Giselle Ordaz
“Inked Dreams”
Giselle Ordaz's artistic journey began in her early years in Tijuana, Mexico, where her uncle's drawing of a flower sparked her passion for art. Moving to Oklahoma at a young age, she found solace in her art classes, using colors to communicate when language failed. Giselle said, “I knew that no matter what happened or where I went, art could never be taken away from me. It was [ingrained] in my nature. From that point forward, I made the choice to take every art class possible.”
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, she embraced art as a means of self-expression and found her true calling in tattoos during middle school. During this time, Giselle found the roots of her Chicano culture, discovering a sense of belonging and pride in something larger than herself. Through the internet, she observed the impactful representation and empowerment of Chicano-style black and grey tattoos within her community. Despite being far from "home," this connection brought her closer to her roots. Giselle sought to express this identity through various means, including makeup, clothing, music, and art. Despite the lack of similar influences in Oklahoma, she found like-minded friends who shared this cultural resonance, and together, they continue to nurture and celebrate their heritage. Giselle gradually eased off her dream of getting tattoos over the years, not particularly due to her parents' influence. If anything, their objections had always fueled her rebellious spirit. The idea simply felt distant; it would come and go, but it never truly vanished.
High school art classes and exposure to tattoo art reignited her passion, leading her to explore various art forms. She revisited her artistic journey at 19, participating in mural competitions and eventually pursuing tattooing at 23. Now 24, Giselle finds fulfillment in tattooing, grateful for the trust of her clients and the support of her family. Through her journey, she has gained a deep respect for art and herself, remaining committed to her first love, art.
With her mother's guidance to explore all beliefs through God, Giselle has always felt a deep connection to her spirituality, leading from this place in all she does. For her, there's a ritual in everything she engages in. Writing has become the most grounding ritual for her, as she finds inspiration and self-motivation by getting real with herself through pen and paper. She meticulously maintains "to-do" lists to hold herself accountable, ensuring that every task, even the smallest ones like hugging her mom, is completed.
Several other habits are integral to Giselle's routine. Reading is a constant pursuit of knowledge and imagination, allowing her to connect with people, subjects, and places across the world. The color pink holds significant importance for her, providing comfort and inspiration in all aspects of her life. Entertainment is also essential, particularly watching movies, which keeps her company as she prepares for her day. October, her favorite season, offers the perfect excuse to indulge in watching every scary movie possible.
Being active is a vital part of Giselle's life, whether she's immersed in nature, exploring the city, or embarking on random quests, as movement keeps her looking forward and lessens any feelings of being behind. Spending time with friends is another cherished value for Giselle, as it enhances her productivity and creativity, allowing her to share and create art in a more genuine space. While she values her friendships deeply, she also respects her alone time, nurturing her artist self through solo dates at the park, bookstore, or art show, as she knows herself better than anyone else.
Patience and listening have been essential in Giselle's journey of finding rituals that work for her. Despite occasional resistance, she acknowledges the importance of these rituals in shaping her life and remains humbled by every life experience, continually making room for growth along the non-linear journey.
In her artistic journey, Giselle often navigates between her personal artistry and the preferences of her clientele. She gravitates towards what resonates with her, with a current inclination towards writing. Journaling has always been a cherished practice for her, initially inspiring her to decorate notebook covers as a means of creating safe spaces for those around her. Now, she endeavors to transition her words from the confines of her journals, aiming to share her insights and experiences with a broader audience. Giselle emphasizes the importance of granting herself creative freedom and embracing curiosity, which serves as her compass in exploring new art forms and continuously evolving in her craft.
When asked what she hopes viewers take away from her artwork, Giselle responded, "I hope it makes them pause and look at the details, getting lost in them for a second or two. I hope it fosters a connection or recognition to something previously unknown, which may now feel familiar. And if none of this is felt, then I hope they at least find it weird and/or cute."
For commissions, Giselle has always perceived them as collaborative endeavors. The process is deeply personal, as she endeavors to decipher the images her clients are eager to bring to life. Witnessing their excitement fuels her own creative ideas. Navigating the balance between thinking for others and herself can be mentally taxing at times, leading to moments of cloudiness. To alleviate this burden, she meticulously outlines her priorities, lightening her mental load and allowing her to meet the demands of the creative process. Occasionally, this necessitates stepping back for a day, a few days, or even weeks, returning when she feels mentally prepared.
Giselle has observed that her art attracts individuals who appreciate her independent creative endeavors and yearn for more, which serves as a wellspring of inspiration and reassurance. The genuine sense of community surrounding her art is palpable, comprising individuals who are not only supportive but also genuinely kind. Giselle is profoundly grateful for these connections, which have yielded enriching experiences, artwork, and lifelong friendships. Through her art, she has encountered different versions of herself, embracing growth and evolution to become her best self. Witnessing others' belief in her serves as a powerful motivation to continue creating in her unique process.
Giselle expresses excitement for her upcoming participation in the Herencia exhibition. She feels grateful to be involved for yet another year, acknowledging the intention and immense effort dedicated to nurturing the Hispanic art community. Reflecting on her own experiences, Giselle wishes similar shows had been available when she was younger, noting the rarity of events honoring Hispanic culture, especially in Oklahoma. She finds significance in these opportunities, recognizing their potential to inspire others to pursue their artistic passions. For Giselle, being included in Herencia is a profound honor. She eagerly anticipates sharing something significant with everyone involved in the exhibition.
One of Giselle’s memorable collaborations stands out vividly in the mind of Giselle. It was the collaboration with Saints*, a preroll company based in Washington D.C. The opportunity arose when Giselle's friend and tattooist, Jose Flores, forwarded an artist call for expanding their presence into Oklahoma. Giselle wasted no time in applying and was thrilled to be selected as one of the 10 artists from the state to design a box for them. Reflecting on the experience, it was truly remarkable. Transitioning from the creation of a drawing on paper to holding the finished box in hand was surreal yet deeply fulfilling. The inclusion of Giselle's bio and signature alongside the artwork added to the sense of accomplishment. This experience served as a powerful reminder not to underestimate the potential of seizing opportunities. It reinforced the notion that by simply reaching out or applying, one might just land the opportunity of a lifetime.
When asked for advice for aspiring artists, Giselle shared insights gained from her own journey. "It’s taken 5 years of patience," she began, reflecting on her evolving relationship with her artistic lifestyle. "Those first seeds were planted from hopes," she continued, emphasizing the ongoing process of nurturing new goals and aspirations. Despite the achievements attained thus far, Giselle humbly assured, "I’m not bragging. I’m assuring, it can be you too." She encouraged aspiring artists to stay true to their unique creative impulses, acknowledging that their path may diverge from conventional routes. "What works for me may work for you and then again, it may not at all," she acknowledged, highlighting the importance of individual exploration. Giselle expressed her hope that her shared experiences would ignite the creative spark within her audience, urging them to pursue their passions with fervor. "Invest," she emphasized, urging artists to reinvest their resources back into their craft. "Your art deserves that of you," she affirmed. Finally, Giselle emphasized the significance of self-trust and self-support, advising, "Have your own back. Support your art and self."
In this moment of her life, Giselle envisions her art leading her to the home and environment of her dreams, where the next version of herself is meant to thrive. "To be fully honest," she admits, "aside from my personal goals, I never know where life is going to take me." This uncertainty, she confesses, excites her, as she harbors a genuine love for surprises.
