Interview with Aj Ortiz
Interview by Natalia Rocafuerte
Aj Ortiz (@ajortizart) is a poet from the border that wants to tell stories through film.
How is your winter going, where are you located?
It’s going good! Trying to be as productive as possible! I’m located in Austin, Tx.
How did you come about creating this piece?
I spent a month experimenting with Augmented Reality and modifying video game engines. “Escopofobia,” was the end result.
What drives your experimental work?
The desire to see stories and imagery on film that I feel aren’t too common & exploring nontraditional techniques to create animations.
What’s your hometown?
Eagle Pass, Tx.
What are you listening to? Watching?
I’ve been listening to The Books, John Lennon, and Animal Collective. I’ve been watching Spongebob and horror movies.
Would you care to share your last dream?
Sure. I was floating upwards, inside a bubble, into a giant castle. When I would look down, I could see the earth, and I was connected with the planet through my umbilical cord. Thousands of people surrounded me, also rising in a bubble. Upon arrival at the castle, I saw giant curtains that were a color I had never seen before in my life. Two giant hands, pulsating with light, appeared before me. I kissed the hands and then I awoke in my bed.
Social/website: @ajortizart
Check out AJ Ortiz'’s latest video project Escopofobia during our Experimental Shorts Broadcast hosted by Natalia Rocafuerte on December 4 2020 at 8PM Central Time. RSVP here!
