Seb Chua: Carves from the heart

MANILA, Philippines -Artist Seb Chua recently held a solo exhibit at the Artasia Gallery in SM Megamall. “What is so unique about Seb is that he really shows his love for animals,” said Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Rich Ilustre. “One of the prominent themes of his works on exhibit was the ones on love for animals.”

I have never met Chua, but I have heard a lot about him from the folks at the PAWS. Matter of fact, when the artwork of Chua was installed at the entrance of the PAWS Shelter a few years back it was a big event. The artwork called “The Guardian” is what symbolizes what PAWS is all about. People who are guardians of animals as animals are the guardians of people.

“The Guardian” has been created as a miniature statuette that could be a centerpiece of the home. The best part of getting one is that the proceeds of each sale will help with the upkeep of the animals in the shelter. For inquiries, call 0917-835-2405 or email philpaws@yahoo.com

PHILIPPINE STAR: When did your interest in art begin?

SEB CHUA: I’ve been an artist ever for as long as I can remember. But being the eldest in the family, I had the obligation of managing the family business. It was only around five years ago that I decided to pursue art on a more professional level. It was a friend who encouraged me to join an art exhibit, just for fun. After a short time, the two pieces I made were sold to patrons, and I suddenly found this strange new confidence that sparked my career as a serious artist.

What are your favorite subjects? 

I tend to gravitate towards themes and subjects that depict emotive and positive feelings, such as love, care and abundance. I prefer creating works that show the family, a pair of lovers, a mother and her child, people with pets, and the like. I strive to poise the presence of emotions in every single piece I create, honing the visual impact to rely on this imbued element.

What inspired you to create animal-themed pieces? 

My own pets are also my inspirations in creating most of my dog themed sculptures as well as the animals housed at the PAWS shelter. They moved me to create “The Guardian”, where an aspin or asong Pinoy is the main subject in the piece.

And the auction…

My wife and I are both animal lovers and we were always intrigued by the activities of PAWS, which we would always see on the news.

At first, I thought PAWS was well-off because most the pets in their events were dressed in nice outfits. But when we visited the shelter and saw how it was struggling to provide the basic care and medical needs of the animals I realized that their events were a good means to raise funds to sustain the shelter’s overhead expenses.

I told myself that I wanted to use my skills to assist them and be a part of an organization which helps to make things better for these animals. This is what led me to create the limited edition versions of the “The Guardian” which is up for auction so that we can raise funds for PAWS.