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Dissecting Life With Art
“Art is not just on the canvas or sculpture, it's a way for me to live.”
- Bea
The sun began to spill into Bea's room, and beams shone against her face, sparking an idea in her head. In a makeshift art studio she created in the corner of her room, there are windows providing a clear view of nature outside and all its different colors as inspiration for her work. She began drawing on the canvas. Complex lines emerged from simple ones, some entwining at random, others crossing each other, like a woman on a mission, driven by a purpose.
Just a few years ago, she was teaching Physical Therapy at a university. But when the pandemic struck, Bea had to quit her job. "Social distancing" became a part of everyone's routine, which meant long days spent in her art studio.
Everything began the moment she held her first pen at the age of three. On manila papers and with watercolors, she painted simple objects around her as she saw them—through the eyes of a young girl. Her father was her first art teacher and he showed her how to draw everyday objects. Little did he know that an artist in the making would make her mark on the art scene in the future—the first in their family.
Bea is a complex and prolific young artist. Her diverse creative choices combine anatomical subjects with botanicals to create symbolism depicting common and current societal issues. When asked what themes she pursues, she said, "My artistic style evolves. Currently, my subjects are a mash-up of anatomical and botanical elements such as bones, the heart, and the brain. I'm also dabbling in symbology and floriography." She also wants to explore art therapy, particularly mandala art. “There, I get to explore spirituality and connection to the universe. Call it ‘self-connectedness,’” stated Bea. “My style may change in the future,” she added, “but anatomy will be constant because that’s where my interest lies.”
Bea experimented with sculptures as well. "It's like transitioning from 2D to 3D," she explained. "Art is not only visually stimulating; it's also an experience. I'm gradually branching out into other ways to stimulate other senses, such as touch, which you can achieve through sculpture. I'm also a musician and enjoy cooking; I stimulate hearing through music and peace through cooking."
Creativity is akin to growing flowers in a garden. From gestation to growth, blooming, and death, they are all part of the cycle. It’s when inspiration fades, that creative fuel runs out. Like most artists, Bea also runs into times of creative block while fighting against the strive for perfection.
Many artists have a love-hate relationship with their art. For Bea, staring at her work would result in conflicting feelings of both love and disapproval, making her doubt her own artistic abilities. “Perfectionism is exhausting,” she said, “but what I enjoy in conceptualizing is the assembling of subjects and integrating my experiences and I get to reflect in life—and put it to canvas.” She added, "Art is a way for me to live. Sometimes when we paint, expectations are not met, but we have to learn that it’s okay if we make a mistake like spilling paint, but we should learn that we can add other layers to touch it up or add other elements so we can add more meaning to our artwork.”
Bea has always been inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci's work, which significantly influenced her style. "My personal favorite is The Last Supper," she stated, adding, "every line and stroke in the subject's arrangement and movements were placed there on purpose."
Bea was chosen not only for her beautiful and meaningful artwork but also for the advocacy she shares with Xillium: women empowerment. Through this program, she can raise awareness of her cause while also setting a great example for other women looking to carve their own paths in the art world.