Davao-based artist turns decorative trays into pieces of art (Sabong News)
Author
John Legaspi
Date
MARCH 22 2022
During the pandemic, as people were pushed to stay indoors, many Filipinos have created wonderworlds inside their homes through art. From adding a myriad of house plants to incorporating mid-century decor, homes are where fantasy become reality as people made living in isolation a charming and beautiful experience. If you’re looking to add more artistic touch to your place, this Davao-based mom and artist has the right pieces that merge aesthetics with function.
Tanya Gaisano-Lee embarks on a new journey as an artist and shares her vision by making her vibrant pieces available via decorative art trays. “I felt inspired to have art trays because I wanted not only to be part of the aesthetic on the walls of some homes but to also have a utilitarian piece that could be available to more people,” she says.
Her decorative trays come in a two-piece set where people can select from three size dimensions: small (12in x8in), medium (14in x 9in), and large (15in x 10in). The line presents her take on the Madonna and Child, vivid rooster, and the colorful peacock.
“The inspiration behind Madonna and Child was a struggle for me to elicit this tender type of emotion despite the bold colors and textures. Living in a catholic country and coming from a Catholic school, it seemed inevitable that I would pursue a religious/faith-based project at one point,” the artist muses. “While the rooster is one of my favorite subjects to paint. It’s ingrained in our culture and traditions. I love expressing myself through the colors of its feathers and the texture of the red crown. Making the peacock was a challenge for me because I had to use every single color I had in one painting. It is a burst of vibrancy that had deeper meanings as well, a symbol of respect and honor, values that we would like to invite into our home”
“I also plan to create more and expand available designs for the line in the coming months,” she adds.
This is not the first time Tanya showcased her artistic prowess. In 2014, Tanya entered the local art scene and presented black and white patterns that, while still beautiful in their simplicity, still evoked a sense of promise as to the artistry that is to come. Four years later, it was Tanya’s breakthrough year. She held her first solo exhibit at the Crucible Gallery in Manila. Entitled “Beyond Nude,” the exhibit showcased Tanya’s strong artistic voice—not only in her choice of subject, which many may have considered taboo but also in her vivid interpretation. Following that is her first solo exhibit in Davao titled “Beyond the Womb,” which presented her journey in conceiving her daughter through different pieces evoking all the challenges and triumphs that she went through.
“Authenticity is important to me,” stated Tanya, who recognizes how blessed she is to be able to pursue her passion for creating beautiful works of art. “Because I have this opportunity to share my talents and my creative vision, I want to make sure that I share my genuine self and reflect it in every art piece that I create.”
