Carmela Laurin-Geisert began exploring art during frequent long-haul flights.
As the President of Asia Grand View Hotel in Coron, Palawan, part of her job is to travel often for more than two decades. Idleness and boredom during long-haul flights led her to explore art using pastel crayons and charcoal.
While exploring the character of paint on canvas, she became interested in the beauty and simplicity of fluid art which she combined with her inspiration from travels, photography, makeup, and fashion. Geisert is now fascinated and inspired by abstract expressionism and is eager to explore this as a new direction in her life.
Geisert holds her first solo art exhibit, dubbed “By Chance” at the German Club Manila, Makati City from April 10 to May 8. It is curated by Jes Evangelista.
Her style produces a natural eloquence from contrasting colors that are melded together, showing off a distinct character from one pigment to another. Her style is not limited to using vibrant paints that produce unique aqueous character. Apart from fluid art technique with the use of acrylic paint on canvas, she has also explored art-making through mixed media on canvas, employing a bit of “cubist” style which can be seen in most of her 2017 artworks.
Some pieces from her recent collection this year, such as Tubattaha Reef, Tulip Farm, Tokyo Bay Cruise, Sydney Hot Spring Night, and Houseboat in Amsterdam, encompass the beauty of sights and new places. In her travel-inspired artworks, she delves on what these destinations are known for, accompanied by unique feelings of the experience.
But on top of these mesmerizing artworks is her masterpiece: a diptych Two Tigers inspired by the majestic animal’s colors which depict bravery and strength. Though her pieces render a feeling of calmness brought by the gentle play and nudges of colors that introduce a whimsical effect, she talks about the amount of hard work and what it takes to be an artist; living up to one’s greatest potential and overcoming obstacles.
A tête-à-tête with Geisert confirms that her way of expression in art somehow complements her wonderful personality—modest yet enlivening, energetic yet humble.
Check out her awe-inspiring collection at German Club Manila in Makati City today until May 8.
Image by Mae Gianina C. Pascual