Pathology of the Mind

Some paintings are planned. Others feel like they have been waiting for you.

Pathology of the Mind is one of the most personal pieces I have created, not only because of what it shows, but because of why it had to exist. This work was inspired by a neurologist’s tireless dedication and by the quiet courage of people living with neurological disorders. It is my way of honoring healthcare heroes and acknowledging the emotional weight carried by patients and caregivers.

Pathology of the Mind, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 60 inches, 2025

The idea behind the monoliths

In this piece, I built a landscape of towering monoliths. Each one stands for a condition that affects the mind and nervous system, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, schizophrenia, migraine, epilepsy and more.

Detail showing the surface texture and the mood of the piece.

I chose monoliths because they feel permanent. Heavy. Unavoidable. They reflect how these conditions can shape a person’s daily life, sometimes slowly, sometimes suddenly. Yet they also speak of endurance. A monolith does not move easily, but it remains. It persists. In many ways, that persistence mirrors the resilience I have witnessed in real life.

In progress. Building the scene layer by layer, balancing weight and space.

If you look closely, each form carries a distinct presence. Some feel like they are breaking apart. Some feel like they are shouting. Some feel silent and watchful. That variety matters to me because every story is different. Every diagnosis is different. Every family journey is different.

The figure at the center

At the center stands the neurologist. Steadfast. Compassionate. Present.

In progress. Returning to small areas repeatedly until the story feels honest.

I placed this figure in the middle on purpose. In my mind, the doctor represents more than one person. He represents the profession, the long hours, the emotional labor, the responsibility of carrying other people’s uncertainty. He also represents hope. Not the shallow kind, but the kind that shows up daily, does the work and chooses to care even when the outcome is not guaranteed.

 What my process revealed to me

This piece did not begin on canvas. It began with drawings. Some of the early sketches were years apart, and seeing them beside the finished work reminds me that ideas can mature quietly in the background while life keeps moving.

In the work in progress photos, you can see how the painting grew through stages. The forms became clearer, the atmosphere deepened and the story started to breathe. I worked the surface with patience. Layer by layer. Not rushing the values, not forcing the mood. The stones needed weight, the sky needed space and the entire scene needed to feel like it could hold emotion without explaining everything.

From concept sketch to final canvas. Some ideas mature quietly over time.

One detail I personally love is how the texture of the canvas stays present in parts of the painting. It makes the image feel lived in, not overly polished. Like memory. Like something you can almost touch, but cannot fully hold.

You will also notice that I returned to certain areas repeatedly. That is part of my practice when I paint narrative surrealism. I keep revisiting the same visual sentence until it sounds honest. The goal is not just to create an image, but to create a space where the viewer can pause and recognize something true.

 Why this matters to me now

As a full time artist based in Batanes, I live far from the city pace, but I do not feel far from human stories. In fact, the distance gives me room to listen. To observe. To reflect. My studio life is quiet, but the themes I carry are not small. They are deeply human, and they connect to the same questions we all face, what do we do with pain, what do we do with uncertainty and how do we keep loving people well.

This artwork is also part of my ongoing commitment to create pieces that hold meaning beyond aesthetics. I want the work to be visually strong, technically solid and emotionally sincere.

 For collectors and galleries

If you are a collector, curator, or gallery partner, I hope Pathology of the Mind reads as both a strong contemporary surreal narrative and a tribute rooted in real life. It is a piece that can stand in a collection as a conversation starter, not because it is loud, but because it carries weight.

I value works that remain relevant over time. This one speaks about health, memory, caregiving, and the unseen battles that families fight quietly. Those themes do not expire.

 Commission note

I also create commissioned works, especially for collectors who want a narrative piece with personal significance. If you have a story you want translated into a surreal visual language, you may send me a message with your preferred size, timeline and concept. I accept a limited number of commission requests at a time to protect the quality of each work.

 Closing

Thank you for spending time with this piece. If you are reading this as a fellow artist, a supporter, a collector, or simply someone who has been affected by neurological illness in any way, I hope this painting reminds you that resilience is real and compassion still matters.

If this work resonated with you, feel free to leave a comment, share your thoughts, or follow along for more studio process and new works.

May you be given strength for the things you carry today, and grace for the things you cannot control yet.

 

Umudi Series

 

Umudi, Pauwi

There are moments in Batanes that feel ordinary when you live here, but the longer you observe them, the more they begin to carry weight.

One of those moments is umudi.

Umudi means pauwi, that quiet part of the afternoon when Ivatans start walking home from the field or the sea. The pace is slow. The baskets are full. The body is tired. The heart, steady. No drama, no rush, just the simple dignity of finishing the day and returning to the people and places that matter.

Today I am sharing two works from my Umudi series, a body of paintings I keep coming back to.

Why I paint umudi

I have always been fascinated by this scene because it says so much without trying to say anything at all. It is a visual language of responsibility, patience and faithfulness. It is the rhythm of our islands.

When I take reference photos for these pieces, I usually shoot from behind. Not because I want to hide the face, but because I do not want to interrupt the moment. I want to observe how the subject moves and how they carry the day with them. There is something powerful about a figure seen from the back, it invites the viewer to step into the story. It creates space for memory. It allows the painting to feel personal even to someone who has never been here.

What I want the viewer to feel

When you look at these works, I hope you sense that gentle pull of home. The kind of home that is not just a house, but a direction. A destination. A promise.

Umudi is not only about returning from work, it is also about returning to identity. To culture. To the small, quiet responsibilities that shape a life.

These are some of my favorite pieces to paint and I will be creating more from this series soon.

For collectors and those who feel connected to the story

My works are hosted at Raywen Hamyan Gallery and for collectors who feel a connection to this narrative, Commissions are now open for collectors who wish to have a piece created in this series.

If you would like to inquire about availability, pricing or a commissioned Umudi piece, you may reach me through my contact page or send a message through my official channels.

Thank you for taking time to look. Here in Batanes, stories do not always shout. Most of them simply walk home, carrying the day with grace.

 

Things I Learned in 2025 as a Full Time Artist and Father

2025, one word, grateful.

Not because everything was perfect, but because God sustained us through the ordinary days and the busy weeks. This year taught me that the life of a full time artist and a father is not about doing everything at once. It is about learning what matters most, protecting it and showing up faithfully.

I used to believe that if I planned hard enough and worked long enough, I could control outcomes. I am naturally a planner. I like goals, systems and measurable progress. But parenthood has a way of humbling you in a good way. It reminds you that your schedule is not the boss of your life. Your priorities are.

And that is where the biggest lesson begins.

Lesson 1: Trust the Lord’s timing

I used to think sticking to the plan was the main evidence of productivity. Activities meant progress. If I kept moving, I felt secure.

Then I became a parent and the whole world shifted. Your family becomes your first ministry after God, your first responsibility, your first joy. Plans still matter, but they must submit to the right order.

Here is what I believe now. Focus on what matters most: God, family, ministry, work and passion, friends and relatives, then community and everything else. When I keep that order, I feel peace even when the schedule gets messy.

Practical takeaway: Enjoy the process. Productivity is not quantity. It is quality. Trust God and do what is in front of you.

Lesson 2: Spend time with your family

We have a simple rhythm in our home. We call it “Haraya Time.”

Usually around 5 PM, if there is no shoot, we drop everything. We stroll around town. Sometimes we stop somewhere for a breather. I get to talk with my wife Mytz while Haraya plays and explores like he is discovering the world for the first time.

Before, I was focused on work, work and work. I did not notice how easily a day could disappear. Now, I protect time with my wife and son because it is not optional. It is part of the calling.

Time is one of the most valuable things we have as creatives. We spend it to make art, build businesses and serve others. So when I am with my family, I remind myself, this is also time well spent. This is not a break from life. This is life.

Practical takeaway: Create a family rhythm and treat it like a non negotiable appointment.

Lesson 3: Discipline pays off

One quiet win this year is how much I have grown to trust my craft.

Every time I paint now, I do not start from scratch emotionally. I do not wrestle with doubt the same way. I lean on my notes, my previous studies and the hours of practice that built my style. I have a process. I have a language. I know how to finish.

Before, I used to doubt a lot. I kept pushing anyway. I studied technique, composition, color and storytelling until my hands learned what my mind could only imagine.

Now, painting feels fun again. I can paint ideas with less struggle. And yes, one of the most fulfilling parts is that people buy my work. Not because I chased trends, but because I stayed disciplined long enough to become consistent.

Practical takeaway: Talent is a gift but discipline is the engine. Keep showing up, especially when you do not feel like it.

Lesson 4: Give back to the community

One of the most meaningful moments of 2025 was facilitating a workshop at Basco CentralSchool’s Special Education.

We had fun creating. We laughed. We made mistakes. We tried again. And those smiles, including the smiles of the parents, were deeply rewarding. It reminded me that art is not only for galleries and clients. Art is also for healing, confidence and connection.

Before, my mindset was simple. Work so you can pay the bills. That is a real responsibility and it will always be part of adult life.

Now, I still work hard, but I also make room to give back. I believe God rewards generosity in ways you cannot always measure. Sometimes the reward is not money. Sometimes it is perspective, gratitude and fresh inspiration.

Even as a teacher, you learn. Being with them gave me ideas and stories to paint. So yes, stay tuned. There is more coming, including future exhibit plans.

Practical takeaway: Give back even in small ways. It will enlarge your heart and refine your art.

Lesson 5: Rest, health is wealth

We are getting older. That is just reality.

So I started paying attention to what I eat, how much I sleep and what kind of fuel I put into my body. Less sweets. Less oily food. Less mindless eating. More moderation. More discipline. Supplements and vitamins, when needed, are an investment, especially during the grind.

And yes, coffee helps. A lot.

Practical takeaway: Protect your health early. Your body is part of your ministry and your calling.

Side note: Caffeine! Antioxidant! Drinking coffee is not a sin. Try black coffee. Drinking black coffee is a sign of maturity (Joke lang)

Lesson 6: To stay sane, balance things

Here is a truth many creatives avoid at first. Passion alone does not pay the bills. And financial pressure can choke creativity.

For you to do your passion, you must have a job or a system that pays for food and bills. If you lose balance, it becomes hard to create with a hungry stomach and a pile of unpaid bills. Stress consumes your imagination and turns inspiration into anxiety.

This year, I learned to respect the balance. I invested more in wedding gigs through Ituxuh Studios, not because I want to leave painting behind, but because stable work creates space for painting. It gives me free days for art and real days for family.

Practical takeaway: Hone your skills while you are still young. Build something stable so that later you can focus on what you do best.

Lesson 7: Keep your circle healthy, let go of the negative ones

You cannot please everyone. People will disappoint you. That is part of life and leadership.

My biggest struggle this year was negative people. Not because they were powerful, but because negativity is loud. It tries to distract you from purpose. It tries to drain your focus and peace.

Before, I used to keep people close hoping they might change. Now, I choose health. I focus on people who share the same priorities and attitude. I keep the standard and let people rise to it. I do not lower it just to accommodate someone’s laziness or negativity because it always backfires later.

Few people is ok. Not everyone will do for you what you do for them. That is not bitterness. That is wisdom.

Practical takeaway: Protect your circle because your circle affects your pace and your peace.

A moment I felt God’s guidance and protection

There was a time when certain people attacked my reputation and tried to ruin how others see me. It was not new. I have experienced it before.

But this is what I held on to. I do not need to fight every battle publicly. I do not need to prove myself to everyone. I can keep doing what is right and let God handle what I cannot control.

A verse that carried me through is Psalm 37:5 to 6:
“Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday.”

That verse reminds me that God is not blind to injustice and He is not absent when people misunderstand you. He brings truth to light in His time.

Highlights I am grateful for

Creative Hub is stable. Wedding gigs are piling up. Exhibits are ongoing. Creatives are working. Most importantly, we had good health. No one in my family got sick in 2025 and that alone is a major blessing.

Some days were tiring and that is normal. But we were sustained. We kept building. We kept loving. We kept showing up.

Gratitude, the people behind the work

I also want to thank the people God used to make 2025 lighter and more meaningful. To my Team Ituxuh Studios, thank you for the excellence, the patience and the heart you bring to every shoot. You carried the grind with me and you helped make work feel like purpose. 

To the Hangtay Artists and the Creative Hub Fam, thank you for showing up, building with us and keeping the creative fire alive in Batanes. To our clients and partners, thank you for trusting our hands, our eyes and our stories. Every booking, every workshop, every collaboration is not just work, it is a reminder that God provides through people and community.

My message to fellow artist parents for 2026

Trust God. Pray over your plans and keep those diligent hands at work. You are not a lesser artist because you cannot create the same way you used to. Creativity also has seasons. Sometimes your season is producing art. Sometimes your season is building stability. Sometimes your season is being fully present with your family. All of it counts.

And if you are in the middle of a quiet season, remember this. You can still paint between the lens and parenting. You can still build a life where your art and your family are both honored.

God is our sustainer and provider. Trust the Lord’s timing.

Question for you: How was your 2025 and what did it teach you?

#ArtistLife #AweeMytzHaraya #ArtistDad #FullTimeArtist #ParentLife #CreativeLife #Batanes #FilipinoArtist #ArtProcess #WorkLifeBalance #FaithAndWork #FamilyFirst #DisciplinePays #CreativeCommunity

Disclaimer: This post reflects my personal experiences and lessons as an artist and a father. It is not professional advice and it may not apply to everyone. Feel free to share if it encourages you, but let us keep the conversation respectful and helpful. Above all, glory to God, our Creator and Sustainer.

 

Volks Fantasy Collection | 10.4.2022

Thanks for visiting this blog 😁👌

The Volks Fantasy is a series of a couple's perception of an alternate dimension that depicts the Volkswagen as a spectacle in Batanes..

The Volkswagen was first introduced to Awee and Mytz back in 2016, when the couple attended an immersion and curatorial training at the Volkswagen Museum in Bulacan owned by Mr. Roland Cruz "the great", who also happens to have been Mytz' mentor in museum curatorship in 2018 when he was the then curator of the Ayala Museum. 

Ever since the idea of the Volks was introduced to the couple, the thought of it has never left their imaginations. And now, the "what ifs" of it that have been lingering in their fantasies have been put into a vision of brush strokes and colors through the VOLKS FANTASY collection. Awee's works meld both the Ivatan monolith stones and the Volks into a visual harmony. As for Mytz's pieces, she portrayed the Volks as how they would be seen in familiar locations in Batanes.

Photos of the exhibit opening 

Awee and Mytz are Batanes-based multimedia artists and together, they established Creative Hub, which as the name suggests, is a place that welcomes and brings art enthusiasts together to realize their potentials, voice out their ideas, showcase their talents, and simply promote love for the arts.

Volks Fantasy, Exhibit opening | 10.4.2022

Sharing with you some of our photos during our exhibit opening. 

This is our first exhibit as a couple so we are happy to see our artist friends and family.

The exhibit runs until November 15. For those who plan to visit, CampFolkswagen is located at No. 72, Longlong Road, Baguio City. 

For our painting process, here is our "Painting Batanes series"

Video of work in progress "On the Rock"

That's all for now, thanks for browsing. The next post will be the complete collection. 

Stay tuned...

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