BIO

My name is Ehrald Solana, but my friends call me Blu. In my formative years, drawing cartoons, anime, and fantasy were sometimes my past time; and I found the process of drawing very entertaining and transformative. My experience making art has definitely shaped me in many ways. It's made me more patient and detail-oriented. It has also helped me prioritize tasks while still having a good look at the bigger picture. Art has been a massive part of my life since I was little.

Since art has always been my inclination and where I excel the most, I thought about what career to pursue in college, and Fine Arts was my choice. But for economic reasons, I embarked on a Bachelor's in Secondary Education, majoring in Music, Art, Physical Education, and Health. During that time, I fell in love with various art forms. I worked hard to develop paintings that spoke to me. I honed my skills by painting portraits and landscapes using different media, such as oil and charcoal pencil, and made some collections of my artwork and exhibited them in my school.

 

However, after I graduated, I had to focus on teaching due to my circumstances. I taught in the Philippines for two years and taught in Thailand and Vietnam, and I did not engage in painting for approximately six years. In 2020, I decided to study graphic design; the same year, I immigrated to the United States and continued my study online. Also, I had time and have created various decorative art pieces out of recycled materials. But the more I engaged in it, the more I strongly desired to expand my general knowledge of art. So, I am currently pursuing my Master of Fine Arts program and have produced watercolor portraits and landscapes. It's always been my dream, and I am so glad that I am in the place where I am heading to where my passion is. I feel so blessed and thankful from above that He's there to lighten me along my journey. 

 

What drives me as an artist is that because of the genuine friends and my other half who pushed me in this direction. My motivation is simply inner satisfaction to myself, and there is joy; in a way, I feel like it is part of me that I conceive my artwork through my heart and my soul. My mother is my inspiration. 

 

The program has helped me broaden my understanding and views of art history and how vital contemporary art is in our society—and knowing that the technical detail is not essential as long as you can express yourself beyond likeness and express what is in your heart. I think that's the most important. It helps me be artistically free and see the world through different views and perspectives. All the while, I am delighted with my study and feel embraced by my professors, who are helping me grow and believe in myself.

 

My current project, 'MaMa,' inspired by my mother, includes six thematic elements incorporating mixed media and installation. My interest in the subject and my technique defined the overall editorial identities of the collection. The cohesive assembly is seriously painted with sentiment, values, care, and love. In this series, my paintings convey a feeling of self-value, kindness, and compassion. I don't only stick to one medium, but I also enjoy using mixed media and finding creative ways to incorporate my vision. So, I'm constantly recreating my artistic designs. And I'm looking forward to bringing my vision to fruition on my next project.