Kanto Kanto No. 4: Craft | Page 53

Behold A City, paper, dimension variable, Art Fair Philippines, 2019 Below: Home: Hoya, blueprint, 24.21 h x 15.75 w in., 2019 we’ve become accustomed or forced to think that way. Everything has tenure. I read this article that said we are so protective of our “personal spaces” but only until the perimeter of our own houses. The moment we step outside of it, our perspective instantly changes. We don’t care about and respect our public spaces or common spaces, whether it’s part of a built heritage or not. It’s repeatedly said that us Filipinos have lost our national identity. It’s such an abstract notion for us. Your works have been shown around the world. Despite the diverse set of viewers exposed to your works, what unified responses or views regarding your art and its message have surfaced? How has this shaped how you create your art? It’s hard for me to say if there is a unified response about my work. I think you just have to focus and set your intention when working in the studio. It’s also essential to listen to the people you trust, people who are familiar with your process. Be open to their criticisms about your work and your ideas. But at the end of the day, when you get back to the studio, none of it matters if you don’t do anything. 51 79