Interview: Reymundo Dela Cruz

“Step Into the Eclectic and Immortal Masterpieces of Reymundo Dela Cruz” By Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton.

One contemporary artist who is currently making waves in the Philippine art scene is Reymundo Dela Cruz. A self-taught artist, his passion and devotion for the arts paved the way for him to give birth to an extra-ordinary and exceptional art style, “Sculptured Acrylic Painting.”

Dela Cruz is both a Visual Artist and an Entrepreneur and is also the Founder and President of Balintataw, Samahan ng mga Pintor sa Pilipinas. According to him, “I created this art group to establish a foundation for “Street Children” and to alleviate in my humble way the plight of my fellow Artists. This advocacy led to our successful exhibit that showcased different kinds of mediums and the recipient of our noble cause is the Kuya Center for Street Children located in QC.”

Reymund began his art journey and discovered his inner artist 30 years ago while he was working as a salesclerk and was asked by his manager to arrange women’s accessories on a glass case. He obliged and artistically arranged the items which impressed the owner. From then on, he was assigned to work with the Visual Designer and then realized he has this artistic gift and talent.

Art enthusiasts would love Dela Cruz’ unique signature art style called “Sculptured Acrylic Painting” wherein he uses cement to create texture on his acrylic painting on canvas. What makes his medium stand out is that you can actually “feel” the artist’s emotions while creating the masterpiece because of the thick texture. It’s like the painting has a life of its own!

When asked what is the importance of art in our society, our talented Pinoy Visual Artist answered: “Art represents the awakening of people’s minds. When an Artist starts visualizing his subject and using his emotions and is inspired by culture, religion, and politics it becomes a powerful medium. It serves as a reminder to all of us that Art is our storyteller and recorder of humanity.”

“An Artwork that emanates from the Heart and Soul will Produce an Immortal Masterpiece” Reymundo Dela Cruz.

Reymundo Dela Cruz

Learn more about him in our short interview below:

When did your art journey start?

Answer: My passion for Art and Visual Arts started 30 years ago when I discovered my skills while working as a salesclerk. I discovered it accidentally when my manager instructed me to display pieces of women’s accessories on a glass case counter and shelves. I listened to my instinct and the way I wanted it to be artistically pleasing in the eyes of our customers. It was our store opening and that evening I was informed by my manager that the owner was pleased to see those accessories displayed artistically. From then on, I was assigned to that section and was given the task to help and assist their visual designers from time to time. This is the period where I discovered that I have a gift as an artist.

Are you already into the arts at a young age?

Answer: No, I discovered my skills at the age of 22 yrs old but I did not pursue it. After all, I was preoccupied looking for a job because I got married early at the age 0f 20 yrs old and had one daughter to feed. So, the artist side of me have to wait for 25 yrs before realizing that I’m destined to be an Artist.

I was a security officer when I decided to pursue my college degree. I applied for the scholarship in La Salle College of St. Benilde and fortunately, I passed the battery of exams and became a scholar at this prestigious school. This is when my creativity started, the Artist in me was resurrected. It was during this period that I started creating designs on certain objects like pots and planters. I painted several colors and nature-inspired drawings on it. It was also during this period that I was promoted to Asst. Operations Manager and subsequently I resigned to be able to concentrate as an Artist and establish my pots and planters' concrete business. At present, I’m the owner and designer of Ideas Koncepts Cement Pots Manufacturing.

Tell us about your art style and how it is different from the other modern genres.

Answer: The style or medium that I’m using is Sculptured Acrylic Painting, it’s made of cement attached to a canvas, and I’m using a certain technique that my medium will last just like acrylic and oil. The difference in my medium is the complexity and the details. There are several processes to consider before this kind of painting is complete. Another thing that made this medium unique is the rich texture, and every time you touch it you will feel the inner thoughts and inspiration I have at that moment while creating my “Obra”. As an Artist, all my creations emanate from my heart and soul and there is deeper meaning and purpose every time I’m in my creation mode.

Do you have any art influences you look up to? How do they inspire your art?

Answer: Yes, it’s Jose Joya I love his heavy strokes and how he used the color hues in his works.

Do you have any plans of exploring other art genre?

Yes, I have, maybe Figurative Sculptures inspired by social issues.

What is the importance of art in our society?

Answer: Art represents the awakening of people’s minds. When an Artist starts visualizing his subject and using his emotions and is inspired by culture, religion, and politics it becomes a powerful medium. It serves as a reminder to all of us that Art is our storyteller and recorder of humanity.

What is the story behind “Balintataw, Samahan ng mga Pintor sa Pilipinas”?

Answer: The story of Balintataw started when I was creating one of my works titled “Buhay Riles”, December 2022.

It’s my childhood days during 80’s and hardships and political turmoil were in every corner of our community, in short poverty was the most pressing problem during that time and the government failed to deliver the basic needs of the people. I started visualizing, what if I create a group and then in our humble way percentage of sold paintings go to charity.

I met Ted, an artist and a teacher and we shared a similar vision. We started conceptualizing an exhibit that will generate funds and donate to charitable institutions and subsequently, we are also searching Artists whose vision is aligned with us. July 2023 we finally completed the line-up of 10 Artist and introduced to the group my plan about our first exhibit. To cut the story short, our first exhibit was successful, and we were able to generate a humble amount that we donated to our recipient, Kuya Center for Street Children, located at Cubao Q.C. At present as the Founder and President we are on our way on our 2nd exhibit hoping to duplicate if not surpass our first exhibit.

Tell us more about the mission and vision of your art group.

Answer: About the Balintataw, we are a collective passionate Filipino artists who are dedicated to using our talents for the betterment of our community. Our name, derived from the Filipino word “balintataw” meaning represents our commitment to portraying society through the artistic lens.

With our diverse backgrounds and artistic disciplines, we come together to create impactful art that not only inspires but also raises awareness and sparks social change. Our vibrant and talented group collaborates to produce thought-provoking pieces aimed at making a positive impact on society.

Driven by the belief in the transformative power of art, Balintataw serves as a platform for artists who are passionate about making a difference. Through our work, we strive to shed light on social issues, challenge norms, and amplify the voices often unheard.We strive to create a world where art catalyzes positive change. Together, we can illuminate the world with our brushstrokes and inspire others to see the beauty and potential that lies within the heart of every Balintataw.

Our Mission:

Our humble art group aims to enrich the lives of artists by embarking on a captivating journey that ignites their full creative potential. Through our philanthropic efforts, we serve as a conduit for inspiration and empowerment, striving to encourage artists to create unforgettable, one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Vision:

To create artwork that captures and envisions the beauty of human life, regardless of the challenges we may face. Experience the beauty of Balintataw and join us in embracing art as a powerful tool for positive change.

You have such captivating and interesting masterpieces. Can you tell us something about your “The Tree Series”?

This series is very special and meaningful to me as an Artist, it was the Tree series that I recognized myself as an Artist. It was in this series I was able to express my innermost feelings to my present environment. It was in this series I was able to capture the emotions of my clients that they wanted to feel while looking at a certain Artwork (goosebump). There was a saying in Artworld which goes, “when a painting was able to penetrate the deeper emotions of a person, the Artist has done his duty.

Where do you draw inspiration for your art pieces?

My inspiration is nature because I’m a nature lover and my passion to capture the beauty of life despite the challenges.

What is the central theme of most of your works?

It’s about human life, the movements of society from past to present.

What is your message to young and aspiring artists?

Believe, Inspire and create a Masterpiece that will penetrate human emotions, lastly don’t settle for less.