Fay

About

Born in the Philippines and raised in Seattle, I made Oakland my creative home as a self-taught Filipina artist and illustrator pursuing my passion for art.Art has always been my way of connecting with myself, my heritage, and communities around me. Since 2008, I've created work centering female and POC representation, which evolved into Iuhlí—an artistic practice supporting people in exploring their ancestry and cultural background.As a multi-media artist, I draw inspiration from anthropology and mythology. My work weaves together ancient histories and traditions with modern life and visions of the future. I'm particularly focused on preserving the rich written and oral histories of pre-colonial Philippines that risk fading from memory. While documenting these ancestral narratives, I also honor present-day realities in all their complexity, creating bridges that connect past, present, and future generations.Community remains central to my work. Through Baranggay Oakland, I co-create gatherings where BIPOC and Island diasporic peoples celebrate and thrive together. Many of the other spaces I hold welcome everyone in the wider Bay Area community—I believe art as a healing practice should be accessible to all.I host diverse events from creative workshops to figure drawing sessions and productivity circles. These spaces offer participants therapeutic and meditative benefits while helping them stay connected to their goals.Through these communal experiences, my mission extends beyond traditional art. I believe creative thinking can transform all aspects of life—from food to everyday living spaces, ceremony, new systems, economical and ecological innovation. Creativity is a fundamental capacity we all possess, and engaging with it regularly can open new perspectives and approaches to everyday challenges.Today, I work as a full-time artist/organizer across the Bay Area. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the joy people experience creating together. I hope participants leave with a renewed desire to bring something new and beautiful into the world. I'd love for you to join this journey of discovery.