INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST

Q.        When did you start creating your art works?

I.          I started painting in 1979.  Actually, I was scared  because of Martial Law at that time.  My works voiced out my strong opinions against what was going on in that era.

Q.        What made you decide to become an artist?

I.          My work is a form of self-expression.  It all started with my political aspirations and how I wanted to voice out my opinion against the unfair labor practices, the poverty and how unjust the world has been.  Since I was not able to write my thoughts out effectively, I needed a medium in which I could express my own commentaries and help the people, the viewers, see how we could make our community better and more understanding to the needs of its people.  In addition, I wanted to show the  beauty to what I saw as an ugly world.

Q.        What was your first artwork?

A.        My first artwork is called "Inang Bayan" which surprisingly became the cover of Panorama.  It depicts a lot of the political leaders during the Martial Law and EDSA revolution.  My main focus was a woman under the big & colorful umbrella of corruption.

Q.        How was your artwork evolved through the years?

A.        My first few artworks were mainly "naive" in style.  Since I had no formal training, I did what came naturally to me.  My works mainly features bold and spontaneous lines.  Actually, those traits have become my trademark.  I have mastered my own expressions.  For me, each line represents a part of a person's life.

Q.        Which artist(s) has inspired you in your works?

A.        I have been a great follower & admirer of the master painters like De Koening, Matisse and Picasso.  Actually, I can say that I have educated by eyes to be familiar with their works.  Also, I have been greatly inspired by the life of Van Gogh.  I read this book, "Lust for Life", which was a biography of the Vincent Van Gogh.  His passion and the hardships he had faced during his life moved me.  I even cried while I was reading it.  This book reminded me in those days when I still had my antique shop in Ermita I used to hear the prostitutes' cry every evening and I  felt the pain that they were feeling.

Q.        Were you always been an artist?

A.        I think so….  Some artists believe that the mere beauty of their work qualifies them as an artist, but their works actually lack depth.  I am more involved with the depth of my works and how my works affect the viewers.  I want the viewer to be part of the artwork.

Q.        What motivates you to create an artwork?

A.        I am motivated by how my artwork can contribute to the community.  I want to emphasize to the people that one can be creative even without money.