Filipino Artists Association of Sweden
A community for emerging and established Filipino artists in Sweden
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We are growing!
Meet our New members &
our Featured Artist below! 🎨
Our latest member
- Welcome Dianne!
In April 2026, Dianne will participate in Salon International d’Art Contemporain in Milan.
Dianne Lane Co Tvärne
Our recently joined members
- Welcome Katrina & Jullianne!
Katrina Larida
Jullianne Jabol
Our Featured Artist this season!
"Spotlight on an artist, mother & dreamer.
Her works speak in color, her stories live in texture."
by Aya Askert
Heaven
Break Free
What do you do on days when inspiration doesn’t come—do you wait, push through, or find it in unexpected places?
I've learned to see those moments not as a lack of inspiration, but as a natural part of the creative cycle. For me, inspiration isn't a constant flame; it's something that ebbs and flows. On those days when it doesn't come, I don't force it. I allow myself to rest and simply live my life.
I'll often take a break and find inspiration in the everyday moments: I might enjoy nature, play sports, or just be present with my son. By stepping away and letting go of the pressure to create, I find that new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose often return in unexpected places. It's a reminder that my art is a reflection of my life, and sometimes the best thing I can do is simply live it.
If your paintings could whisper a secret to the viewer, what do you think they would say?
They would whisper that they were painted in moments of stillness found within a life of beautiful chaos. As an IT director and a hockey mom, my days are a constant motion. The secret my paintings hold is that they are my sanctuary - a quiet space where I can process the world around me. They'd tell you they aren't just images, but a collection of feelings and memories: the cold of a Swedish morning, the warmth of a shared laugh, or a memory from my childhood in the Philippines. They are my truth, painted one quiet moment at a time.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with someone who feels the urge to create but hasn’t yet found the courage to start?
My advice is simple: take the leap. The first stroke is always the hardest, but once you start, the fear begins to fade.
Forget about what others might think or whether your work is "good enough." Instead, create what your heart tells you. Your art is a conversation between your heart and your hands. It's a space where you can express yourself without judgment. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece, but to find the courage to begin. The rest will follow.
Embracing Freedom
How has being part of the Filipino Artists Association of Sweden shaped or influenced your creative journey?
Being part of the Filipino Artists Association of Sweden has been transformative. It has provided me with a wonderful community that understands the unique balance between our heritage and life in Sweden.
The association has been a vital platform for growth and exploration, giving me the courage to share my art and push beyond my comfort zone. It has shown me that art isn't just a solo pursuit; it's about the connection, shared passion, and encouragement found within a supportive community of fellow Filipino artists.
When you step back from a finished canvas, how do you know it’s truly complete—and not just “paused” in its journey?
I know a painting is truly complete when my heart and soul tell me it is. It’s not about following a plan or a specific number of hours. When I step back, I listen for a certain feeling - a sense of quiet satisfaction.
It's a moment when the conversation between me and the canvas feels finished, and everything feels balanced and in place. The piece has told its story, and there's nothing left to say. For me, a painting isn't truly complete until I sign it. That signature is my final act of acknowledging that the journey is over and the piece is ready to be shared with the world.
What’s a recent moment—big or small—when you felt especially proud to call yourself an artist?
The moment I felt most proud to call myself an artist was when I had the courage to exhibit my art for the very first time. This first-ever exhibit was with the Filipino Artists Association of Sweden. Seeing my creations - especially my mixed media and textured pieces inspired by nature—displayed on a wall for others to see was a profound experience.
It wasn't just about sharing my art; it was about fully embracing my identity as an artist. In that moment, it felt like more than just a hobby I did in my spare time—it was a part of who I am. Sharing that part of myself with the world filled me with an immense sense of pride.
Your grandmother, the renowned National Artist in the Philippines for Dance, Lucrecia Reyes Urtula, has an incredible legacy. How has her journey influenced your own creative path?
My grandmother's legacy has always been a powerful presence in my life. She was an enigma, a figure who exuded incredible confidence and mastery in her craft, and I am so deeply proud of her. Her spirit is the reason I have always felt like an artist, even from a very young age.
While her medium was dance and mine is painting, the core principles she embodied are the same. It's not just about the final product, but about savoring the journey itself - the passion, the discipline, and the pursuit of expressing something from the heart. Her unwavering dedication and the sheer joy she found in her work are a constant source of inspiration. She taught me that true artistry is about embracing your craft and sharing it with the world unapologetically, and for that, I am forever grateful.
"Art is not just about pretty things.
It’s about expressing what you feel, what you see, and what you believe in."
--BenCab