one that addresses pressing issues such as loneliness, mental health and social disconnection. I envision it transforming into the vibrant heart of Northcote, akin to the lively ambiance of a bustling plaza!