Joe Ortega
Carving is something that came second nature to Joe Ortega. Wood carving is in Joe’s blood. Joe was the youngest child of Ben and Isabel Ortega. He spent his lifetime around woodcarvers. His father was the catalyst for the famous "Ortega style".
His brothers and sister are well known santeros who also carve animals and angels. At the age of twenty, Joe began to carve his own wooden animals. He has produced coyotes, dogs, rabbits, roosters, chickens, cats and any other animal upon request. The animals are hand carved from pine, one-of-kind and have a textured finish which is Joe’s trademark. His animals are full of character and humor which is hard not to love. Each piece is a testament to his patience and skill.
Santa Fe has a long tradition of wood carvers. Joe not only lives up to it-he often exceeds the tradition.
