We recently connected with Marconi Calindas-Cafege and have shared our conversation below.

Marconi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Well, that’s a good question. I was a writer slash journalist and marketing consultant for years when my now husband noticed my creative side as I was creating art on the side while I was doing my journalism job. I was a Marketing Consultant for a renowned auditing firm and a part time writer for a lifestyle magazine back in Manila, then I had an opportunity to work as a reporter for a leading newspaper in the Northern Mariana Islands. There, I worked full time as a reporter and suddenly had the urge to create art on the side. I immediately got the attention from organizations and a leading mall on the island. It commissioned me to create destination art on apparel to serve as souvenirs for tourists. The demand was overwhelming, hence my hubby and i decided to focus on the art business instead and I permanently left the reporting job. When we moved to San Francisco, I continued my art process and a gallery noticed me and the rest is history.

Marconi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in the beautiful islands of the Philippines. I went to school to the prestigious University of the Philippines in Los Banos, Laguna with a degree in Development Communications major in Science Communication. I was also active in a theater organization, Umalohokan back in the university where I also was part of its visual arts section, Pintados Umalohokan. I always say that I owe it to my group with my exposure to the Filipino visual arts culture that I realized I wanted to take this path eventually. With my involvement with the organization I was able to develop my artistic style or my visual aesthetics as they would say and because of that my creative style has been distinct and recognizable. One thing that will always separate me from thousands of artists is that I don’t just do or create art just for art’s sake. I will create art that will perk and create conversations and hopefully move people.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Wow, one thing that really is rewarding for taking this creative path is when people email me or pull me aside and share with me how my art has impacted them. One time I got an email from an over 60 year old man, telling me how happy he was to see my art that it had made him cry because of the messages I conveyed with my art. He shared that he grew up being bullied and as older man, still being bullied by peers that he was glad that I start the conversation now through my art. He said my art has started his healing and hopefully other’s predicament either past of present will also find peace. It’s those moments that make me feel that I am on the right track that no money can equal, that feeling of happiness that my art can also help people heal.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have always been known as an advocate for love, equality and acceptance or simply put, basic human rights. What goes on around me just inspires me to create art. I really don’t care about the money, but of course it pays the bills but the fulfillment of bringing joy and inner peace to people is what’s most important in this journey, speaking for my self.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.marconicalindas.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/marconicalindas
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marconicalindasart
• Linkedin: @marconicalindas
• Twitter: @MarconiArtist
• Youtube: @travlogadammarconi
• Other: http://www.tiktok.com/marconicalindas

Image Credits

Marconi Calindas-Cafege