Hello artists and art enthusiasts! Welcome back to yet another artist feature. This week, we are featuring Jing Dizon. She is a digital artist born and raised in the Philippines. Her artwork is described as her warrior since it gives her a sense of victory over her challenges. A part of her hope was to use her art to empower those who felt inadequate about themselves. She wanted them to be courageous enough to pursue their dreams and become the person they looked up to. Now that you've been introduced to Jing, let's get into our interview with her.
1. How did you first get into music, art, or poetry?
I was, I think, 6 or 7 years old then. I first drew characters I copied from Filipino comics. Because I was afraid to share who I am, I have had a fraught relationship with my art. It wasn't until I was 31 that I started returning to my passion. I met someone online. He's a novelist based in the USA and was looking for an illustrator. We worked together to build characters for his novel. In the years that followed, I stopped again until this Pandemic made me realize that my lack of confidence prevented me from pursuing my dream.
2. Who or what are your biggest inspirations that motivate you to create art?
My child. As a mother, I have gone through many changes. I had almost given up art before I had him. After he was born, I felt I should set an example. He inspired me to become a better version of myself. I want him to be proud of me. I want him to see that my determination to succeed in life has never been hindered by how hard it is to reach my goals.
3. How do you plan on using your art and music to spread awareness or make a difference in the world?
I am looking for ways to connect with different art communities and collaborate with artists. By doing so, I hope to convey my message that I want my art to become a healing medium. My art can inspire and give them the strength to reach their goals by giving them hope and empowering them to take action. Through my art, I hope to heal those who have given up. I hope to inspire them and remind them to unleash the warrior within. Dreams have no face, age, or limits. It just takes believing in yourself to make them come true.
4. What is your favorite piece of poetry that you have written so far?
My digital painting, "Hell-bent." She's a witch warrior. It was so natural for me to feel a deep connection with her. Despite the hell she's gone through, she's still pretty badass.
5. What are your current or future goals with your art, music, and spoken word?
My goal is to collaborate with artists who share my vision. I aim to create art that speaks to those who need inspiration and encouragement. And lastly, I wish that more people would know about my art.
6. If you had the opportunity to spend a day with your favorite artist or musician, who would it be and why?
Among my favorite artists, I will pick my top two. The first is Vincent Van Gogh. I love how emotional he is and how his emotions affect his art. It would be interesting to know how his mind and heart work to make his art connect to the world. My second favorite is Brian Viveros, who has awed me with his talent. His art dramatically inspires me. As I have also strived for my art to be empowering, I see how passionate he is about it and admire that about him.
7. Do you have any advice or tips for people that are interested in art?
Self-belief is standard advice but challenging to follow. If you want something big to happen in your life, ditch the self-doubt and prepare for your biggest win. If you want to succeed, you must be hell-bent on it. We must continue to create even if we aren't being recognized for our work. Keep at it until your art touches everyone's story.
Here are photos of Jing and her art.