Collection of Essays And Memoirs

Where Art Meets Soul

I was born from a family of artist. As the fifth of six children, I was born into a family where art was not just a hobby, but a passion that ran deep through our veins.  In fact, locals in our community even tagged as "The Family of Artist." When ask what is the secret behind our skills, our mother often answered, our collective talent were gained through unique practice she followed when we were infants. She would place newspaper on the floor when changing our diapers. No logical answers as my mother was into such kind of beliefs. As the fifth child in a family of skilled artists, I was the last to inherit the gift of drawing, as our younger sibling didn't share the same passion as ours.

As a child, I was fascinated by anime and spent hours watching DVDs with my family. This hobby not only entertained me but also inspired me to develop my drawing skills. While students at my age were content with creating simple stick figures, I was driven to create more intricate and detailed drawings. Despite being recognized for my drawing skills among my classmates, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I still had a lot to learn and improve on.

Growing up in a family where art was deeply ingrained, I had always been in awe of my siblings' talents. For instances, the oldest child, in particular, was someone I admired greatly for his exceptional drawing skills. I remember flipping through his high school notebook and being amazed by the intricate sketches and doodles that filled the pages. It wasn't just a notebook for taking notes; it was a canvas for his artistic expression. His talent for sketching was undeniable amazing, and I often found myself wondering how he could create such beautiful pieces of art with ease. My brother's personality, however, was quite the opposite of his artworks. He was a quiet and introverted person who preferred to keep to himself. His former teacher would often refer to him as "the quiet one" due to his reserved nature. Even at home, he would rarely venture outdoors, opting instead to spend his time indoors, lost in his own world of art and imagination. As he grew older, my brother eventually left our hometown to pursue a career in the city. He settled in Manila, where he would occasionally return home to visit us.

My second sibling shared a similar passion for drawing, excelling in lettering and creating artwork for slogan contests. Like my oldest brother, her notebooks were filled with impressive sketches, particularly cute and realistic anime characters. Despite her talent, she preferred to keep a low profile and often not joining school contests, focusing on drawing as personal enjoyment. Her skill in slogans inspires me to explore calligraphy, the art of handwriting.

The third child stood out as the most passionate and perhaps the most skilled among all of us. His love for art was evident in his works, and it wasn't just a hobby—it was his true calling. He had a remarkable talent for drawing and creating artistic works, so much so that our home eventually transformed into an art museum, filled with his collection of abstract paintings and intricate sketches. The walls seemed to come alive with vibrant colors and expressive forms, showcasing the depth of his creativity.

Among the family, he was the only one who turned his passion into living. He was offering artistic services to others, taking commissions for portraits, sketching faces, and even creating custom drawings based on his clients' requests. It became more than just a way to make a living; it was a reflection of his dedication to his craft. His attention to detail was remarkable, and he was incredibly particular about every aspect of his work. He is a perfectionist, often spending hours refining each piece until it met his high standards. For him, art wasn’t just an expression—it was a form of mastery, and he pursued it with relentless focus and passion.

My fourth sibling, a sister, possessed a unique talent for drawing that set her apart from the rest of us. Her passion for poster making led her to participate in numerous contests throughout her elementary and high school years, where she emerged as a winner. I recall a time when I competed against her in a poster-making contest, but unfortunately, I didn't stand a chance. My lack of experience and skill in using oil pastels, a medium she excelled in, put me at a disadvantage. In contrast, my sister's coloring skills were exceptional, and she could bring her drawings to life with vibrant hues and textures. Aside from poster making, my sister also enjoyed drawing anime characters, particularly those from her favorite shows. Her room was a testament to her creativity, with walls adorned by an assortment of artwork, including intricate origami pieces, posters, and drawings of beloved characters. Among my family members, my sister stood out as the most creative person. Her innovative approach to art and her willingness to experiment with different mediums and techniques made her a true artist. She is the most creative person in the family.

Evidently, each member of my family made an impact to art, whether it was through their professional work, personal projects, or simply sharing their art with others. As for me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation whenever I introduced myself. People would often recognize our family name and associate it with the "Family of Artist." This reputation, while flattering, also created a sense of pressure and expectation.
As a child, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. I would worry about not being able to live up to the standards set by my family members. The thought of not being able to carry on the family legacy was daunting, and I often felt overwhelmed by the weight of expectation. Despite these fears, I was determined to continue exploring my own artistic talents. I joined various poster-making contests, eager to improve my skills and learn from the experience.

Although I didn't win many awards just like my siblings, I was heartened to find that people still acknowledged and appreciated my artwork. This encouragement gave me the confidence to persevere, even in the face of pressure and competition. With each contest, I gained valuable experience and insight, which helped me refine my skills and develop my unique style.

Although my early endeavors didn't yield the desired results, I persisted, undeterred by the setbacks. It wasn't until my Senior High years that I stumbled upon a valuable lesson that would profoundly impact my perspectives and life. In one of my art subjects, I discovered the profound connection between literature and visual arts. This epiphany struck me like a revelation, much like the inseparable relationship between music and dance. This newfound understanding ignited a spark within me, propelling me to explore the realm of literary arts. Although I struggled with my creative writing back then, often lacking the skills to craft compelling stories with my own words, I remained resolute.

As I embarked on my college journey, I took the path less traveled by. I enrolled in a Literature course, driven by a desire to rediscover my artistic talents and showcase the beauty of arts through the power of words. As I delved into the world of Literature, I became acquainted with renowned local authors, including Carlos Bulosan, whose seminal work "America is in the Heart" masterfully captured the struggles of immigrants in America. His poignant words, "Yes, I will be a writer and make all of you live again in my words," resonated deeply with me, inspiring me to pursue my own writing persona and strive to revive the past through my creative endeavors.

In addition to exploring the realm of Literature, I also found myself drawn to the field of digital art. For three years, I honed my skills as a layout artist, and it was during this time that digital art began to gain widespread popularity, largely due to the pandemic that had ravaged families and communities worldwide. As I navigated the digital art landscape, I discovered a renewed sense of purpose and passion. My skills in layouting allowed me to express myself creatively, and I found solace in the beauty of arts. In relation, I fall in love to arts again, and this rekindled my passion into a burning desire to tell my story to people. Hence, I become the artist I want to be; not judge by the society and other factors.

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