Erika Ortiz

Hi, I’m Erika Jose Ortiz Parra, an artist born in Caracas, Venezuela, now living and creating in sunny Florida. I work mainly with handmade collage and photography, two mediums that allow me to explore stories, emotions, and the hidden beauty in everyday life.

My collages are made from old magazines, photos, found objects, and unexpected bits and things that seem to find me just when I need them. I see each piece as a little world filled with layers, symbols, and secrets. From far away, they might look like one thing… but up close, they always reveal something more. That sense of surprise and discovery is what I love most.

Alongside collage, I also create photographic works that play with light, texture, and mood. Sometimes dreamy, sometimes raw, my photos are meant to capture those in-between moments that speak without words. Like my collages, they often carry themes of femininity, memory, and magic.

For me, art is about connection. I want people to feel something when they look at my work: curiosity, nostalgia, or even a bit of mystery. Whether it’s through paper or a lens, I hope to create pieces that make you pause, reflect, and maybe see the world a little differently.

Thanks so much for being here. I’m glad we found each ...

In high school, I dedicated most of my time to photography. I practically lived in the darkroom. I learned how to develop film by hand, from start to finish, and fell in love with the entire process —from capturing a moment to watching it come to life on paper. At the time, I truly believed I’d go to art school to study photography.

Alongside that, I spent many hours in the drawing studio and ceramics classroom, exploring different ways to express myself creatively. Those early years gave me a strong foundation and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, detail, and storytelling through art. While my academic path eventually took a different turn, I went on to study Organizational Psychology, and art has always been at the heart of who I am.