Blog #5: Artist's Statement, A Draft

    My parents would always say that I was already drawing way before I could even write my name. For the farthest as I can remember, I was always interested in creating art. I have always had the drive to create. Taking up different hobbies from sketching, digital art, crocheting, jewelry making, clay sculpting, and painting, just to sum up those I did during the quarantine, just to fulfill sudden bursts of the lust for creativity in my life.

    Creating something one may call art has always made me feel fulfilled and somewhat productive (even though sometimes it may be to the expense of procrastinating on academics). Getting to see and getting to hold of something that you made that was just once a blank piece of paper or a ball of yarn gives me a feeling of purpose and fulfillment I cannot seem to find from anything else.

    With all the art forms I have tried, I have always fallen back to one. The artistic practice that has resonated with me the most would be painting. The entire process of painting, from the mixing of paint, the first stroke of the brush upon the canvas, and the numerous layers of paint to complete a painting, has always been engrossing. Getting lost in every paint stroke is genuinely what connects me with this art form. The mediums of paint I use are either Acrylic or guache as it dries quickly and does not hinder the flow of creativity. Additionally, the messier the medium is, the better; that is the escape I crave from the cut-tie world we live in.

    When starting a painting, I always have a feeling, scenario, or message I want to convey. I begin by sketching up different drafts having a concept in mind. I pick one sketch and place it on my canvas or paper, where my painting process starts. In terms of the painting process, I cannot say much because, as I have said, I allow myself to get lost with every stroke. I get lost in a sense where I don't let my mind think, for I let the subject matter simply flow out of my hands naturally.

    In the painting above, I wanted to convey the pressure one has to look a certain way. Having to change their appearance to satisfy the masses. During this time of my life, I dealt with many personal image issues due to my surroundings having been judged by the people around me. This phenomenon of using my life and what I'm currently feeling as the subject matter of my paintings are not at all uncommon. Most, if not all, of my paintings, express the feelings I keep within myself. 

    Moreover, my artistic journey does not stop here. My artistic practice and style will continue to evolve as time goes on. I will never be sure of what is to come or what new art form I wish to try; however, I am sure that I will continue to create and express myself through my work.