As a teenager Veronica Ortuño cut her teeth as an artist in the underground music and art scene. She is founder and creative director of interior design firm Casa Veronica, and Las Cruxes, a creative services platform that supports creatives with the unique perspective Veronica cultivated through years of performing and creating art. She lives in Elgin with her husband and daughter.

1. Why did you move to Elgin?

The affordability and quality of life compared to Austin, where I lived for nearly 20 years. We’ve met some wonderful people within the Elgin community and cherish being able to slow down and be more present.

2. What compels you to spend time creating?

I feel fortunate that my chosen career in ceramics and interior decorating fosters creative expression. I’m constantly brimming with ideas, so having these outlets and avenues for learning fuels my contentment & fulfillment. As a new mother, it was important I not lose my creative voice and maintain some semblance of autonomy aside from parenthood. While I’ve only just started ceramics two years ago, I’m learning so much and am tapping into something deep within myself. I appreciate that it has been both challenging and therapeutic in many ways.

3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.

A few that stand out: 1.) gratitude & acceptance; 2.) how overwhelming, complex, and beautiful parenthood is; 3.) the importance of simplifying my life

4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?

I’m reading “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer and “Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior” by Chogyam Trungpa. Both illuminating and highly recommended.