We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Sarobeiki Ortiz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria Sarobeiki below.
Maria Sarobeiki , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Hi 👋 my name is Maria Sarobeiki Ortiz, and im a freehand fiber artist . I crochet dolls and various items that represent my culture and heritage . I am a Borikua Taino artist . I keep my creativity alive by seeing inspiration in everyday things , in every aspect of my heritage . My creativity is what drives me to create art that will keep representing us in and out . As a taino which till this day fight to be seen since we as a people have been fighting paper genocide since 1492, using my creativity to ensure that our future generations learn and grow up with pride in who we are as a people. My dolls are meant for children that have this heritage running in their veins but don’t get to see it represented accurately. My creativity is the fire of my ancestors telling me to continue and show everyone WE ARE STILL HERE !
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a mother of 3 boys . My youngest son ,who was 5, was my biggest fan , he loved when I created new toys and dolls . My son passed away 2 years ago due to RSV. I started crocheting in 2016 as a way to quit smoking cigarettes, I kept crocheting because I saw that spark in his eyes when he saw my completed work and the interest he had in the stories I would tell him with the dolls . He is the reason I decided to make cultural dolls that would be used to teach our little ones .
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
An important skill is listening and learning from not only your elders but also your children . A teacher will always be a student , you can learn things from just about everyone in this life and the ancestors. Knowing that you don’t know everything in life is important. Leaving room for growth in skill and knowledge is a necessity.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was allow me to be myself , every stage of me . Teaching me our ways and how to be a good person. I thank my parents for making sure we knew and grew up with our cultural heritage.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenhookdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldenhookdesigns/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenhookdesigns
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
