How ‘art-ful’ Paulina SPRINGS Hope
THIS pandemic has put us in a time capsule, where time froze for us for more than a year now. The general fear is the unknown length and gravity of the situation. It made me want to think of ways to squeeze out a path of hope, especially for kids and families. I want to challenge families that although we are amid a pandemic, we should not stop to dream, hope and find happiness.
I first encountered Paulina Luz Sotto’s work through an online auction. I was drawn to the simple yet whimsical strokes. I honestly did not know who she was. I later found out from my husband how young she is, and that she is the granddaughter of National Artist Arturo Luz. I thought her story would be a good way to inspire kids and guide parents at this time in choosing their passions. I also thought it would be a good way for Paulina to share her thoughts on how art can alleviate anxiety today.
Paulina actually had no intention of pursuing art as a career. Growing up with her grandfather, National Artist Arturo Luz, she was never influenced in any way to follow in his footsteps. She was into drawing and painting, as a lot of young people were, but went with the more practical choice of taking a communications degree at the Ateneo de Manila University, where she graduated Cum Laude. When she was taking a break from work, she started pursuing different hobbies, and painting was one of them. She would share her paintings on social media, and eventually got inquiries. She had 11 abstract paintings at the time. She sold them all and people kept wanting to buy, and the rest is history.
I love how Paulina says, “It’s important to note that I never had anyone in my life tell me what to be, or what to pursue. My parents have always supported me no matter what. Had I chosen to take up Fine Arts in college, they would have supported it. They never tried to sway me in a specific direction. As long as I was happy, they were happy. Even my grandfather, who I was very close to growing up, never tried to influence me in any way when it came to the arts. I’m very thankful my family has always shown me nothing but support. Without that support, I don’t think I would have found this path. They gave me the space and freedom to figure things out on my own, and it has led me to everything I wanted and more. I now have a supportive husband and a beautiful daughter, but with the added bonus of a career that I love.” I think it gives us parents a perspective on wanting our kids to find their craft, their passion, as well as respecting their path on getting there.
When asked about the inspirations for her pieces, she says, “I create what I find beautiful. Sometimes the ideas come out of nowhere; sometimes I’ll look at something completely unrelated to art and it will spark an idea. I also try to keep things simple when it comes to my art, which sounds easier than it is. Restraint is its own discipline.”
Her advice for kids and parents today: “Creative freedom is so important, not just for kids but for everyone. Unlike Math and Science where everything is black and white, there is no concept of right and wrong when it comes to art. I would tell kids today that art isn’t just about painting or drawing—it can literally be anything you want it to be. Art can be appreciated by everyone, but understood by no one else except the artist, and that’s OK. Art can be messy, it can be neat. It can be simple or complicated, something big or something small. Whatever or however you choose to create art, do it because there’s nothing to lose.”
During this pandemic, Paulina recommends art as a hobby because it provides emotional release and is a form of selfexpression which can be safely done indoors. With everyone feeling a wide range of emotions like sadness, anger, frustration and happiness, she says art can serve as a safe way to make those emotions tangible.
Paulina admits that even she has a hard time staying positive these days. She also has lots of worries. However, she tries her best to focus on the present, her family, and her household. She prays a lot and spends a lot of time with her daughter, who is almost seven months old now. She says, “Sachi knows nothing of what’s going on in the world, and I try to let myself feel that innocence. Her eyes are so bright and she looks at the word with such fascination. She sees nothing bad. I try to see things from her perspective because sometimes it can really feel like too much.”
In the current business environment, we keep on hearing about essentials as the focus of consumers. I hope the concept of “essentiality” can also extend to include the happiness and positivity of our families, as well as ourselves. Because what can be more essential than our total well-being?