We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julie Ortegon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julie below.

Alright, Julie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I didn’t always see myself as a jewelry designer or silversmith. In fact, the idea came as a complete surprise. I spent so much time encouraging a friend to pursue the craft, imagining how incredible it would be for them to learn and create. Then one day, a thought struck me like lightning: Why not me? Why couldn’t I be the one learning and making these beautiful, wearable silver pieces? That realization changed everything. I signed up for classes with a local jeweler in East Williamsburg, here in Brooklyn, and from the moment I shaped wax and metal with my own hands and polished my first chunky, oddly-shaped silver ring—I was hooked. J.Poetix was born!

Jewelry-making has taught me patience in a way nothing else ever has. With a full-time job managing an incredibly talented, world-class crew of mural painters, I’m usually a whirlwind of activity—running on coffee or yerba mate and powered by to-do lists. As a fan of efficiency and multitasking, I’m always on the move. But when I’m in front of my bench, everything slows down. It’s the one space where I can disconnect from the hustle and bustle, put my phone away, listen to some great music, and focus entirely on my craft. That’s exactly why I wouldn’t want to speed up the learning process. For me, making my rings isn’t about rushing—it’s about savoring time: time to practice, meditate, experiment, and connect deeply with the materials.

Learning the tools was key. Understanding what they do, how to make them work for me, and figuring out which ones I actually needed was so important—because in this craft, it’s easy to accumulate an overwhelming number of tools and lose focus. Limited space and time helped me refine my favorites—the ones that best achieved the look I wanted. Building a home studio gave me the freedom to experiment and find my groove. Beyond that, patience, letting go of ego, embracing the fact that I’ll always be learning, and adaptability have been game-changers. Making jewelry doesn’t always go as planned. Many smashed opals while stone setting has taught me that. But being able to pivot and embrace the unexpected is where the real magic happens.

Time and money were, without a doubt, the biggest obstacles to learning more. Juggling a full-time job meant squeezing in practice whenever I could, and the cost of classes and materials added up quickly. But those challenges pushed me to be resourceful—soaking up as much knowledge as possible in the studio, looking up YouTube videos, and using social media to build my community and discover ideas, tools, and techniques. I figured out how to carry that into my home setup, too. Those obstacles shaped me into the artist I am today. It’s all part of the journey, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And this is just the beginning—I’m excited to see how J.Poetix evolves and how my design ideas grow with time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi there, I’m Julie Ortegon, a Colombian-born artist raised in Illinois and Arizona, with a formative time spent in France and Italy. For the past 15 years, I’ve been thriving in the creative whirlwind of Brooklyn, New York. My journey into creating jewelry is the culmination of a lifetime of curiosity and diverse artistic experiences. I’ve delved into many creative feats, from studying and building theater sets and costumes to creating books, zines, and installations, as well as experimenting with video art, photography, poetry, and noise music. I’ve worked in museums, architecture, and advertising—all of which deepened my appreciation for art as both form and function. Jewelry-making brought together everything I love about texture, form, and the artistry of craftsmanship, paving the way for my brand, J.Poetix.

Each piece I create begins with wax, handcrafted with care and inspired by organic, unconventional shapes free of straight lines. I specialize in silver, crafting bold, sculptural rings and textured bands designed to feel alive and unique. I also work with gold, creating wedding bands when given the honor. My goal is to transform art into tangible pieces that people can cherish and carry with them every day. (Stay tuned for the launch of my online store!)

My process begins with trust, letting my hands guide the tension of tools on wax and metal, and shaping forms that resonate with me. Along the way, I reflect on why a particular shape or texture stirs something in my heart. These reflections have revealed that my work embodies the tension between personal experience and external expectations. As a young immigrant girl, I often felt like I was catching up, missing something essential, and never quite enough. I lacked the shared references others seemed to possess effortlessly, whether it was financial stability, the right words, or the unspoken rules of belonging. I felt constant pressure to perform and prove I deserved a place in spaces where I didn’t naturally belong. Over time, what once felt like a shortcoming has become something I’ve learned to embrace. It reflects the wholeness of who I am and my journey—evolving, unconventional, vibrant, alive, and worthy of space. This perspective shapes my designs, celebrating organic forms, unexpected shapes, and the raw beauty of individuality.

I’m deeply inspired by nature—the rugged beauty of the Southwest, with its buttes and weather-worn rocks. Surfing at the Rockaways. The calanques of Marseille. Bogotá, my motherland, nestled in the Cordillera Oriental of the Northern Andes with the breathtaking Monserrate. These landscapes shape the textures and forms of my jewelry, giving each piece the feel of something carved by nature itself.
Equally significant are the underground subcultures I’ve immersed myself in, from the basement punk shows of my college days in Flagstaff, AZ, to techno raves in NYC warehouse spaces. These communal spaces, where time, identity, and reality dissolve into something freer and more poetic, have left an indelible mark on my work. My jewelry is a tribute to those who live authentically and unapologetically: queer folks, immigrants, and anyone who embraces their bold, unique, and beautiful truth.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I started making jewelry, I carried a particular mindset with me. I wanted every piece to be pristine, polished, and flawless. But metalsmithing doesn’t work that way. At times, the process is unpredictable—metal warps, textures form unexpectedly, and designs often take on a life of their own. At first, I resisted, trying to control every detail. Over time, my curiosity grew, and I eventually came to love the tiny irregularities. The impressions left by my tools began to feel like the markings that tell stories in art, history, and life.

I thought about Cy Twombly’s scribbles, Joan Mitchell’s chaotic brushwork, and the ancient Lascaux cave drawings in France that echo our shared past. I reflected on medieval carvings that outlive their creators and the 23,000-year-old footprints unearthed in New Mexico’s White Sands— enduring traces of humanity. These marks of process and imperfection are at the heart of my work. They make each piece feel alive, textured, and full of story.

Letting go of my initial need for control wasn’t easy. Metalsmithing taught me to trust the material, to embrace the unexpected, and to let the process guide me. This shift wasn’t just about technique, it reshaped how I see myself and the world around me. My work now carries that sense of discovery, alive with texture and full of story, celebrating the unique character of every piece.

This evolution changed not just my art but also my life. It reminds me that meaning comes not from flawless execution but from authenticity. To create something lasting, we don’t have to control every detail, we simply have to trust the process, be present, and let the marks we leave speak for themselves.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the opportunity to explore and experiment—whether it’s with new tools, forms, or textures. This ongoing process of discovery keeps my creativity alive and constantly evolving. Equally meaningful is the sense of community that comes with it. Connecting with other curious, uplifting individuals who share a passion for learning and inspiring one another is incredibly fulfilling. Together, we create a space where ideas flow freely, and growth becomes a shared experience.

Another deeply rewarding aspect is building J.Poetix. For someone who naturally feels uneasy being the center of attention, this brand has become a space where my creativity can thrive without limits. It’s a platform I can step behind yet also use to express myself fully, giving my ideas and artistic vision a life of their own. The magic deepens when my work connects with others—when a ring or wedding band I’ve made becomes part of someone’s story. It’s no longer just jewelry, it’s a reflection of their individuality or a symbol of a cherished moment. Knowing that my creations resonate and hold meaning for others is the ultimate reward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.poetix/

Image Credits

Julie Ortegon