Trisha Ripas, or "Tish", is a rising artist who produces captivating paintings that primarily feature abstract portraits. With a background in Architecture, her art is also infused with her unique perspective, as she creates visually striking pieces that draw viewers into her world of creative expression.
Driven by a passion for art that was reignited during the pandemic, Trisha's journey as a Filipino artist has been marked by a fearless exploration of her own artistic style. Her artworks often feature a blend of bold colors, intriguing textures, and captivating compositions, evoking a sense of curiosity and wonder.
And as she believes in the power of continuous creation — no matter how small —join us as we delve into her creative process and learn more about her inspirations through this interview.
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When did you begin making art, and what made you want to become an artist?
During the peak of the pandemic, I rediscovered my love for painting after completing my Architecture course, and it brought me a renewed sense of fulfillment.
This ignited my childhood passion for art, leading me to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. Afterward, in 2020, I took a leap of faith and started selling my artwork when a random client discovered my pieces on Facebook.
How did you arrive at your current art style?
My current art style comes and goes.
Though, I found that drawing realistic body figures was challenging for me, which probably led me to develop my own distinct style now as a result.
What’s your favorite piece of artwork that you’ve created?
My favorite artwork is titled 'Ikigai,' inspired by the Japanese concept of finding one's purpose in life, which encapsulates the essence of my art and its underlying meaning.
What does art mean to you?
Art is a language that doesn't use words.
What do you think is an artist or creators' role in the community?
The role of creators is to disturb the comfortable and to comfort the disturbed.
How does your creative process go when making artwork or material?
I always start with a sketch; after all, I carry a sketchbook with me at all times to capture and develop my creative ideas.
What are your primary sources of inspiration within the realm of arts or even elsewhere?
Wes Anderson has had a significant influence on my color palette and artistic style, along with other talented artists such as Yuko Shimizu, Terdtanwa Kanama, and Damien Kempf.
Films also play a pivotal role in my creative process, with favorites like The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) and Parasite (2019) inspiring me.
In fact, I often find myself most creatively-charged after watching a captivating film or series.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring or new creators, what would it be?
Never stop creating. Even a simple dot on a sketchbook is always a good start.
Or if you could, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Trust your gut.
Why did you decide to join Likhaan?
Likhaan provides a platform for Filipino artists, like myself, to showcase our art on an international level, giving us the confidence to share our creative expressions with the world.
It's a shining example of a platform that amplifies artists' voices and allows their art to be heard.
