Bohol artist to receive Da Vinci International art prize

MANILA, Philippines — A Bohol-based visually impaired artist will hold his first exhibit in Milan, Italy as he was among the winners in this year’s Leonardo Da Vinci International Art Prize.

In an interview with OneNews.ph, Elvin Vitor said that somebody encouraged him to submit samples of his works.

“I sent photos of my work and then after a few days, they replied, ‘Congratulations you will be joining the Leonardo Da Vinci International Art Prize.’ Who is Elvin Vitor? A mere Boholano artist but I am grateful to God that I was included in the Leonardo Da Vinci awarding ceremony in Milan,” Vitor said.

He added that as one of awardees, he will receive a trophy and will be included in the book of Leonardo Da Vinci International Art Prize.

“There is no cash prize. You will have a trophy and you will be included in the Leonardo Da Vinci book, where international artists were included. Probably, they will provide more network of artists or more connections of collectors,” Vitor said.

He added that Milan consul general Elmer Cato has organized a solo exhibit during his stay after the scheduled awarding ceremony.

“I will be bringing small pieces, 10 pieces,” Vitor said, adding that he plans to donate half of the proceeds of his paintings to the blind and deaf community in Bohol.

“I have a disability, that’s why I have the heart to help,” he said.

Vitor needs to wear glasses or contact lenses with a grade of 1,700.

“I wear contact lenses because my eye glasses are too thick. If I don’t have contact lenses, my vision is really blurred,” he noted.

Vitor said that he wants to prove that disability is not a hindrance if one has the ability to create.

“That’s why I wanted to give inspiration to others… We have unlimited time to create good art. We just need patience, dedication and passion,” he added.

Vitor said that he got his talent from his father, who failed to pursue his dream.

“He is also an artist but he did not pursue his dream because he decided to take up nursing and then become a teacher. I always saw his visual aids before, that’s why I was inspired by his works,” he added.

Because of his blurry vision, Vitor chooses rich and vibrant colors.

“Art can supply what nature cannot bring into finish. That is why when I am aided by the lenses, I want my work to be vibrant,” he added.

Vitor said it takes at least three to five months to finish his pieces.

“It takes longer to practice oil painting, it is layer over layer because I believe oil paint seasons over time. When paint seasons over time, it will produce more colors,” he explained.

Vitor previously worked as a layout artist but decided to leave as it affected his vision.

“That time, I had no choice but to develop painting. I wanted to focus more on the hyper surrealism