Welcome
"Jorge Lastra: Sailboats, jewelry, custom art projects. Visit our gallery!"
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My Background
My Inspiration
My Background
"I have always felt the call of the sea, its immensity, its infinite blue-turquoise water. its harmonious movements..The Sea has always been with me".
Originally from Chile, I traveled to Barcelona to develop my artistic style in 2005. Inspired by the works of great Spanish artists, such as Gaudi, Dali, and Miro, I created a jewelry line that is sold in museum shops and galleries around the world. When I arrived in the USA 9 years ago, me and my family never thought that I would find the freedom to create and sell my jewelry and sculptures, allowing us to spend more time as a family.
It was not easy at first, but when Smithsonian Enterprises began carrying our line of jewelry in museum shops, we knew we were on to something special.
Inspired by the subtle beauty and buoyancy of cedar driftwood, I returned to a former love of mine, crafting sculptural ships. My previous machine/tool training and skills paved the way to construct old ship replicas with driftwood and metal under the rigorous mentoring of a retired German Captain.
I love working with the amazing world of cedarwood. My soul is filled with exquisite smells and mesmerizing intricate shapes and patterns, always enchanted by the wonderful world of the sea and its ships.
Last year I exhibited my driftwood sailboats in the Kessler Collection Gallery "Adrift": by Jorge Lastra, Charleston Grand Bohemian Gallery, and currently have my own gallery space Lastra Art Gallery in Savannah, Georgia. I have also recently designed recognition awards for collaborators from the prestigious healthcare company Aetna.
My Medium
My Inspiration
My Background
My jewelry collection features unique and original designs crafted with care.
I exclusively use iron, which is a neutral, non-staining metal, renowned for its skin-friendly properties. This makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin. My designs are easily self-adjusted, and this is achieved through the skillful use of heat, to soften the iron through forging. This technique gives exceptional malleability, ensuring durability even with repeated use.
To complement the iron, I use a high-quality glass which is exceptionally tough, capable of withstanding damage without shattering. It also retains its shine and resists scratching. I have created a vibrant range of colors in our collection to provide an extensive various option.
My sailboat designs starts with collect red cedar driftwood which, like oak, can be underwater for years without decaying or rotting. Historically, these noble woods were favored when building old ships, as the exposure to different elements such as sea water, air and heat resulted in a natural hardening process. Over time, these conditions also facilitate the organic polishing and shaping of the wood, resulting in surfaces exceptionally smooth to the touch. My process involves meticulously sanding and polishing specific sections of the red cedar driftwood, to reveal the stunning original colors and tones inherent in the wood.
In my training as a sculptor, I have used different types of patinas (a thin surface layer that develops because of use, age, or chemical action), on various metals. Experimenting with this coating is always an exhilarating journey, as it consistently yields unique and diverse results. I employ a waterproof metal lacquer to halt the oxidation process. This ensures that the metal retains its captivating rust tones without undergoing changes over time, even when exposed to the elements. The resilience in this process allows my handcrafted sailboats to be displayed, both indoors and outdoors.
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
The call of the sea echoed once more, pulling me back to a childhood passion: sculpting ships from weathered cedar driftwood. My early fascination with machines and tools had evolved into a sculptor's keen eye, allowing me to breathe life back into these forgotten fragments of the ocean.
My first workshop became a sanctuary, filled with the intoxicating aroma of cedar. Its smooth curves and rich textures were a constant source of inspiration. Each piece of driftwood whispered tales of epic journeys and salty spray, igniting a spark within me that mirrored the vast wonder of the sea.
The ability to create art wasn't just a privilege, it was a lifeblood. Every day, I pour my love for the craft into these miniature vessels, hoping to share a piece of the magic with the world. Especially with children - I yearn to ignite their artistic flames, nurturing a new generation of dreamers and creators.