Finding a Place in Ar

The value of art in life, through the eyes of five Filipino artists of different persuasions and backgrounds

- Eliza Romualdez-Valtos

After more than two years of pandemic restrictions, we are seeing the world emerge again. Art has returned triumphant, with theatres and galleries sharing the creative nature of Filipino artists. It is thus most timely to celebrate five Filipino artists from across the globe, carving out their place in the country.

NAZER "RAMZKY" DAL

Toy Sculptor

Ramzky has always been interested in art, so when he got a chance to take a vocational course in charcoal portrait at the Eugelio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, he took it. At first, he wanted to take up oil painting but the only art course being offered then was charcoal drawing. He took it. He made a living from it for a while but then his passion for toy figures drew him to another path.

Ramzky started making a name for himself in the Toy Figure world when he saw a demand for characters that were not available in the market. He started making 5-8-inch toy figures for himself, but soon he was getting requests for commissioned works from other enthusiasts. When asked how he learnt which materials to use and techniques to apply, Ramzky admits, "I learnt through YouTube." As former University of the Philippines Fine Arts Dean Nestor Vinluan pointed out, "Even if you are not classically trained, it's OK. One will learn what one misses from a teacher in school or a peer during the artistic journey." Words that speak true for Ramzky. At present, Ramzky has been making 3D renditions of children's drawings.

PAT VALERA

Theatre Director