Footprints of an artist
are meant to be seen, not read. For him, paintings should always be emphasized and that texts should never distract from the artwork.
He was the only one in the family that pursued arts so no one in his family whom he might have emulated or who might have served as his inspiration. He continued drawing just the same. He copied pictures of movie stars from magazine photographs, drawing these on bond paper using softer pencils.
He believed that talent to succeed in the fine arts is not sufficient. There must be self-discipline to have a regular routine of hours to hone the craft. He wanted to be remembered as a Master Colorist who has the impeccable command of colors, tones, and shadings.
With uncompromising generosity, started in 1961 until 1963 while president of the Art Association of the Philippines, he brought the association's annual show to Cebu City, marking the first of such exhibit outside Manila. He did workshops that supplemented art classes in many provincial universities and schools. Some workshops have brought about the formation of art associations in various parts of the country, including depressed urban areas. These undertakings truly brought consciousness and appreciation for art to the grassroots level and brought into the fold talented youngsters who, otherwise, may never even have discovered their potentials.
Joya's accomplishments and contributions to Philippine contemporary art continue to spark a flame for generations to come. The awareness of the masses is seeping through the crevices of the Filipino psyche and society. Long live the Master Colorist, the true servant of the art!
‘Joya’s accomplishments and contributions to Philippine
contemporary art continue to spark a flame for generations
to come. The awareness of the masses is seeping through the crevices of the Filipino
psyche and society.’