If there’s one word Janice Orara would use to describe art, it’s ‘therapy.’ Having weathered a stifling storm in her life, the Filipino artist found serenity through her creative expression. For her, the canvas is a patient listener; it enables her to share stories close to her heart and comfort the youth with the same warmth and relief she experienced in the process.
“Gusto kong maging channel or avenue do’n sa mga kabataan na kung anuman ang pinagdadaanan nila, [malaman nilang] meron at meron pa ring pag-asa; may magbibigay ulit ng kulay sa mundong ginagalawan [nila].”
[“I want my art to be a channel or avenue for young people, to let them know that no matter what they are going through, there is always hope; their world will be in color again.”]
Dreamlike, intricate, and rich in color, Orara’s visual style creates an inventive dreamscape that seamlessly blends three artistic approaches—Pointillism, Mandala, and Impressionism—into what she later coined “Pointillinage”. Her art invites viewers into her heart, offering a glimpse of the Philippine culture, including the people and places she cherishes most.
Orara, with her six siblings, was born in Olongapo City in the province of Zambales but, she was molded as an artist in Bani, Pangasinan. Her uncle Marcial Orara, a painter and muralist, opened their eyes to art at a young age, though she already had it in her as she used to draw on the sand or with pencil and pen as a kid. She only began using crayons and pastels when she started going to school. Eventually, she practiced watercolor in high school and college until she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
As she pursued her career and cared for his father, who was physically ill, she spent less and less time painting, until 14 years had passed. Her passion was only rekindled when she was invited to join the Tagnawa Bani Artist Group, an organization of artists in the municipality established by their Sangguniang Kabataan in 2023.
From art materials to exhibit opportunities, the group provided everything she needed to do what she loved. In April 2024, after establishing her name locally, she tried selling her art through online bidding which was encouraged by their founder. Her first-ever sold artwork marked a new era in her creative journey: becoming a full-time visual artist.
Orara draws inspiration from Philippine culture and weaves it into her innovative art style, with acrylic paint and canvas as her main medium. From painting the base and detailing to pointillism and final touches in her art, she hopes to showcase the beauty, values, and landscape of Bani, as she did with the first artwork to have been created about her hometown’s history, and establish her distinctive art style.
“‘Yong pinakauna ko kasing ginawang art dito [ay] based doon sa history ng bayan namin. Doon din ako nainspired [at] nandito pa rin [ang painting], katabi ko pa rin. Ayokong ibenta kasi dito ako nagstart. Kahit mawala man ako, mananatili din sa alaala ng mga taga-Bani na ako [ang] gumawa [no’n]. Ito ang iiwanan kong legacy. Ito ‘yong iiwanan kong marka sa bayan ko,” she says.
[“The first artwork that I made here is based on the history of our town. I was inspired by it and until now, the painting is here with me. I don’t want to sell it because this is where I started. Even when I’m gone, people from Bani will remember that I was the one who made it. This is what I will leave as a legacy, as a mark in my hometown.”]
She admires National Artist and Grand Old Man of Philippine Art Fernando Amorsolo for his works which depict the beauty and reality of Philippine culture. Among international artists, she has laid her eyes on Japanese contemporary icon Yayoi Kusama, also known as “the princess of polka dots”, for a long time now.
Bani is where Orara also found her advocacy—to inspire the youth who are experiencing emotional struggles like she did, especially in her hometown. This explains the reason why clients and viewers often find her art pieces dark or dim; it’s a reflection of her journey and drive to be a light in this generation.
“Kasi no’ng nagstart ako gumawa ng gano’ng art, parang nare-release lahat. Do’n ko nabubuhos ang lahat to the point na hindi ko na kumbaga dinidibdib lahat ng frustrations kasi nilalabas ko na lang sa arts. Sabi ng iba, ‘Bakit madilim?’ That signifies my struggles before,” she says.
[“When I started doing art, I was able to release everything. It’s where I pour out everything to the point that I don’t carry the weight of my frustrations anymore because I’m already releasing them through art. Others have been asking, “Why is it dark?” That signifies my struggles before.”]
Trying to redeem the time, Orara not only pours her emotions onto the canvas but also unleashes creative ideas that have been hidden for years. While 14 years may seem like a long time, the greater truth is that passion can wait, and healing is never too late. Through art, she turns negativity into positivity.
“Balikan mo kung bakit mo ginusto ‘yong paggawa ng art kasi from that moment na binalikan mo ‘yong mga ‘yon, makakakuha ka ng inspiration kung bakit kailangan mong [magpatuloy].”
[“Go back to your why—the reason why you wanted to do art—because when you do, you will get inspiration to keep moving forward.”]
Recently, Orara’s works were displayed in Pugad ni Art Studio in Baguio City last November 10, 2024. She is now preparing for her upcoming exhibit in Manila from December 2 to 12 this year. She looks forward to introducing her hometown internationally and touching more lives with her fresh and transformative art style that continually contributes to the Philippine art scene.
