Meet Ricardo Flores-Ortiz | Metal Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ricardo Flores-Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ricardo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
At first, I just started welding nuts, bolts and any repurposed metals to make figures just as a stress reliever. My wife encouraged me to try to sell them and she submitted applications to art shows, we were admitted and saw potential and started our business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I repurposed all kinds of metals, car parts, motorcycle parts, tools, mechanical sockets. I give those metals or pieces another chance to shine but in a more sophisticated or fun way. I found this new passion as an adult. I never thought of myself as a creative person before. I’ve been doing this only 6 years but feel so good that I found something I love doing and I am so lucky that I’m able to sell it.
I was born in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. Raised by my mother and like any immigrant came to the US looking for a better life when I was 18 years old.
Worked in every job I could and struggled a lot. I became a naturalized citizen years later and couldn’t be prouder of that accomplishment too.
So, in a way, my art is much like my life story. Full of second chances.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We have a lot of beautiful places to visit. Mt. Lemmon and lunch at saw mill and dessert at the cookie cabin.

Sonoran desert Musuem

Sabino Canyon is great for exploring, walking, hiking.

La Encantada Mall and they have to visit the gallery where I show my art work. The Southern Arizona Arts Guild Gallery

We love the Garlic Grill across from La Encantada

Downtown restaurant La Chingada Mexican restaurant.

San Xavier del Bac Mission

Gates Pass Trailhead for hiking and the view and sunset is incredible.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Geronimo Martinez for teaching me how to weld, Wendy Baldwin, Melissa Rogers for inviting me to be part of Southern Arizona Arts Guild Gallery (former managers). My wife, Celika Preciado for her support, and for taking care of the logistics of our business so that I can focus on the creative aspect of it.

Website: www.rickysmetalcreations.com

Instagram: rickysmetalcreations

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nutsandboltsart?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Celika Preciado (wife)