Maria Conception Talinao, aka Connie Cabalar is what you call a traditional realist visual artist. Her goal is to be as realistically as she can be on color choices, subject matter, and what type of brush strokes she applies to the canvas. It is her aim to represent the art subject clearly so that viewer would know what they are looking at. Her choice of medium is in charcoal, pastel, acrylic, and oil. Her fave’s are in portraiture, landscape art, figures, still life, and sometimes, she dabbles in abstract.
Here is an introduction to the artist where Connie shares the story of her art journey, artistic voice and lastly, her inspiration:
Connie was born in Makati City on December 8, 1976 but grew up in Sta. Ana, Taguig City. Her art beginnings started for her at an early age. Born out of poverty, she used art with the intention to divert her mind from hunger and the realities of a hard life.
She would have given anything to get into Fine Arts in college but like most other Filipino youngsters whose families faced financial setbacks; she had to give her dream up and follow a different path. She then enrolled at the Pasig Catholic College and took a course in Business Administration major in computer management. While in college, she had to work to support her studies and slowly forgot about her love of art.
But in 2011, art came creeping back to her— badgering her to give it one more try. She was one of those people who have always identified themselves as an artist. So no matter how hard they try to go the normal route of what’s life expect them to do, they will always find a way to do what they are passionate about.
Her hardest challenge is not getting the formal training and education in fine arts. However, at the same time; it serves as an inspiration. Every time there’s a new trial for her, she is pushed to excel. Whenever she is faced with another blank canvas, there’s always that dare to come up with something better than her previous work. In the back of her mind, she feels the fulfillment of finishing the painting with a sense of pride which inspires her even more.
Different artists may have different sources of fulfillment in what they do but for her, the greatest reward is when she sees and hears people appreciate her work after hours and effort that she invested in her craft are all worth the time.
Connie is living her dream. However, her ultimate wish is to be recognized for her art and would ultimately like to inspire others to follow their dream. She said, when she becomes an established artist, she wishes to give back through outreach works and free workshops. Because for her undying service, this will be the greatest accomplishment and that is sharing what God has given to her.
She is the current seating president of Filipino Artist Realist Movement (FA:RM). She has participated in many art group shows since she began her art journey. Last March 2014, she had her first solo exhibit called “PassionArtility” – Art Association of the Philippines-Kanlungan ng Sining.
***A Selection of Connie Cabalar’s Art Masterpieces***
(Please click on each image to view an enlarged version)
Images used with permission.
