"Painting is my kind of therapy. Whenever I feel down, frustrated, or feel stuck on some things, I paint. It never fails to heal me," said the 35-year-old artist from the Philippines.
After living in Qatar for three years, Danica still can’t believe that it’s in this country where she can continue her passion for the arts and get recognized. “It's worth all the sleepless nights when people admire my work, and even more when my art pieces receive recognitions and awards," she said.
Let's check out some of Danica's artwork and get to know a little bit about her!
Danie: My friends call me “Danie” or “Mulan”. I’m a full-time artist. I do mural painting, fabric painting, and my favorite is oil painting. My artwork is usually bright and colourful. I'm also a cosmaker, cosplayer, and face painter. I am the newest and only female artist at the Modern Impressions Art Gallery in Doha. I’ve been living in Qatar since 2019.
Danie: When I was 6 years old, I used to watch my father draw auto engines and I was amazed by his talent. This inspired me to join on-the-spot drawing competitions at school during my elementary years, where I won numerous awards and recognitions.
But I can say that I developed my skill in painting when I was in high school. I was then a scholar at The Sisters of Mary School in Manila where art classes are conducted during weekends. I was trained to do murals, stage decorations, and portrait paintings for our benefactors and visitors. I'd say I’ve been painting professionally since I was 15 years old, and considered it my first job doing oil paintings, mural paintings, and paper arts.
Danie: In my family, there was this mindset before, that I’ll go nowhere if I continue to be an artist as they believe it to be an unstable job. I didn’t pursue Arts in university, but I continued to self-study and enhance my God-given gift.
Now, I'm getting all the support from my family and friends and they're always excited about my new projects. They're eager to see my artwork posted on social media, and I believe my Instagram wall has turned into an inspirational feed for others who seek to pursue a career in arts. This motivates and inspires me to be better in my field.
Danie: I came to Qatar not knowing that I can continue my artistic calling. I used to work as an Executive Secretary, but my passion took me to short painting classes at Souq Waqif Art Center. Our artworks were once exhibited there.
Then, through friends’ referrals, I started doing mural paintings for restaurants, malls, and real estate companies. I also accepted commissioned portrait paintings, and doing so helped me get better and better each day.
Danie: My biggest achievement as an artist so far is when I won three consecutive art competitions here in Qatar from December 2020 to January 2021.
I won first prize with my ‘Ojigi’ entry to a Lexus Art Challenge. I am most proud of this hand-made paper artwork because this has really challenged me in showcasing my other artistic skill, while at the same time showcasing the Qatari and Japanese culture.
I used more than 2,000 magazine pages to coil, shape, and decorate my artboard. I spent so much time planning, choosing the right magazine colours, assembling and gluing each piece. I had dedicated most of my time and patience to this artwork during the contest period.
Another competition where I took home the first prize was organized by the Qatar Red Crescent Society and Visual Arts Center. The theme was “The Crescent Draws Hope during COVID-19 Crisis”. I considered this as a highlight in my career because of the recognitions I received from various groups here, like the media which has helped expand my network.
Last year, I also joined a competition/virtual exhibition titled ‘Painting The New Normal’ organized by the Philippine Embassy in Qatar. Thirty Filipino artists participated in this event dedicated to COVID-19 frontline workers. Here I won a consolation prize.
Danie: There are two artists that come to mind. First is famous Mexican artist Omar Ortiz. His style of painting is Hyperrealism which is also my preferred style. I constantly look at his social media accounts for inspiration and ideas. Second is Mike Dargas from Germany, another artist that I follow for inspiration in Photorealism.
Danie: Besides commissioned portraits and mural paintings, I am also working on painting fictional characters because I plan to participate in the next Geekdom event. I never stop learning and trying new techniques. Currently, I am also into digital art.
Danie: Don’t be afraid to try new things because you will eventually find your own style. Don’t compare yourself to others. We have different ways of learning. Always remember that you compete with only yourself. But don’t pressure yourself too much, just enjoy the process.
Be patient with yourself if you don’t succeed yet on your goals as an artist. Hard work will never fail you. Keep practising, praying, and keep your passion alive. You are never too young or too old to pursue a dream!
Danie: “Do not focus on the past. Focus on the present. Because whatever you do today, will always affect your future.”
Danie: Thank you for the opportunity to share my story with the people of Qatar. I hope it will inspire more female artists to pursue their passion and not give up on the challenges that come with this career.
I would also like to thank my fellow Filipino artists in Qatar who believe in me. And to the ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team, thank you and please continue sharing inspirational stories.
Cover image credit: Danica Hernandez
Do you know of someone who’s got an exceptional talent or is making a difference in our community? Drop us a line in the comments below and you could see them highlighted in Qommunity Voices!
Follow us on our social media channels:
@ILQlive
@ILQlive
@ILoveQtr
ILoveQatar
You have successfully registered your account!
Please confirm your e-mail address by clicking on the URL sent to you.The e-mail usually arrives in 5-10 minutes.
How ajeeb was that!? Thanks for contributing to our community! Your post will appear after we take a quick look!
