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| Yvette and Jana at the 2014 VIVA ExCon in Bacolod City |
The family is a very
important factor that directs an artist’s journey. For some, family encourages
them to produce art. But for others, family unfortunately discourages them to
continue their art. However, there are also a few unique families that all the
members of the family are practicing artists – from the parents, down to all
the children. Such is the Jumalon family of Zamboanga City.
Our feature for this
week is a member of that family, Jana Jumalon-Alano.
YMK: You were raised by creative parents, you think this
has shaped you in becoming one too? How?
JJA: I grew up watching my father paint day in and day out and I can
positively say that I was influenced
just by living with artists under the same roof. Unknown to many, my mother only took up
painting upon realizing that all of her children are already into visual
arts. My father encouraged me to
experiment with mediums from acrylic to mixed media to found objects turned to
art pieces. This has shaped my idea and belief that in art, it is not just
putting colors and imageries on a canvas it the constant experimentation that
will bring me closer to deeply understand the relation of my current state to
my everyday life as a whole. Everyday is
a process and an opportunity to connect with ordinary objects. I enjoy giving life to something devoid of
life or place an object on a pedestal and declare them special. It’s like a religion, I do art as a means of channeling
my gratefulness of my existence and giving it back for the world to see.
YMK: Your siblings are also creative in their own way, was
there any artistic rivalry? if there was, how did you manage it?
JJA: In
our family, there’s always an open avenue for criticism with each others works
and we were trained to take it lightly because only with talking about the
works can one grow and improve…although admittedly there are times that art
talks get out of hand… just like any other family interventions, walkouts and
shouting matches are not unusual.
YMK: Your spouse is a graphic designer, so he is also
artistic and creative. Does this cause any friction in the marriage? Or is it
more beneficial? Why?
JJA: We
find each other’s career path a gift to one another. Although Mike can work alone confidently in
his field, he welcomes and at times go out of his way to get me involved with
hand drawn designs for some logos for his clients. Equally, whenever I need something that’s
computer based needless to say, he just fulfils it. Our formula is pleasant since he also
appreciates visual art in a special level.
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| Self-portrait, 2013 |
YMK: What is your primary choice of media in making art?
Why?
JJA: Acrylic
and Mixed Media with found objects. I
enjoy playing with the palette knife with acrylic paint and the expressionistic
effect it brings. On the other hand,
collecting found objects literally from junk shops, on the road, friend’s
houses also have a different kind of fulfillment. Turning unusable things into something and combining
objects to harmonize them is a challenge that I’d always love to solve. How an
object’s shape, color and texture affect another if placed together then bind
them with newspaper pulp and glue is fulfilling. It has a special place in my
heart because the process is not ordinary for me, it’s like solving a puzzle
and making each part fit to complete a whole new art piece.
YMK: I’ve noticed in your artworks through the years that
you like to experiment with different materials. What drives you to do this?
JJA: I
like to see effects. The effect of rusty
objects touching a smooth object; the effect of a broken glass inside a
cylinder; the effect of a twisted wire bound with ballpens; rugs dipped in glue
and mounted on board, etc. I like to see
variety, I’m obsessed with unused things and old objects, the more odd the shape,
texture and color are…the better. I like to see the visual tensions they create
if placed near each other. It’s like
making my own personal visual diary.
YMK: Can you explain the satisfaction you get in creating a
work of art and finishing it?
JJA: If the
work speaks to me, then I think I have succeeded. I believe every artist finds
satisfaction and fulfillment after finishing a work, not only because they have
finished it but because they have purged what cannot be spoken in words.
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| The artist with her painting |
YMK: How do you sustain your art in the midst of the
responsibilities of being a wife and a mom?
JJA: For
me art is a lifestyle, it is part of my everyday life. The process continues while I am doing my
chores and maternal responsibilities. I don’t see art as a different thing to
tackle while living my life; it is like breathing. It’s integrated in being a
mother and a wife. Luckily for me, my
husband is very supportive of my artistic endeavors.
YMK: What can we expect from Jana in the near future
when it comes to her artworks?
JJA: More
experimentations on materials, more courage to tackle massive works.
