Who or what inspires artists?

Not everyone can create beautiful works of art. It’s a talent, a gift. We are very fortunate that our country is blessed with exceptional artists who have made a name for themselves not only here but all around the world. Find out as they share with us what or who inspires them in creating their works of art.

Arturo Luz, National Artist: A good painting. Preferably mine!

Anita Magsaysay-Ho: I am inspired by the works of Andrew Wyeth, the great painter, because he is the master of egg tempera which is my favorite medium.

Oscar Zalameda: When people ask me if what inspires me is the moon, the stars, I tell them it’s the "several digits!" (Laughs)

Actually there are two European painters – an Italian painter, Afro Basadella, who lives in Paris and a Portuguese painter, Vieira da Silva. These are two people who inspire me. They are contemporary painters but their works are so beautiful.

Romulo Olazo: Good books about famous artists like Rufino Tamayo.

Mauro Malang Santos: Money! To buy art books and to travel and visit museums.

Alfredo Roces: Nature, works of certain masters. Music, people and events, things I read, and tools and materials for unity, painting, photography, poetry, etc.

Bencab: 1) Leonardo DaVinci, Renaissance man, a genius. Very inspiring. 2) Anything that catches my attention for a possible creative activity.

Ramon Orlina: My expression of love for my family, people and God. This relationship gives me the inspiration to create with feeling, passion and fulfillment, I’m inspired to do art that would touch, give pleasure and happiness to others.

Lao Lianben: Words and sounds. I read or hear something then I interpret it.

Rock Drilon: Inspiration is a state of mind. I struggle to bring myself to it instead of the other way around. The more I’m one with my painting, the more I’m inspired since it is an internal thing, there is no need to wait or look elsewhere. It lies in the painting process.

Impy Pilapil: Certainly not our politicians. Certainly not Cardinal Sin who personally was not able to give me a clear answer on the issue of "every child is a gift from God."

But every Filipino who makes an honest living and strives to live an upright existence despite all the odds (of temptations) is an inspiration to me.

Each day that I wake up and discover that there are people who pursue to correct what is wrong raises my spirits. This inspires me to create soulful works that will hopefully touch the inner selves of my audience, giving them time to pause and feel a sense of peace.