It is said that creativity, once awakened, cannot be contained. And looking at the works of Davao-based artist Tanya Gaisano Lee, one can see how this statement rings true.
The evolution of Lee’s art is certainly as colorful as the path that took her to the scene. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Child Development Education, it seems her background is as far removed from any creative field as one can get. And yet in everything she does, her love of her art never seems that far behind.
“I’ve always been expressing myself through art even as a young child,” shared Tanya, whose school notebooks were always filled with her pen and ink drawings.
Tanya finally decided to pursue her creative dreams full-time after she got married, buoyed by the support of her husband, and confident in her vision and talent as an artist.
In 2014, Tanya entered the local art scene and presented black and white patterns which, while still beautiful in their simplicity, still evoked a sense of promise as to the artistry that is to come.
Four years later, it was Tanya’s breakthrough year. She held her first solo exhibit at the Crucible Gallery in Manila.
Entitled Beyond Nude, the exhibit showcased Tanya’s strong artistic voice – not only in her choice of subject, which many may have considered taboo, but also in her vivid interpretation.
Tanya’s take on erotic art displayed dynamism with its use of vibrant colors and patterns – elements that will become the signature of Tanya’s artistic vision.
“I believe our craft is largely influenced by our own experiences – mine certainly are,” mused Tanya, who added that her frequent travels in the past had also enabled her to be exposed to foreign arts and cultures. The beautiful places and characters she’s seen and met have served as inspiration, though what makes her artwork distinct is her decidedly non-conventional approach to depicting any subject.
“The themes that I use in my art vary – I will focus on people on some works, animals on another. I also present landscapes differently; my abstract is my interpretation of an aerial view of the land or the horizon,” shared Tanya. “But whatever theme I decide to use, I try to imbue it with a unique or intricate element, something that would elevate it from the traditional.”
To say that Tanya has mastered pen art is an understatement; the progression from her earlier works to her more recent pieces shows a deftness of hand that elevates such a simple tool. Tanya has also branched out in terms of her materials.
“I use acrylic paint and ink — ink is for my patterns, and then a technical pen of varying nib widths. For textures, I have my own experimental add-ins such as glass beads and others,” said Tanya.
Tanya’s artistic evolution is also evident in her last exhibit – one that was truly personal to her as she came home to her hometown Davao to showcase her art.
Beyond the Womb, which was Tanya’s first solo exhibit in Davao, told her journey in conceiving her daughter – and the different pieces of the collection evoked all the challenges and triumphs that she went through.
“Authenticity is important to me,” stated Tanya, who recognizes how blessed she is to be able to pursue her passion for creating beautiful works of art. “Because I have this opportunity to share my talents and my creative vision, I want to make sure that I share my genuine self and reflect it in every art piece that I create.”
This 2022, with such a deeply personal approach towards art, Tanya embarks on a new journey as an artist and shares her vision by making her vibrant pieces available via decorative art trays. “I felt inspired to have art trays because I wanted not only to be part of the aesthetic on the walls of some homes but to also have a utilitarian piece that could be available to more people.
Those who would like to punctuate their home decor with Tanya’s artworks can order a two-piece set and select from three size dimensions: small (12in x8in), medium (14in x 9in), and large (15in x 10in).
“This is an exciting new direction for me as I start this home line and bring my art closer to people. The artworks I chose for the decorative trays are my rendition of the Madonna and Child, vivid rooster, and the colorful peacock.”
“I also plan to create more and expand available designs for the line in the coming months,” she added.
To know more about Tanya and her creative work, or to purchase her art trays, visit her Instagram page at www.instagram.com/tanyagaisanolee_art.