Self-taught artist Roselle Manalastas, from Candaba, Pampanga, likens her mainly impressionistic paintings to culinary arts. She says, “Just as the flavors are combined to create a culinary experience, I similarly integrate specific techniques with my personal touch and the influence of my adventures, cultures, and explorations.”
“This allows room for unexpected discoveries and emotional expressions in my paintings,” she adds.
She also shares how her works should engage with their viewers: “I always believed paintings are not just for the eyes. It’s meant to be experienced. It might be as simple as feeling the warmth. The emotions the audience will resonate with are nostalgia, a sense of familiarity, and new adventure.”
Looking back, she aimed to incorporate certain established artists’ styles into her work when she was starting. However, her paintings often took unexpected directions, initially causing frustration. With time, she learned to embrace each phase of her creative process.
Just as her art style evolved from various influences, she has recognized this blend shaped her distinct artistic identity. She has acknowledged her artworks’ uniqueness, even when depicting the same subject as her influences. She also accepted happy incidents and the absence of a fixed timeline.
Today, Roselle is eager to improve her craft, art, and style. She plans to experiment with other techniques and more stories to tell and looks forward to staging her first solo exhibition.
Often shuttling back and forth between Pampanga and Quezon City, Roselle is married with two kids with special needs.
View some of her artworks displayed at JT’s Manukan Grille in BGC (MC Home Depot-F&B Bldg., 3nd Ave.) until Oct. 15, 2023. – Toby Denise Concepcion