I received a pleasant bonus on my recent trip to STC Library Art Gallery in Weslaco. I discovered five "books" displayed on pedestals by the information desk. The opened pages of the books reveal handwritten notes, photos and drawings that detail the saga of Robert Scott's attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole. The story is an unfortunate one, because Scott was beaten to the Pole by 35 days by Norwegian Roald Amundsen. Their return trip became a nightmare and they died horrible deaths. They left behind their diaries and journals.
In Ortiz's pieces, it is as if fragments of the story have been frozen in time like the unfortunate adventurers. The books have a wonderful rusted patina, but instead of the patina being dull it has a somewhat shiny and translucent quality. I am reminded of an insect preserved and encapsulated for eternity in amber. These books however, appear to still be somewhat in the process of disintegration, but they are also hardened and impenetrable.
STC Library Art Gallery, 400 N. Border, Weslaco, 956-447-6663