TORREVILLAS

in a different light. One will set aside the humdrum inequities of life... to see it in a more positive light.

“Having started her career as a painter late in life, Sony, now 82 years old, may be called the ‘Grandma Moses’ of the Philippines and I am proud to be the one to do her first exhibit in the Philippines.”

One can feel happiness in Sony’s work. Viewers are attracted to the vibrant colors that seemingly glow, that inspire, even at eventide. And Sony confirms that painting makes her happy. “I sing, my heart sings when I paint. It’s my new life, this finding happiness, and finding it as art for healing.’’

She speaks about this art to children and adults, in schools, hos- pitals. Occasionally, people come to her to be inspired to paint, thus taking their minds off problems. At intimate parties, she brings an empty canvas and brushes and acrylic paint and guests dab in and splash a myriad of colors on the canvas, and everyone is happy. And more so Sony, the healer through her arts.

Indeed what is happening may be called the apex to Sony’s journey to fulfilment. She has worn many hats – as restaurateur owning and running the first Filipino-American restaurant in Baltimore, a pioneer in institutionalizing Filipino food, author of the book “Signature Dishes of the Philippines,” and a public health nutritionist in Baltimore. Art as healer. This is Sony’s song.