Since childhood, Cebu-based artist Pia Joy Salar has treated art as an escape. It’s her way to retreat from the world. Initially, she lacked the confidence to pursue art, but she couldn’t deny that art fascinates her until now.
Her curiosity led to her experimenting with different art mediums. Watercolor portraits became her first love, but she soon realized something was missing. “Although I enjoyed it, I felt something was missing, so I tried other mediums. I’m still discovering my artistic identity by experimenting and interacting with different materials and styles.”
This shift in perspective has transformed her art from a means of escape to a powerful tool of self-expression.
As with many creatives, she experienced frustration and art block moments. Instead of giving in, she developed a strategy to reignite inspiration by watching videos of her favorite artists. “It gives me ideas and concepts to explore. Most of the time, I search online to find prompts.” This method helped her push through creative blocks, keeping her work dynamic and evolving.
In Pia’s art, the goal isn’t just to evoke emotions and encourage viewers to see themselves in her pieces. She enables self-reflection through series like “Zodiac Signs” and “7 Deadly Sins.” “I’ve often received comments from people who say they can see themselves in my artwork, which makes me happy.”
Her recent work at Bintana Coffee House in Cebu City explored a new facet of her creative expression—Cebuano culture. Through abstract representations of local dishes, she captured the everyday culinary experiences of Cebuanos. “I wanted to portray the dishes the Cebuano enjoy on a normal day. These paintings are me eating the Cebuano food I like the most. And I’d like it to resonate with the rest of the Cebuanos who enjoy these foods like me.”
“Waves of Bliss,” 10″ x 10″ acrylic on canvas,
is now on display at Bintana Coffee House, Cebu City.
Looking ahead, Pia has big dreams to accomplish as an artist, like holding her first solo exhibit. Her goals also include selling as many art pieces as possible and continuing to grow personally and professionally.
Check out Pia’s works at “MASIDLAKON: Vibrant Patterns.” Bintana Coffee House until November 7, 2024.
Read more about the exhibition HERE.
Cover: Jilardon Bamba
— Toby Denise Concepcion