Artist ClarizeYale Revadavia
Artist Mission Statement: I have been drawing and painting since I was a kid, as cliché as it sounds for an artist to say. I learned how to use my fingers in place of a paint brush, that blue and red make purple, and that I could redraw my favorite characters after not having enough of them from watching their movies 10 times over. I learned that I could create art to express my biggest pains, to share with someone how much I loved them, and that I could help others express their love for someone else or even, themselves. Through creation, I continue to learn-- about myself, my ancestors, and the natural beauties of the earth that at times are left unnoticed. I create to learn. I create to heal. As life moves forward with technology, so do I. Traditionally, I create simply with pen or pencil while watercolor is my pigment of choice. Watercolor paints can be both controlled and uncontrollable, and just like life's challenges, I accept the things I cannot change and change the things I cannot accept. Digitally, I have been enjoying learning how to create work to appear traditional while expanding my knowledge on digital painting and illustration. Both methods of creating continue to excite and challenge me as new projects come to fruition. Growing up, I have lived in a handful of different places but San Francisco will always be home. As a Pinay from the Fillmore, I have been a witness to all kinds of people from different walks of life. Compassion and empathy has taught me that my family and my neighbors were all the same even if we were different. Throughout the many stages of my life, I give thanks to the people in my community who helped water the seeds I have planted for my artist self. I want others to know that we do not have to be a product of society but instead are rooted in the community in which we will bloom.
Why Would You Be A Good Fit for this Program? While my familial and artistic roots are in the Fillmore, Japantown, and SOMA, I currently live in the Outer Sunset with my partner who was born and raised in this area. As I navigate this neighborhood and try to find my place as an artist in this community, I think this would be a wonderful experience in opening those doors and opportunities while being a Filipino representation that resides here. I've participated in the Sunset Mercantile before and have had many Filipinx folks share their joy in seeing my art that represents us in the Sunset and I'd love to continue nurturing that relationship and experience.
