by Florence Pia G. Yu
Published: Sun Star Weekend
January 7, 2001
Cebu City, Philippines
"I'm a solitary insect, but I appreciate a lot of connectedness," Paulina admits.
She is a widely traveled artist, picking bits and pieces of life, wherever the road takes her. She believes this is what makes an artist an artist. "Life is what influences the artist. I think the artist should be all absorbing about whatever happens in her life," she explains.
She had just started doing solo painting exhibitions six years ago, but since then, this Cebuana's art has gone a long way. Paulina has taken her art--and a bit of Cebu--to Manila, Vermont, New York, Mexico and recently, Holland. In the places where she had showcased her art, the public reception has been warm. "I feel that I'm supported. I guess I'm saying something in a manner that people understand," she says, smiling.
Ironically though, although an artist on the go, she finds herself in solitude--something which she finds beautiful. "There's a big difference between solitude and loneliness. Solitude can be a beautiful thing and I have experienced it. It's like looking at loneliness straight in the eye and still be happy."
How do you work?
I don't want people to watch me while I'm working, I need my solitude. I need my space.
What is solitude to an artist?
Silence is important. It helps you gather your thoughts and bring out your creativity.
Other brushes with solitude?
In 1997-- I was in Vermont. It was like the solitude of winter. The travel guide would say, 'On your right, you'll see the river..' And you'd see this blanket of white and you'd go, like, 'Where's the river?' (laughs)
Do people misunderstand this need to be alone at times?
Yes. Some people would think you?re idle, but then your mind is here, there and everywhere. And I'm really thinking many things.
What makes an artist effective?
I guess the bottomline is, are you getting your message across? Are you able to fully express what you want to say in a visual medium? If I'm able to do that in the current medium, then I have been effective.
How is it to be an artist abroad?
You can feel that your art is being appreciated. Which is not to say that people here don't know how to appreciate art. It's not for us to say who knows how to judge art and who doesn't.
How do fellow artists treat you there??
It's good because the relationship is not competitive. It''s like artists helping each other. If I know a trick or two, maybe I can show you--that's the mentality.
What has that experience done for you?
I have been prolific and I really gained faith in myself because I felt accepted in a community of artists. It's so important that you know you have a talent.
What do local artists have to do to excel abroad?
It's always on a case to case basis. Opportunities don't just fall on your lap. You have to keep your eyes, ears and nose open for opportunities.
Did you ever compromise your style to please a foreign audience?
You need to know what naturally appeals to the population, I guess. But you don't have to change your style. I'm only doing my thing--I don't want to go against my grain.
What are your plans?
I'm so compelled to publish my work so I can reach out to a lot of people. I mean, what good is a painting when you work so hard on it then you give it your sweat and your blood--kay matusok man gyud ka sa dagom ; mao na ilang gi-ingon gi-tuan gyud ug dugo ug singot ba--unya pila ray maka-appreciate (because you will really prick your finger on the needle, literally put your blood and sweat to it--and only a few people get to appreciate it). Adto ra tingali sa bodega, uk-okon (It will only gather moth in the storeroom). Whereas if it's in print, daghan gyung maka-appreciate.