Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera Deliciosa (A Refuge in our Inner Paradise)

30" x 40"

acrylic, phosphorescent paint (strontium aluminate, europium, dysprosium), 

reflective powder, iridescent paint, interference paint on canvas

2022, Colorado USA

A new painting, it's alive yay!

A live breathing devilish monster (because it has one eye and occult-ish, beware! LOL)

Building up textures and forms, 

I usually don't know what final form to expect nor what theme to paint.

Kidding aside, my painting is really about being in the moment; drawing calmness and power through our inner sanctuary.

I do love my day job, but it can be very stressful sometimes. Colleagues often tell me I have a cool (meaning calm) exterior, little do they know that at work–I'm always dying in nervousness inside. I'm not Marvel's Hulk, but I try to be calm by believing things will turn out to be awesome.

Monstera Deliciosa painting in progress timelapse

This is my first painting using the airbrush technique. It's another level of hand skill to master, I had to use both of my hands to stabilize the spray. Not really expecting to be an expert, but it will do for some of the elements of my painting for now.

art studio, work room, bedroom all-in-one!

I also decided to include the painting as an animated digital version (gif form) for my workplace's virtual arts and culture exhibit featuring the equity, diversity, and inclusion collective efforts of the department entitled, "All Are Welcome Here" coming up in December.

Monstera in situ, trying to capture all the shimmering lighting effects

Monstera at the Philippine exhibit, alongside monster illustrator Aldy Aguirre's watercolor artwork. Photo taken by one of my good friends who also creates deliciosa works, Liza Flores

The physical Monstera Deliciosa painting is part of CANVAS' 2022 Art for Development Show, "Kasalakuyan"

November 18-25, 2022 at the UP College of Fine Arts Galleries, Quezon City, Philippines