Artist Statement
“This painting is a tribute to my Filipino heritage, drawing inspiration from Amihan—the northeast wind—and Diwa—the soul or spirit. These deeply rooted Filipino concepts symbolize freedom, inner strength, and the connection between nature and the self.
The gentle breeze of Amihan moves through the figure, representing the unseen forces that guide us forward. The ocean reflects Diwa, vast and calm, mirroring the depth of our thoughts and emotions. Together, they create harmony between movement and stillness, capturing the balance between the outer world and the inner self.
Through this work, I celebrate the resilience and quiet strength woven into Filipino identity and culture. It is an invitation to reflect on how nature shapes who we are and how, like the wind and sea, we can be both powerful and free.”