From pretty leading lady onscreen to a remarkable creative force in the art world, painter Love Marie Ongpauco-Escudero (or Heart Evangelista to her millions of TV and movie fans) explores another facet of herself as an artist in painting exquisite luxury bags.
These mesmerizing creations will be part of her upcoming exhibit, Carry Your HeART, which will be held at the Volkswagen Showroom in Bonifacio Global City on Sept. 3 and will be on display until Sept. 9.
In 2014, Love Marie surprised her adoring fans and the public when she held her first painting exhibit at ArtistSpace, Ayala Museum. Preferring oil as her medium, she shared her exquisite eye for detail and soulful touch through broad strokes and swathes of vibrant colors. Her paintings had the same musings of renowned artist Gustav Klimt, who used fascinating symbolism, gold leaf details, and a romantic palette. Unsurprisingly, Love Marie’s paintings sold out within one hour.
Love Marie continues sharing her gifts through other exhibits, and even became the first Filipina to hold an exhibit at Chan Hampe Galleries in Raffles Hotel, Singapore. Today, Love Marie challenges herself through the use of a new canvas – luxury bags.
“I’m very excited because these works really tested my sanity and pushed my limits,” she laughs. “Each entailed a painstaking process of overcoming fear. Since these are smaller canvases, owned by clients, and are incredibly valuable as is, there was a lot of pressure on me not to make any mistake,” she says. “In fact, I would even dream about them, because they occupied my mind the entire day.”
But the sleepless nights paid off, as each work has become a beautiful image of whimsy, alive with color and symbolism. “Each represents me as an artist. Each is truly a unique work of art,” she shares.
For this collection, she returns to the familiar symbols she adores most, like flowers, fish, birds and womanly figures. But undeniably, her technique has become more refined. There is thoughtful precision behind every stroke, and meaningful intention behind every detail and definition.
“Since you’re limited to a smaller canvas, you should have a steady hand and be more conscious about the strokes,” she says, adding that to her, painting on luxury bags is a great departure from the wide canvases that she’s used to working on in the past. “You have to know exactly what to do, because there’s no margin for error.”
Unlike other works where unbridled inspiration and emotion guide her hands, she has taken a different approach, planning the perfect and meticulous execution of each. “With this, I’ve become more of a perfectionist. I really paid attention to every detail, and I really indulged. I’d wait to get into the mood and took my time with each painting.”
Though she still plays with familiar shapes and figures, she admits that there is a different feel to her paintings now. “I guess it’s because when I had started painting bags, I had entered a new chapter in my life. Since the past exhibits, I’ve gotten married and have become a stronger woman. I’m more independent and have gained more confidence, and it shows on the bags.” Compared to previous works, which exuded a more sombre feel and seriousness, her collection today is playful and more whimsical, reflecting her newfound freedom and confidence. In addition, her works bear her more defined creative signature.
Through her work, Love Marie adds another dimension of luxury, exclusivity and uniqueness to each handbag. “I’m thankful to my clients for entrusting me with such an incredible piece. In return, I promised them something different, truly unique, and something they can proudly claim as being the only one.”
Carry Your HeART is presented by StarWorld, with special thanks to Volkswagen BGC, Ilustrado, Moet & Chandon, Hennessy VSOP, Glenmorangie, and Terrazas.
For more information, visit
www.lovemarieescudero.com