Art can be a medium to connect and reconnect with others. Andie Gamboa, an artist from Bacolod, proves this with her art. The artist says she hopes to inspire others by connecting to their inner child.
Andie Gamboa is one of the participating artists who showcased their artworks at the Iloilo Mega Book Fair (IMBF). With the theme “Pagtib-tong sa Rehiyon/Celebrating the Regions” the fair was held last April 27 – 30, 2023. Gamboa says her primary goal is to create, inspire, and share art that comes from the heart.
“During my childhood, living in the Philippines inspired my works. I grew up in the United States of America and living back in the Philippines is where I got the desire to reconnect with my childhood,” said Gamboa when asked about the inspiration behind her artworks.
Being an artist could be challenging and one of the challenges for Gamboa is seeking opportunities. “To be an artist you should be proactive in searching for opportunities,” she said. In the Philippines, artists have to work hard to create opportunities such as exhibitions or publications. Despite this, Gamboa sees it as a way to strengthen her ability to take part in the community.
“My passion is children’s illustration and as a means to connect with my inner child, I want to connect with other children through my paintings and illustrations,” she explained her motivation to keep creating. She draws from her childhood experiences to share her passion with others.
When asked about her advice to aspiring artists, here’s Gamboa’s advice “To grow, you need to reflect on your life experiences, don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, meet new people, and travel to new places because doing so will broaden your horizons and help you become a better artist.”
This year’s Iloilo Mega Book Fair created a spotlight for local authors and artists. The Artist Village is a part of the fair that provides an opportunity for fairgoers to experience local literature and art. Through this, artists like Andie Gamboa had the chance to connect with other Ilonggos, Karay-as, and Akeanons who share the same love for art.
This article is part of a series highlighting the artists featured in the Iloilo Mega Book Fair 2023’s “Artist Village” submitted by Chia Camille Guillen from West Visayas State University with assistance from writer Noel Galon de Leon of Kasingkasing Press.
