The Bloom Arts Festival is a perfect combination of rush, bliss and delight, rooted in the most powerful form of connection – art.

They say Filipinos were born martyrs and fighters but it is certain that creativity and aesthetics equally run through their veins. People like Isobel Francisco can attest to that statement. We had a chat with “Iso” about the festival, which showcases her work during this unique art experience.

“Bloom Arts Festival was one of the–if not the–first big art events I got to join back in 2012. Instead of being in one gallery or event space, it gave me the opportunity (and challenge, as someone who prefers to stay home and not be among humans) to traverse Cubao X and, for the first time, get a taste of how much art there is in Metro Manila alone,” Iso shared as she recalls her first Bloom experience.

Isobel started her career in 2011 doing digital artworks; until one day technology failed her and her laptop broke down and that’s when she tried her hand at oil painting. It was love at the first paintbrush. Her work is mostly figurative and often described as expressionist.

When asked about what we can expect in this year’s Bloom Arts Festival, Isobel says: “There is an almost equal amount of established and emerging artists. Bloom is a unique platform for all independent artists and that’s what they are really focusing on. There will also be live art to enjoy on the 10th and 11th at Lokal, where they are painting almost all of the walls, starting at 4pm.”

The festival is an avenue for local artists to celebrate their creativity. This event is a great reminder that if you cannot see art in everything, you’re not looking hard enough.

Isobel ends our conversation with a meaningful thought that might inspire other budding creatives: “There is no one way to “be an artist”. The only thing that matters is that you’re creating out of yourself.”

You find more information on the individual events by downloading the Be app who has teamed up with the Bloom Arts Festival this year. Let’s unlock Manila’s wonderful canvas, one artist at a time: http://onelink.to/j3f6vu

Make sure to follow Isobel on her social media:
Website: http://www.stainedpaper.me/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stainedpaper/

—

Isobel Francisco is a Filipina visual artist. She graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a major in Humanities (Literature and Fine Arts) and a minor in Japanese Studies. With oil and graphite as her primary weapons of choice, she is also well versed in ink, charcoal, and digital tools.

Her liquid flexibility with art styles often takes the shape of the theme and occasion. However, one can also recognize her preference with vivid shades of red, blue, and purple, as well as the piercing expressions of her subjects: strong, stubborn, and struggling.

Save

Save