Jose Evangelista, also known as Jes, has gone a long way from being a Civil Engineering student to the respected artist he is today. No matter the circumstances one face in life, still, the best will eventually come, in God’s own time, in God’s own way.

Jes have always wanted to study in UP but things doesn’t seem to work the way he planned it to be. He started off college taking up the engineering course, but, due to events such as meeting calculus (as Jes has put it) and frequent suspension of classes due to rallys during his time, he ended up spending his time working in a donut shop. Where, fortunately, he was able to meet an Art professor that seem to take interest in his artworks and encouraged him to pursue the profession. Thus came the opportunity for Jes to take up Fine Arts in the University of the Philippines. A long awaited dream that suddenly came to reality. And things have stirred up for Jes since then.

With more than 42 group exhibits and 9 solo exhibits held throughout the years, Jes is continually growing in his craft.

Teaching kids in art workshops is one of his passion… or is it just an accident as Jes would say? But, in my opinion, it is an opportunity for him to be an encouragement to the children, a mentor, and to be able to share his skill to others. Jes would even say, the kids now are fortunate to be able to have these workshops available that would greatly help to enhance their skills, something which is not widely available during his time.

His advice to his students.. “Hwag kayong matakot o ma discourage sa painting.” Jes even added, “It came to a point in my life that I was discouraged in art as well, and been having doubts in pushing thru the career on going full time. But now I enjoy painting, and because of art, I was given a chance to travel and share my artwork to the world”

DAIGDIG PINOY (DP): Technically speaking, how will you describe your artwork? 

Jes Evangelista: My work takes a long process, from gathering materials to researching past artist’ styles. I get inspiration from these artists and try to infuse my own style with mix paints combined with some available materials that I can find.

DP:  Do you have a signature element in your artwork?

Jes: As of now, you will recognize in my works some colourful paints, embossed pigments or added similar objects from my artwork, repeated strokes and compositions.

DP: How many years have you been focusing on your art and how did you evolved over the years?

Jes: I just started off drawing the famous cartoon series Voltes V in my elementary years, then eventually doing projects in high school. But it was only when I was accepted in the University of the Philippines that I was able to widen my skill in art.

DP: Who are the local and/or international artists that served as an inspiration to you as an artist that made a great impact or influence in your art?

Jes: International artists such as Victor Vasarely, Piet Mondrian, Mark Rothko, and Vincent Van Gogh. From local artists, it is in the form of Benjie Cabangis, Nestor Vinluan, Napoleon Abueva, Pacita Abad , and Jose Joya where I get my ideas and inspiration. I believe without these artists, I won’t be here.

DP:  Lastly, at this point in time, as an artist, have you found your identity or still in the brink of discovering oneself?

Jes: I don’t think I have found my identity. We as an artist never stop seeking more about art, and will continue to do our best for our Creator.

Jes’ words of encouragement to upcoming young artists, “Develop mo kung ano ang gusto mong maging, kung sa art, yung technique… kung sa music… training… alamin mo lang kung ano ang gusto mo at dun ka mag concentrate. Wag ka ma discourage because art will take time. Ako nahuli ako, nauna na mga batch mates ko, pero I am happy. Yung iba hindi rin tumuloy, nag divert din sila.. pero ako, sa haba man ng inikot.. eh natuloy padin sa landas na gusto ko.” He also added, “Through thick and thin I pursue this dream, struggled financially, doing part time work and strived hard to be able to collect all the materials needed in my art classes and at the same time, developing with my personal relationship with Christ Jesus. I don’t think I deserved to be blessed so much, but God’s love still granted the desires of my heart, and I am grateful.”

♣ CONTACT THIS ARTIST

ART EXHIBITS

COLLECTIVE FUSSION , June 28 - July 9, 2010
The Art Gallery, The Philippine Center
556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 11036 USA

C MY K ,  February 3 - 28, 2010, at Chef Jessie in Rockwell Club, Philippines