Hello Dear Christine Arce-Cabrera. Thank you for giving us the chance to Interview with you. First of all, please tell us about yourself and your take on Art and how do you like to express your thoughts or feelings with it?

Hi, I’m Tin and to some I’m Tink.

My art journey started when I was quite young, and it started with crafts. The earliest project I can remember is painting satin roses with my mom. I would say that she planted the art spark in me. I fell in love quite instantly. I loved the idea of creating beautiful things out of practically nothing but the power of your imagination.

Back home (in the Philippines) my love for art developed into creating fashion accessories. I called it Delirious. I would spend hours with my nose plyers twisting wire, stringing beads and fabric and pretty much anything. I’d do my own trinkets and, because I made them, they’re unique and that made them special, and made me feel special as well.

When my career led me to Cambodia, I re-discovered my passion for sketching, which later developed into painting. I picked up my first brush in 2017. I started with watercolors, and loved experimenting with it, learning mostly through trial and error.

I drew inspiration from what I remember from the imaginarium of my childhood - enchanted forests, rabbits wearing waistcoats, mythical creatures, metaphysical characters and whatever that the mistress of inspiration sends my way.

My curiosity for painting did not stop with watercolors. Today, I paint my visions in watercolors, inks, acrylic, oils, markers, pencils.

Painting led me to reconnect with my inner child, escape the world for a few hours, re-center and relearn how to dream.

In my life, art plays an important role in creating balance. It provides a quiet space amidst all the chaos of everyday worries and fears. It’s to me a haven free of rules, expectations and judgement, where imagination can run free. My paintings is to me an art journal that combines my thoughts, dreams, memories and feelings laid out in compositions that could be both whimsical and satirical.

What’s been your greatest artistic success and why?

That would probably be being able to break out of my own shell.

Painting has always been meant to be a personal hobby. When friends started to ask me to join exhibits, it was uncomfortable at first. I was insecure because I had no formal art training. I painted whatever I felt like painting, and I laid down color however I felt like it.

But when I think about Art – it is creative self-expression, and that’s what painting is to me.

How would you describe yor style of work? Would you characterize it as specific genre?

I would describe it within the realm of surrealism. I draw inspiration from my subconscious and that naturally recalls childhood visions. I grew up reading fairytales and I love drawing inspiration from these worlds of endless possibilities to express myself.

What is your creative process like and how does art-making impact other parts of your life?

I usually create art only when I feel like it because it is the process that I find most rewarding.

Working in marketing and communications could be stressful and that’s where painting plays an important role. It helps me offload some emotions on paper and canvas, gives me the space and time to clear my mind and unwind, and refuels my creativity.

What is your biggest inspiration in your Art life?

My biggest inspiration is my childhood years and my love for fairytales.

Growing up I’d read through folk and fairytales from different parts of the world and be completely mesmerized by both the words and the illustrations of every page.

I am fortunate enough to have grown up surrounded by the beautiful works of the likes of Hans Christian Andersen, Brothers Grimm, Lewis Caroll, Kay Nielsen, Edmund Dulac among other classic authors and illustrators.

These stories, illustrations and daydreams has stayed with me through the years and it is with pleasure that I translate these imagined pictures on paper that I may share them to the world in hopes of reminding the viewer of their childhood innocence and wonder.

Could you describe your normal day as an artist?

Art is a hobby so it comes during free time.

Inspiration comes and goes, but mostly comes my way when I’m in a relaxed state like on a weekend or when I’m on vacation.

Being close to nature awakens my imagination, and I love working near water or in a quite shaded patch of green with nothing but the sound of the sea or the falling leaves. It heightens the meditative powers of art for me and brings out more enjoyment.

On an art day, I’d usually bring my tools outdoors to a quiet space, make myself a pot of tea, and just work through the day. The first part is always with pencils. I always compose my painting in my head and draw it in full penciled illustration on paper or canvas. After that it’s color selection which to me is the most fun part. I’d usually select colors based on my mood. My surroundings also have some bearing on my color choices but I think that’s more subconscious.

Can you talk about any other current or upcoming projects?

I’m currently in the middle of painting two pieces – one is a watercolor piece, and the other an oil on canvas. They are both fun and whimsical.

The watercolor piece expresses gratitude for the love and comfort that I’ve been receiving and feeling in the past weeks.

The oil piece expresses the need for both calm and adventure.

Anything else you'd like to mention that I didn't ask?

No. These are great questions.

Thank you for your time!