My Other Side as a Visual Artist

I believe that dreams don't have an expiration date.Becoming a painter was one of my dreams before when I was in gradeschool (the other one was becoming a Writer which I pursued first). Drawing and doodling was just a hobby at a tender age using a ballpen and then shifted to crayons and oil pastels. There is something very liberating when I get to sketch or paint. Like a muse in a trance expressing this raging storm inside me letting the paint create a masterpiece on paper or canvas.I can create worlds that can only exist in dreams. Surreal pieces transcending time and space. A piece of art has its own life as the artist pours out her heart and soul into it.The rendering process is more than a mere display of varied brushstrokes and splashes of paint all over a canvas. It's more exciting than the Big Bang Theory.Truly a gift from the Divine as He is the Master of Creation. I just started selling my paintings last year, November 2021 after joining ARTipolo Group, a group of local artists in the Philippines.My first buyer was actually a cousin living in Camarines Sur, Philippines. The first painting I sold was my abstract painting, "Reverse Genesis" which is a depiction of the ill effects of global warming and climate change.It was in mixed media created using old magazine clippings, watercolor, and acrylic.Even the hand of Angelina Jolie was featured there! I had other buyers who were friends and people I knew personally from different provinces. It is a great feeling learning that other people do love my artworks and I can even earn money from a once hobby.My art brand Art Heals by Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo was hence born for I believe that art can heal us emotionally, mentally, psychologically, spiritually,and physically. I became an advocate of the use of The Creative Arts as a tool in the therapy of neurophatic pain management. Art is an escape from the harsh realities of life. When the world seems to drain you and you feel burnt out from your daily routine.Rekindling my love for the Arts during the pandemic helped me to cope up with stress.Being highly creative is really indispensable for you will not feel bored and idle. Fast forward to 2022,I received a Rising Star Award from Talentila Foundation based in India for their International Virtual Art Contest in celebration of International Women's Day 2022.My painting entry "Tres Mujeres" in mixed media 19 x 29 inches on illustration board made it to the Finalists then was given a Rising Star Award. Before winning this award,I became a Participating Artist in a local all-women group art exhibit "Mujeres del Artes 4" by ARTipolo Group last March 6 held at LeBlanc Hotel and Resort in Antipolo City.My abstract painting "Orion" is now on exhibit at the hotel's Reception Area until April 9, 2022.I was also a Selected Artist in Luna Galleria Philippines' TransMISSION International Virtual Art Exhibition with my painting entry "Mystic Forest." Two of my other paintings are also parts of an Online Art Exhibit organized by Art Show Philippines.Luan National Museum based in Mexico City, Mexico also featured two of my paintings for their "Show Your Fire" International Exhibition. I look forward to creating more paintings and artworks and joining other local and international art exhibitions to share my gift of art to the world.