22/04/2023
In Celebration of Earth Day, I wanted to share this piece that I have made last year and an achievement that I have made this year.
I am honored to be chosen as one of many great artists around the world to participate in an International Virtual Art Exhibit "Transmitting Art Throughout the World II" by Neoma Galleria.
The artwork entitled "Melinda" is inspired by the beauty of Mindanao, and in the painting, all subjects that are included are endemic to the Philippines. First, we have the Lina's Sunbird which is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae, assessed as near threatened, affected by habitat loss through deforestation, mining, land conversion and slash-and-burn. Second, the Waling-Waling is considered to be the "Queen of Philippine Flowers" and is worshipped as a Diwata by the indigenous Bagobo people. Unfortunately, the exotic waling-waling is almost on the brink of extinction, used for commercial and decorative purposes, and their habitat was destroyed by deforestation. In addition to endemic plants in Mindanao, we have Dendorium Tiongii, Coelogyne Candoonensis, and Dendrobium Mindanaense.
May it serve as a reminder to appreciate the beauty that is given to us and how fortunate we are to have lived in their time, which I dream for future generations to experience as well.
