Seeking the World with Filipina Artists Gayle Belvis and Ella Castro
This International Women’s Month, we spoke with two Filipina artists on their daunting yet fulfilling journey of pursuing an arts degree in a foreign country
Words Mika Geronimo
Featured photo courtesy of Gayle Belvis
March 7, 2024
Every artist, regardless of their chosen medium, has likely heard at least once in their life that pursuing art requires an unwavering commitment and passion. It's a journey that demands dedication despite the perceived lack of stability and structure. Art, after all, is ignited by passion. However, even flames can burn out.
This is why the idea of pursuing art, especially in a foreign country, often seems like an unattainable dream. Yet, for Filipina artists Gayle Belvis and Ella Castro, these dreams have become a reality. However, their respective journeys abroad were far from easy.
Far from Overnight
Berlin-based photographer Gayle Belvis embarked on her pursuit of studying abroad at the age of 13, driven by a passion for exploring the world. After nearly eight years of thorough research on degree programs and visa requirements, and a brief fashion design stint in the Philippines, Gayle returned to her first love: photography. Her journey included participating in the au pair program and securing a photography merit-based scholarship, challenging the assumption that success is solely achieved through wealth.
Circling back to where it all started
Texas-based composer and conductor Ella's love for music blossomed unexpectedly in a science high school. Despite setbacks, such as switching to a Physics major and facing academic challenges, her passion for music continued to grow. The pandemic presented an unexpected opportunity for her to audition for master programs abroad, ultimately earning a scholarship and assistantship at Northwestern State University.
Adulting Woes
Both Gayle and Ella faced adult responsibilities beyond academics, dealing with taxes, bills, and rent while navigating life in a foreign country. Language differences, visa compliance, and occasional encounters with racism added extra layers of complexity. The unspoken pressure of representing their home country and meeting international student expectations further intensified their challenges.
"It seems as if failing is not an option. When you encounter defeat, that’s adding another semester to your worries," Ella expressed.
However, Ella emphasized that despite the difficulties, one is never truly alone. Colleagues, mentors, and peers become a new family. The circumstance of being alone abroad offers a chance for self-reflection, building self-worth and confidence.
Constant Reinvention
Pursuing art abroad provides the opportunity for constant reinvention. For Gayle, who has explored various art forms from fashion design to mixed media art and film, each platform has given her art a distinct identity. She believes being an artist requires flexibility, similar to researching the right overseas programs. Establishing a unique style or niche takes time and progress.
Basking in the Dream
Currently, Gayle is pursuing her undergraduate degree at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, while Ella is working towards her Doctorate in Musical Arts for Orchestral Conducting at the University of North Texas. Their goals are simple: happiness in their chosen paths. Gayle envisions becoming an on-field photojournalist, while Ella seeks stability and aims to give back through her music.
For both, the ultimate dream is to be content with what they do. Despite future academic achievements, they share a common desire to bring joy to their audiences and, for Ella, to indulge in the simple pleasures of home, like eating fishball again.
