20-year-old artist from Camarines Sur learns to paint hyperrealistic images during pandemic

John Jeff Camasis has always liked drawing since he was young, but he learned how to paint hyperrealistic images only during the pandemic.

According to Oscar Oida’s “24 Oras” report Wednesday, Camasis, 20, found some of his old art materials during the lockdown and decided to draw.

“Simula po kasi noong mag-lockdown, wala akong magawa sa bahay,” he said. “Hindi ko po alam na ganun ang kalalabasan ng gawa ko.”

[Since the lockdown began, there was nothing to do at home. I didn’t know that that’s how my work would turn out.]

Among his most popular hyperrealistic paintings are those that show plants and leaves.

The Buhi, Camarines Sur-based artist said leaves were his favorite subjects because his mother liked plants.

Camasis also said his works had a deeper meaning and reflected what was happening in the world.

Describing one of his paintings that showed rotting leaves, he said: “Tungkol ’yun sa paghihirap ng tao. ’Yun ’yung napili kong simbolo. Halimbawa ngayon may pinagdadaanan tayong pandemic. Marami ngayong nahihirapan, sabi ko parang tayo rin ’yung dahon na ’yun.”

[It’s about the suffering of man. That’s the symbolism I chose. Like now wer are going through a pandemic. Many people are going through hardships now, I said that leaf is just like us.]

After sharing his creations on social media, the artist got lots of inquiries and commissions, which helped him earn money for their daily expenses.

However, what’s more important for him is the happiness he feels when his work gets recognized.

“Masaya po kasi may nakapansin doon sa gawa ko,” he said. “Kahit hindi na ako makilala, basta ’yung gawa ko, makita nila, ma-appreciate nila.”

[I’m happy that someone noticed my work. Even if I don’t get recognized, as long as they see my work and appreciate it.]

In September, Camasis is set to have a one-man show at a bookstore in Naga City. – RC, GMA News