Our featured artist today is a young talent from Laguna, Evie Umali de Vera. Her interest in drawing and painting began at the tender age of four. Her artworks delight the younger generation depicting images of animals, flowers, ocean creatures in all colors of the rainbow.
The young talent from Laguna blends her architecture background with her passion for art. PHOTO COURTESY OF EVIE UMALI DE VERA
We had a short chat with Evie about her art and inspirations and here is that conversation.
You began sketching in your grandfather’s office at Tacloban Airport. Later on, you studied Architecture at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. How did you combine your artistic skills with your architecture background? Have both influenced your career today?
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for diverse period styles, as well as unconventional and imaginative design concepts. This broad artistic sensibility has shaped the way I approach architecture—helping me merge technical precision with expressive creativity. It continues to benefit my career today, as I believe design shouldn’t be purely objective. Like an artist, an architect must feel deeply and design with emotion, allowing subjective intuition to inform and elevate their work.
Is “Art is a form of expression that transcends boundaries and speaks to the depth of the human experience” a personal mantra or a reflection of your identity as an artist?
It definitely is. Through my work, I strive to evoke not just appreciation, but connection. I want my art to resonate emotionally with its audience, offering a moment of reflection or inspiration. I create art that comforts and heals because it has done the same for me. I went through dark periods, and I channeled those into pieces that brought me joy. If it helped me rise from that darkness, I believe others can also feel that same positive energy. It’s not enough for art to be “beautiful” or pretty or what others deem as “aesthetic” — it must be meaningful.
How would you describe your art, and where do you draw inspiration from?
My kind of art is somewhat varied — ranging from whimsical illustrations of cats, mermaids, cosmic dreamscapes, beach scenes, portraits of children, and oceanic creatures among others. I enjoy exploring unconventional mediums beyond traditional watercolor on paper, often incorporating wood and found objects into my work. At the heart of my inspiration is nature, especially the ocean, which holds a deeply personal meaning for me. It reminds me of my Lola Dol, my grandmother, who used to take me to the seaside as a child. Those gentle memories — of waves, laughter and togetherness — infuse my artistic spirit with warmth and serenity.
Aside from painting, you also create pieces using wood. What drew you to wood as a medium, rather than something like metal?
Working with wood is emotional for me. I feel like I’m creating art that’s alive, approachable, and intimately connected to nature. Wood brings a natural presence into any space, especially in homes. Accent pieces made of wood tend to make a space feel warm and comfortable. I also enjoy the sculptural aspect of wood, with its unique textures and grains that make each piece distinct.
Where do you see yourself as an artist five years from now?
I see myself as an artist with a purpose — to create art that heals. In a world that often feels heavy and uncertain, I strive to be a force for good through my work. I believe, deeply and unapologetically, that art has the power to save the world. I know that may sound naïve to some, but for me, it’s a conviction. Even though it is not monetarily rewarding, knowing that even one person finds joy or hope in my work makes it worthwhile. Creating art, to me, is a form of immortality. You produce something, share your energy with the world, and pass on positivity with every piece you make.