It all started from something and somewhere.
I knew I always had it in me; somewhere, waiting for the perfect moment.
March 15, 2020 was the date my career as an artist started. The pandemic was starting to crawl into our lives. Little did I know that we would all lock down. Having only our phones to access our lives outside, the world became digital.
It was then that it happened. All the what-ifs were starting to resurface. My head was unclear and boredom was creeping in, my greatest what-if kept returning — “What if I pursue art?”
It was my starting point. My something and my somewhere.
Four years later my purpose is becoming more clear. My something started from a Samsung A series phone, IbisPaint, and my index finger; and became a series of oil paintings, water-color paintings, and more expansive art projects.
My somewhere is beginning to turn from a mere hobby to real and proper art career.
Liwayway
Oil on Canvas, 2023120x60 cm
"Liwayway" means "Dawn" in Tagalog. The woman is wearing a traditional Filipino dress called "Baro't Saya." The entire piece represents life in a rural province of the Philippines. The woman is leaning towards the mango tree, with her left hand supporting herself while her right hand is holding the "panuelo." Her bare feet are firmly planted on the ground, connected to the mango tree's roots. The background shows rice fields with palm trees and mountains. The woman seems to be looking somewhere far away. Perhaps she wants to see the dawn?
Kasalan
“A Wedding”
Oil on Canvas, 2023
100x80 cm
The piece depicts a traditional wedding of the Sama-Badjau tribe, also known as the sea nomads and indigenous tribes in the Philippines. The painting includes the newlyweds, two dancers performing the traditional 'Pangalay' or fingernail dance, two men sailing the boat, an announcer, and a woman holding the umbrella for the newlyweds.
It is customary for the Badjau tribe to announce their marriage to every house in their town. This painting illustrates how they move from house to house, letting everyone know about their union.
Girl in a Yellow Dress
Oil on canvas, 2023
120x80 cm
This piece emphasizes the importance of taking a break amidst a fast paced world. The girl is looking away, probably day dreaming, and intoxicated with her own thoughts. The yellow dress is free flowing, indicating relaxation and carelessness. The setting is in the deep woods, away from city noises, where she grew up. She is tired from noise, and definitely ready for new beginnings. The leaves of the tree blow in a gentle breeze. This could be a sign of the calmness and freshness of nature.
“Every art piece has a unique story”
The story goes like this: I attended a party last year in Kuwait. At the party, I had the pleasure of meeting a girl named Jeanie who happened to be an art enthusiast. We had a lengthy conversation that night, and she shared an intriguing idea with me. She wanted a painting of her dog, but with a unique twist – her dog portrayed with a human samurai body. I was immediately captivated by the concept.
The following day, I decided to sketch out her idea. While I was scrolling through social media, I noticed that paintings on bags were becoming increasingly popular. This sparked my curiosity, and I conducted a few small experiments with oil paints and canvas bags. Unfortunately, the idea ended up on the backburner due to my work commitments.
Several months later, a friend introduced me to a photographer and an event organizer, who expressed their interest in collaborating with me to create hand-painted bags with oil portriats of women for a runway fashion show.
And so, the idea was resurrected, giving rise to these hand-painted bags.
The handpainted bags are divided into 3 series, “Women of 1950’s”, “Retro Era”, and “Belief”. Each series consists of 5 designs, for a total of 15 pieces.
Check out all the designs by following the link below
Women of Peace
Oil on canvas, 2024
100x70 cm
The painting depicts a grown woman, a young lady, and a girl, each offering unique perspectives. It symbolizes the cycle of life, with the innocence of youth transitioning to the wisdom of old age. The image evokes themes of compassion, admiration, and resilience, while also serving as a beacon of hope amidst adversity.
Other Works
Morning Routine
50x60 cmOil on Canvas, 2024A self portrait of the artist.
Check out all the artworks by following the link below
