It's been over 30 years since I embarked on my journey as an artist (from high school to now), and what a journey it has been! As a Gen X'er, I grew up witnessing the evolution from television to the Walkman, eventually transitioning to portable CD players and programming music lists into an iPod. But being both Pinay and an artist wasn't exactly what my parents had in mind. While they encouraged my creativity and artistry, their expectations were rooted in colonialism, envisioning a promising future for me in nursing, medicine, or law.
Back then, social media was non-existent, and showcasing my art was limited to college open houses or random visits from people admiring what I had displayed on my walls. But fast forward to today, and the transformation is remarkable. With the power of social media, I now have a platform to bring visibility to my creations like never before. I can even go live on Instagram to directly engage with people about my art without shelling out thousands of dollars in advertisements, as many of us Gen X'ers can attest. And perhaps the most significant evolution? My mom's newfound pride in my art, despite her occasional reminders to my kids about nursing careers.
As I sit down to admire my new website, I can't help but marvel at how far technology has come in aiding artists like myself. It's a testament to the incredible advancements we've witnessed over the years. With just a few clicks, I can showcase my portfolio to the world, reaching audiences I never thought possible.
However, amidst the excitement of this digital age, I recognize the learning curve I must navigate. Creating a newsletter and designing my website to reflect my personality and creative flair present challenges that I approach with a mix of excitement and hesitation. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth as I strive to strike the perfect balance between showcasing my art and staying true to myself.
But amidst these challenges, I'm super excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. These are truly exhilarating times for artists like me. With every brushstroke and every click of the mouse, I have the chance to share my passion with the world in ways I never imagined. If my dad were alive today, he would be overjoyed to see my artwork reaching audiences around the globe, a goal I aspire to achieve.
On a personal note, I can't help but feel that my parents are closet artists themselves, who never had the chance or privilege to share their talents in the same way I can. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to them for their subtle encouragement and for instilling in me the resilience and patience necessary to continue evolving and perfecting my craft. They've played an integral role in shaping me into the artist I am today, and for that, I am forever thankful.
So, as I embark on this new chapter, I invite you to join me. These are unprecedented times indeed, and I can't wait to see where they take us.
