In her traditional Mindanao (Philippines) ensemble and a whimsical crown crafted from gumamela blooms, variegated croton leaves, bougainvillea petals and beetle peperomiaall tropical plants she peeks out with her two trusty sidekicks.

Together they perform the classic Filipino SILIP a quick, clever check to confirm that yes, the coast is clear and the moment is ripe for an adventure!

This piece took longer than I expected. There were so many tiny details that it easily could have overwhelmed me. Instead, I just showed up each day and did what I could, little by little, until I finally reached the finish line.

Humor always finds its way into my art because its how I navigate everyday life. It keeps me grounded, it keeps me moving, and it reminds me not to take things too seriously.

*SILIP- is a Filipino word that is not easy to translate. It means to take a quick peek or glance but with a mix of curiosity, caution and humour!
*Mindanao is the secondlargest island in the Philippines, located in the southern part of the archipelago. Its one of the countrys three major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) and is known for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant indigenous traditions, and stunning natural landscapes.