10 Questions with Faith Sycaoyao

Faith Sycaoyao is a 19-year-old artist who emanates as a prodigy. She has six years of self-taught expertise encompassing 40+ art forms/techniques, making her an unprecedented young figure in the contemporary art scene. She was born in the Philippines in 2004 to a Filipino-Chinese lineage and currently resides in the United States.

While Faith diligently pursues a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration, her passion for art has burgeoned since the age of 13. She has gracefully managed her scholastic commitments with her artistic aspirations, garnered the spotlight in local art competitions, and strengthened her reputation in over 30+ media outlets with a combined audience of 700K. Her creative laurels include a feature on the UAE's leading international and premium media platform and an art magazine for the MENA region with a readership of 200k. In a Ukrainian Contemporary Art Magazine, she was the sole and pioneering Filipino artist among 30+ distinguished international artists and had her first exhibition in London.

Additionally, her artistic orbit extends beyond traditional pit stops. Her engagement with humanitarian efforts echoes in three key sectors- child empowerment, poverty alleviation, and education. These initiatives have reverberated across six continents and have etched her influence in over 100 countries. She capably governs her media presence and manages another media page as a volunteer marketing professional, amassing 30M+ impressions.

Faith's knack for philanthropy embraces and supports 12 esteemed non-profit organizations like UNICEF, Welcoming America, National Wildlife Federation, and Little Amal under the broad umbrella of the Bezos Family Foundation's program. With her aplomb in leading individuals and her consistent work in developing artworks, they have contributed over 4000+ artworks, raising $30,000 for various causes.

Touched by Faith's compassionate graphic work and earnest letters addressing young patients in San Francisco, she was awarded the President's Gold Volunteer Service Award, further burnishing her fair record. Faith also serves as the Deputy Graphics Director on the executive team of Climate Cardinals, the world's largest climate non-profit featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, advocating for environmental concerns and demonstrating her commitment to global imperatives through the lens of art.

Faith Sycaoyao's tapestry of artistic feat, committed philanthropy, and empathetic touch embolden her narrative as an extraordinary inspiration for emerging creatives, making her artistry echo with far-reaching impact and resonance.

@nclsart_official

ARTIST STATEMENT

In the artistic tapestry woven by Faith Sycaoyao, nature collides with realism, still, life merges with the human form, and aesthetics intertwine with reality. This elaborate dance results in art that beautifully captures the essence and soul of every subject authentically and pragmatically. Each piece is a testament to a living truth, a testament to understanding reality at its most profound.

Through delicate brushwork and gentle touch, Faith chronicles every instance of grace, elegance, and splendor, coalescing them into a subtle yet impactful visual narrative. In the harmonious union of classical and modern styles, her work blooms with an intricate yet appealing dichotomy that inspires and comforts viewers. The future sees Faith questing to craft art with deeper narratives that breathe life into silenced voices across the global arts community.

Faith's philosophical ruminations and convictions are etched into her art, celebrating the intrinsic beauty of the natural world and a profound understanding of humanity. She instills hope, notwithstanding the scars dealt with by certain sections of society, by illuminating overlooked stories and muted generational tales. Her ultimate endeavor is to cast a spotlight on the essence of her subjects and provide a poignant, deliberative tool for progressive changes.

In this light, each creation by Faith becomes an embodiment of her unique artistic style, echoing her deep reverence for nature. Her work, radiant with hope, beauty, and humanity, envisages a future where art transcends barriers, providing a powerful platform for voices unheard, particularly for the young generation. Their narratives, portrayed through her discerning eye, offer a potent, transformative commentary on our world.

Shades of Royalty, Graphite Sketch and Digital Art, 2023 © Faith Sycaoyao

INTERVIEW

First of all, why are you an artist, and when did you first decide to become one? You first approached art at the age of 13. What attracted you at first? And are you still following the same aspiration?

Subtly and organically, art found its way into my life, beginning as a hobby when I was just 13 years old. Although I didn't initially perceive it as something more profound, it quietly grew within me, influencing my worldview and igniting a fire of creativity.
While others may have observed my artistic talents before I fully recognized them myself, their recognition served only as a reflection of the potential that art held within me. It was because of their support that I realized the considerable capacity of art to convey moods and narratives and elicit primal responses.
There is a famous quote by Pablo Picasso that deeply resonates with me: "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." As I matured, I realized the significance of this statement. I refused to let go of that inherent artistic spark within me, even as the pressures and expectations of adulthood loomed.
Now, I view my artistic abilities as a weapon, capable of instigating positive change and inspiring goodness in the world. My passion for art has transformed from a personal endeavor to a greater calling, urging me to utilize my creative abilities as a catalyst for meaningful impact.
Through my art, I aim to shed light on important social causes and provoke thought that can drive action and change. I want my art to be a good force that engages the viewer, challenges conventional thinking, and sparks conversations that lead to progress and unity in the future.
In essence, discovering art in my life has provided me with not just a tool of personal expression but also an unparalleled sense of responsibility. It is this that fuels my desire to wield my artistic abilities as a transformative tool in the future.

You are still very young, but you already have an impressive career. How did your practice evolve over the years? And how would you define yourself as an artist today?

Thank you so much! My artistic practice has grown due to interactions and knowledge acquisition with other artists, self-learning, deep exploration, and innovative projects. I began experimenting with numerous mediums, such as graphite, watercolor, air-dry sculpting, and others, without having a clear concept of my creative voice. But technology opened further doors for me, and I began dabbling with digital art by the age of 16.
After years of practice, I found my artistic voice last year, and this year, I've embraced an enormous shift in my part-time art career. My art has led me to the realization that I want to be an artist who influences significant developments. Today, I define myself as an artist by the 3 Is: to influence, inspire, and ignite change.

What is your ultimate aim as an artist?

As an artist, my ultimate aim is to inspire profound change in the global community and deeply touch the hearts of marginalized children. I strive to empower every young generation, giving them a chance to envision a broader perspective, amplify their voices, and foster hope for the future. Through my art, I aim to provoke, soothe, and uplift, creating equal opportunities that resonate with them today and laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow.

You are a self-taught artist, yet you have mastered over 40 different techniques. How did you approach so many different techniques? And what did you learn on the journey?

As a self-taught artist, my approach to mastering over 40 different techniques has been fueled by curiosity, passion, and an eagerness to learn. I tackled each method with an open mind, relishing the challenges and exhilaration of learning something new every year.
While some techniques were relatively easier to grasp, I must acknowledge the significant role that technology has played in our generation. It has been an invaluable instrument, not just for showcasing my work, but also for exploring, experimenting with, and learning about other artistic approaches. Online instruction, digital platforms, and creative communities have supplied me with a wealth of materials and insights that have accelerated my development as an artist.
Throughout this artistic journey, I have gained a deep appreciation for the boundless possibilities art offers despite pursuing a different college degree. Each technique has not only contributed to my artistic repertoire but also shaped my outlook on life.

The Portrait of Young Queen Elizabeth II, Graphite Sketch and Digital Art, 2022 © Faith Sycaoyao

What is your creative process like? And how did you evolve this way of working?

My creative process is a harmonious marriage of traditional and digital mediums, resulting in a hybrid art form. It sometimes begins with a simple sketch in my trusty little brown sketchbook, where I let my ideas flow freely. From there, I transferred the concept to a digital platform using Autodesk Sketchbook, allowing me to enhance the rendering and bring a realistic touch to my work. This combination of traditional and digital techniques enables me to merge realities and creative sights seamlessly. The evolution of my working manner came from a subjective scrabble to choose between the boundaries of traditional and digital mediums. Instead of succumbing to the choice, I decided to embrace both worlds as well as exemplify the best of both. Additionally, my creative process incorporates photography, adding further depth and dimension to my artwork.

What are the main themes behind your work?

My artistic practice is, for the moment, grounded in the philosophy of "l'art pour l'art" - art for art's sake. As an artist, I am driven by the interplay of realism, elegance, and comfort within my creations. Realism is central to my approach, as I aim to capture subjects in a lifelike manner, paying close attention to intricate details and striving for authenticity. I also seek to infuse my artworks with a sense of grace and sophistication, employing thoughtful composition and masterful manipulation of light and shadow. In doing so, I create a visual experience that oozes timelessness and aesthetic appreciation. Furthermore, I want to create a sense of simplicity and tranquility in my creative work using features such as harmony and serenity.
While my current artistic concentration is centered on these concepts, I am excited to broaden the scope of my work. In the future, I hope to use my artistic abilities to further contribute to charitable organizations, and champion causes related to children, education, and poverty alleviation. By utilizing the power of my artwork as a platform for positive change, I hope to raise awareness, foster understanding, and contribute to the betterment of society.

You are also very active in philanthropy. How does this aspect influence your work as an artist?

As an artist, my involvement in philanthropy plays a significant role in shaping my impact beyond my artistic endeavors. While my art style remains separate from this aspect, my philanthropic efforts revolve around utilizing art as a catalyst for favorable change. Through fundraising with art, serving as a Deputy Graphics Director for Climate Cardinals, and creating graphic works for patients in California, for which I have earned the President's Gold Volunteer Service Award, among other opportunities, I consistently find myself using my artistic skills to make a difference in the world. This involvement not only allows me to contribute to causes that are meaningful to me but also provides me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, reinforcing the notion that art has the power to leave a lasting impact on society.

What do you think about the art community and market? And how did your perception change over the last years?

Throughout the years, my perception of the art community and market has transformed. I have come to recognize the immense support and appreciation within the community, embracing the excellence of both traditional and digital art forms. Traditional art mediums, especially classical art, hold a special place in my heart, always evoking a sense of admiration. Although the advent of digital techniques, computerized tools, and algorithms has revolutionized the art landscape, the community remains as supportive as ever. Nonetheless, I must address the misconceptions surrounding digital art, as some artists and fans may still harbor negative perceptions. On the other hand, I am hesitant about the recent rise of AI for art, as it seems to create an unfair dynamic for hardworking artists.

Photo Studies, Graphite Sketch, Digital Art, and Photography, 21 x 14 cm, 2022 © Faith Sycaoyao

And lastly, what are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

Currently, I am devoted to my studies and working towards enhancing my competitive and professional skills for both the artistic and corporate world. One undertaking I am involved in is my volunteer work with Climate Cardinals, a Forbes 30 Under 30 organization. As the Deputy Graphics Director, I create graphics for press releases, websites, and other content. I am excited to contribute to expanding its volunteer base of over 10,000 people in 80+ countries and translating 1,500,000 words into 100 languages.
In addition to my work with Climate Cardinals, I am a Global Team Lead for the Bezos Family Foundation's Students Rebuild program, where I donate art and raise funds. My goal is to raise at least $100,000 by next year to support environmental causes and enhance children's awareness and learning.
I am also actively involved in other volunteer activities, such as developing graphic works to inspire and reach hundreds of children, working as a Marketing Associate, advocacy, and working with other nonprofit groups. I am also focused on expanding my online presence and developing opportunities to engage with a more expansive audience.
Looking ahead, my plans are centered on my main professional goals. I strive to venture into the corporate world and find novel opportunities to push myself in a thriving environment. I aim to become connected with larger organizations and companies in the United States over the next two years. I know some may ask in mind, "How are you able to manage that?" While managing two careers may require extra effort, I am firmly devoted to every step of this journey and believe it is worth the achievement and mark I can forge.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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