In the expansive realm of art, where creativity knows no bounds, Cindel Tiausas emerges as a captivating testament to the boundless nature of inspiration

Words Julia de Armas
Feb 22, 2024

Embarking on an artistic journey that spans over three decades, Cindel Tiausas’ story is a captivating odyssey of talent, tenacity, and transformation. Her journey began at the tender age of 4 when she innocently dipped her brushes into her father's acrylics, inadvertently adding her brushstrokes to one of his already-sold paintings. This early foray into the art world foreshadowed a lifelong love affair with creativity, marked by milestones that included selling her first artwork at 16 to a collector in Miami, followed by another sale at 20 to an expatriate in Hong Kong.

Initially hesitant to follow her parents' career path, Cindel's talent and passion for art inevitably led her to pursue Arts Management in 2004. Her journey has been marked by diverse experiences, including 12 years as a senior graphic artist for New Life Philippines and, later, as Chief Operations Officer of Galerie Francesca Inc., overseeing Art Lounge Manila and Galerie Francesca's four branches.

Growing up surrounded by art, Cindel, daughter of Filipino Asian Modern and Contemporary painter Carlo Magno, had a childhood that was a unique blend of exposure to the vibrant world of creativity and the inner workings of the art industry. While many may assume that her upbringing would naturally lead to an unbridled passion for art, Cindel reveals a more nuanced perspective. “Being privy to the ‘behind-the-scenes’ work that goes into creating and selling art, I find that it takes a lot to be impressed by art, more so with my own art,” she shares. This exposure has instilled in her a deep understanding of the art world and a sense of detachment, challenging her to find her path amidst familial artistic prowess.

For Cindel, art is a conduit for translating complex human emotions into tangible expressions. She sees art as fundamental expression, using it to articulate feelings that resist verbalization, transforming them into vivid visual narratives. This emotional resonance defines her diverse artistic portfolio, reflecting the multitude of human emotions in various forms and styles.

In a world consumed by routines and demands, Cindel finds solace in creativity, likening it to an oasis amid monotony. With an unwavering belief that art exists in everything, she sees creativity as boundless, infusing life into the mundane and elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary. Fueled by curiosity and a thirst for exploration, she fearlessly embarks on diverse creative pursuits, each a unique expression of her boundless imagination. Nature is her primary muse, influencing the themes and subjects of her work. She finds inspiration in its raw power and chaotic beauty, often juxtaposing human figures with natural elements to explore the dialogue between humanity's complexities and the harmony of the natural world.

As for life events or moments of self-discovery, Cindel sees her art as a visual journal of her collective experiences. "I can’t cite a singular experience as all of my experiences, whether directly or indirectly, inform my art," she explains. "The form and mediums may change, but the place it comes from is always the same."

Cindel's repertoire of hobbies reads like a tapestry woven from the threads of diverse artistic disciplines. Her pursuits traverse an entire spectrum of creative expression from the culinary arts of cooking and baking to the visual arts of drawing and sculpting, from the tactile mastery of leathercraft and sewing to the intricate elegance of calligraphy and makeup. Yet, she does not view these endeavors as isolated islands but as interconnected facets of her artistic identity, each serving as a tool in her expansive arsenal.

“I don’t see these things as separate hobbies or crafts,” Cindel shares. "I see them as tools in my arsenal that inform the overall creative expression." This holistic approach to creativity underscores her belief in the interconnectedness of artistic disciplines. For her, learning from one medium enriches her understanding of another, creating a symbiotic relationship where ideas flow freely across boundaries. Whether molding clay into exquisite pottery or capturing fleeting moments through the lens of her camera, Cindel's diverse experiences converge to form a tapestry of inspiration and innovation.

“There is so much to draw from and learn from,” Cindel concludes, “and being constantly aware and conscious of that keeps me on my toes and gives me something to look forward to, and that is what drives me forward creatively.” In her boundless pursuit of creative expression, Cindel reminds us of the infinite possibilities that emerge when we dare to explore, experiment, and embrace the richness of our creative potential.

Don't miss out on “Sheaves of Gold,” a captivating group show featuring Cindel Tiausas originals, curated by Ricky Francisco, coming to Galerie Francesca Megamall from April 5-18, 2024.