I moved to the Bay Area from the Philippines when I was 15, and that transition wasn’t just about geography—it shaped the artist I’ve become. The cultural shift, with its blend of familiarity and newness, deeply influenced my creative path. Now, living in Las Vegas, I find inspiration in the vibrant, neon-lit cityscape that pulses with energy. My artistic journey has been about finding my unique voice, mixing street art, abstract expressionism, and the rich cultural experiences I’ve accumulated along the way.
Las Vegas has provided the perfect backdrop for my creativity to thrive. The city’s dynamic environment constantly pushes me to explore new ideas and themes in my art, making it a place where I can experiment and grow.
A Day in the Life of an Artist
My days are a mix of quiet reflection and intense creativity. I usually start the day with some personal time to collect my thoughts and get into the right headspace. That moment of stillness is essential before I dive into hours of studio work. Once I’m in the studio, I experiment with colors, textures, and forms, letting ideas flow freely while also working with intention. It’s a process of layering—both physically, as I build up the surface of the canvas, and mentally, as I explore new concepts and ways to express them.
Las Vegas itself plays a big role in inspiring my work. I often go for walks around the city, absorbing its ever-changing energy. The flashing lights, the colors, the movement—all of it feeds into my art. The city's contrasts, from chaotic energy to moments of quiet stillness, are reflected in the themes I explore on canvas.
Themes and Inspiration: Chaos, Harmony, and Transformation
My art focuses on fluidity, transformation, and cultural fusion. These are themes that have become central to my creative process, influenced by my experiences of migration and adaptation. I use swirling patterns and bold colors to capture the tension between chaos and harmony, two forces that constantly interact in both life and art.
The fluid, abstract shapes I create are often inspired by the feeling of movement and change. Whether it’s the shift from one culture to another or the ebb and flow of daily life, I aim to express that sense of constant evolution. Each piece is a reflection of the journey, of the beauty that comes from mixing the old and the new, the familiar and the unknown.
How Art Shapes My Life
Art is so much more than a career or a hobby—it’s a lens through which I see the world. It affects every aspect of my life. I find myself noticing details others might overlook: the way light hits a surface, the colors of a sunset, or the rhythm of a city street. These moments become inspiration, not just for my art, but for how I navigate life.
The discipline required to create has also shaped me personally. Making art requires patience and resilience. You have to keep working, even when it feels like you’re stuck. That persistence has translated into how I approach challenges in life, helping me stay grounded and focused.
Challenges and Resilience
The move to the U.S. was a major challenge for me. It brought feelings of displacement, and art became my way of processing that. I turned those feelings into creative fuel, channeling them into something tangible. In a way, art became a bridge between the two worlds I was navigating.
Like many artists, I’ve faced rejection and financial instability. Early in my career, rejection felt personal, but over time I learned to see it differently. It’s part of the process. You can’t let it stop you. If anything, those setbacks have pushed me to grow, to experiment more, and to stay true to my vision.
The Highs and Lows of the Art World
One of my best experiences as an artist came when I saw people connect with my work. Watching someone resonate with a piece you’ve poured your heart into is incredibly rewarding. It’s those moments of shared understanding that remind me why I do what I do.
On the flip side, the hardest part has been dealing with rejection. Early on, there were plenty of “no’s,” and at times it was hard not to take them personally. But I’ve learned that rejection is part of the journey. It’s an opportunity to refine your work, to push your boundaries, and to keep going.
Advice to Fellow Artists
If I could offer one piece of advice to fellow artists, it would be to stay true to your vision. There’s so much noise in the world—trends, opinions, expectations—but at the end of the day, your authenticity is your most valuable asset. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of the process, and it’s often where you learn the most. Keep creating, even when it feels hard, and trust that the work will pay off.
Is the Artist's Life Lonely?
It can be. The creative process often requires long hours of solitude, which can feel isolating at times. But I believe that’s where some of the best work comes from. In those quiet moments, you’re free to explore your thoughts and push the limits of your creativity. That said, it’s important to stay connected with a community of fellow artists. Having a support system and sharing ideas with others who understand the journey can make all the difference.
What’s Next?
Right now, I’m working on a piece inspired by the Lunar New Year—specifically, the Year of the Snake. It’s an exciting project that taps into cultural traditions while allowing me to put my own spin on it. The work focuses on themes of transformation and renewal, which feel especially relevant to this time in my life.
Art has always been about exploration for me—exploring my surroundings, my experiences, and myself. As I continue on this journey, I know that there’s always more to learn, more to create, and more to share.
Instagram: @datzmyart_
Website: https://www.datzmyart.com/