Meet Cipriano Ortega | Musician, Poet, Playwright, Actor and Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cipriano Ortega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cipriano, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
For me, at this time. Work is life and life is work. Perhaps for many that may not sound like a healthy approach. However, when I am in my work I am the most content. The key for me is creating work that involves a diverse amount of skills to execute. That is why I enjoy music and theater so much. It’s very much left brain/right brain work. From the mental conception to the physical execution. I enjoy being involved in both. For me that is my balancing point. When I am put into a position where I can utilize all of my talents I am balanced.

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 am wearing many hats this year in my professional art career.

I just released my debut ep. ‘Cipriano a Whole new Low’ this past April. As a musician I am currently working on two albums with my bandmates Vitaliy Minyaylo (Drums) and Squidds Madden (Tenor Saxophone). We are planning on working with producer Jack Endino either later this year or early next year in Seattle to record one of the albums.

I am the assistant director to Cuauhtémoczin A new play by Diego Florez-Arroyo that will open at the MCA Holiday Theatre in Denver. October 6th-14th, 2023

I am also finalizing writing my debut theatrical play ‘Cheyanne’ that is to be put into full production hopefully in 2024. It will be directed by Jon Marcantoni and will be at the Peoples Building in Denver. I will also be acting in the play as well.

I am also continuing my work as a visual artist by continuing my portrait series I have been working on since 2019. I am currently exhibiting my work at the BRDG Projects new space. I will also have a painting on display at the Dairy Arts Center later this year in November.

As I said. Many hats.

For me, work is all there is. I enjoy music, theater and visual arts very much. I am very fortunate enough at this time to be working in all of these fields.

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.
For food, I would take them to the Mercury Cafe. Any day of the week there is always something exciting going on! For drinks, I would take them to The Roxy on Broadway. It has great drinks and awesome local live music!
To hang out would be first Fridays on the Santa Fe Art District. Great art and cool shops!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This past May, I lost one of my core mentors Brian Billings. He was my teacher in both Middle School and High School at Denver School of the Arts. He taught me carpentry, welding, set design and scenic painting. Among all those skills, he taught me a work ethic that I bring to all of my personal and collaborative projects. His work ethic, focus and dedication to his craft set in me from a young age the serious dedication and sacrifice one must make to create ‘good work.’ Since I have been involved in theater since I was a child Brian showed me what it takes to make all productions a success. I thank him from the bottom of my heart all the things he taught me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciprianoband/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ciprianolow/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CiprianoOrtega

Other: https://cipriano-lowrock.bandcamp.com/album/a-whole-new-low

Image Credits
Photos by Todd Pierson