November 17, 2024

Summary

In this inspiring vlog, the members of Group 5 interview Miss Selina Magino Paredes, a talented local artist whose work captures the essence of community and culture. Miss Selina shares her journey from being influenced by her creative family to pursuing painting as a profession. She discusses the skills, challenges, and rewards of her craft, as well as the impact she hopes her art will have on society. The conversation also touches on the future of art, advice for emerging artists, and the importance of passion and perseverance in a creative career. Overall, the interview highlights the transformative power of art and its role in shaping culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Miss Selina Magino Paredes comes from a family of creatives, with her father being an artist and a professor in fine arts at USC.
• 😀 Her passion for painting grew during college, particularly after seeing painting students create art outside the school lobby.
• 😀 Key skills for Miss Selina's work include understanding the fundamentals of design, such as balance, rhythm, and repetition, as well as mastering various mediums like oil, acrylic, and graphite.
• 😀 One of the biggest challenges in her work is experiencing art block, which can be overcome by taking breaks and returning with a fresh perspective.
• 😀 Meeting client expectations for commissions can also be a challenge, but Miss Selina enjoys the process of overcoming these hurdles.
• 😀 Art plays a powerful role in shaping society and culture. Miss Selina aims to show that painting is a unique art form, distinct from photography and digital media.
• 😀 Miss Selina’s art reflects her personal journey as a female artist, particularly through the incorporation of female figures and exploration of feminine energy.
• 😀 Her projects that hold special meaning include illustrating *Postcards from Elsewhere* and creating portrait commissions, such as one for a wedding featuring political figures.
• 😀 The future of art is bright, with the art scene in Cebu growing. Miss Selina is optimistic about the opportunities for young, emerging artists.
• 😀 Aspiring artists should be passionate about their craft, study art thoroughly, and develop their unique style to stand out in a competitive field.
• 😀 Miss Selina encourages aspiring artists to have multiple sources of income, as the art world can be challenging and competitive. She also recommends side jobs related to their artistic skills.

Q & A

What inspired Miss Selena to pursue a career in painting?

Miss Selena was influenced by her creative family, particularly her father, an artist and professor at the University of St. Carlos. During her college years, she initially tried cinema but was drawn to the painting students' outdoor work, which resonated with her. She ultimately chose to pursue painting and graduated with a degree in the subject.

What are some essential skills needed for Miss Selena's work as an artist?

Miss Selena emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamentals of art, including principles like emphasis, balance, rhythm, and repetition. She also highlights the need to master various mediums, such as oil, acrylic, and graphite, and how these techniques are crucial in the creative process.

What challenges does Miss Selena face in her work, and how does she overcome them?

One of the main challenges Miss Selena faces is experiencing artist's block. She also struggles with meeting client expectations in design or painting commissions. To overcome these challenges, she takes breaks, revisits her work with fresh eyes, and keeps practicing to improve.

How does Miss Selena feel about the impact of her art on others and society?

Miss Selena believes that art has a significant impact on society, as it can convey various messages, whether political, subconscious, or surreal. She views her own work as a way to express realism with bold brushwork and aims to show that painting is a fun and meaningful form of expression.

How does Miss Selena's personal journey and identity reflect in her art?

Miss Selena acknowledges that her identity as a female artist is reflected in her recent works, which incorporate female figures to explore feminine energy. Although she also draws male figures, her connection to the feminine side has become a key part of her artistic expression.

Can you describe a special project or artwork that holds deep meaning for Miss Selena?

One special project for Miss Selena was illustrating for *Postcards from Elsewhere*, a travel anthology book. Additionally, creating portraits for clients she admires, such as politicians, has been particularly meaningful, especially when the work reflects her personal style.

What is Miss Selena's outlook on the future of art, particularly for emerging artists?

Miss Selena is optimistic about the future of art, especially in Cebu, where the art scene is rapidly growing. She believes that art will continue to thrive, as it has for centuries, and that young artists should embrace their individuality and unique styles.

Does Miss Selena plan to only focus on painting, or will she explore other forms of art?

While Miss Selena is primarily focused on painting, she also practices digital art and graphite sketches. She enjoys working with different mediums but considers herself primarily a painter, particularly with acrylics, which she finds more accessible and beginner-friendly than oils.

What advice does Miss Selena give to aspiring artists considering a career in the arts?

Miss Selena advises aspiring artists to fully immerse themselves in learning about art, including its history, theory, and techniques. She stresses the importance of loving the craft, as a career in art requires passion and dedication. Additionally, she encourages artists to know their worth and price their work accordingly.

Does Miss Selena think it's possible for emerging artists to make a living from their art alone?

Miss Selena acknowledges the competitive nature of the art field and suggests that while it can be challenging for new artists to make a living solely from their art, it is still possible. She encourages artists to diversify their income, whether through side jobs or commissions, to support their career.