“Art means a lot to me,” said everyone and I don’t blame them or think they’re being pretentious for doing so. Art is something out of the ordinary; in a world where we’re constantly run down by numbers and deadlines, we turn to art to remind us that there’s still an abundance of beauty and meaning out there.

To be honest, the concept of art is something I can go on about since my undergraduate thesis is actually about how we can use the things we consider as art to connect with people. That said, if I were to add to my conclusion on it, I’d say that one of the most touching gestures you could do is to go out of your way to share these things with someone. And so, here’s a list to give to the special people in your life.

Portrait artwork

People can be works of art. When I say this, I’m not pertaining to those who are attractive; what I mean is that each one of us can be overflowing with meaning and, consequently, beauty. A part of this also means that not everyone will see these in us and vice-versa. Nevertheless, we can show someone that we see the beauty in them and even how we see it in them through portrait art.

Sure, you could have a picture printed and framed, but in the age of Instagram, it’s hard to see its novelty. If you have the time and resources, you can commission a budding artist to creatively depict your loved one. It’s basically a win-win situation.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1-g73En-sw/

Local Contemporary Paintings

For those are reading this who still have no idea what to give an art junkie friend, know that our local art scene has really been the most abundant and interesting to look at these days.

@Artworkzph on Instagram has an extensive selection of well-known Filipino artists like Manuel Baldemor and Joseph Hilario. Inquire via direct message to find out more about the prices.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4t8Fq2nYL5/

For that friend who’s into landscape and flora paintings, try taking a look at The Pan Brush Ph:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2qfb_1F8uB/

@Artschampagne is a promising young painter who admittedly translates her mysterious dreams into abstract mixed-media paintings. Prices start at P 1,000.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1QLRwIB89R/

Framed intricate scarves from Yana Ofrasio, Jeffrey Sisican’s trademark mixed-media collages and more are up for grabs at @artmartph on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5RvESznZMH/

Though, you can see for yourself and possibly purchase @artpickerph x @artmartph ‘s All I Want for Christmas is Art bazaar on Dec.1. at One Mckinley Place

Pottery and Sculptures

Giving someone some multidimensional pieces could really show them that you don’t mind going through all the trouble for them. From finding a piece that goes well with their current obsessions to even wrapping a—more often than not—oddly shaped item, everything screams ‘effort’ so I highly suggest taking a look at the following shops.

These flower pots from Plantpornph are ingenious and compelling pieces that I would gladly put on the top of my wish list if only I was living by myself (or if my parents weren’t so conservative).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxtjANjB7kJ/

Emerging contemporary sculptor, JP Duray’s comical and eyebrow-raising representations are also up for grabs from Artmartph

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5XAzWpHStI/

On the other hand, if you’re looking for classic brass sculptures you might want to check out Artpickerph’s offering of veteran multidisciplinary artist, Angel Cacnio’s works (Fun fact: He was the artist who designed the old P20 and P100 banknotes).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5CcbarHuV4/

Stationary Art

Stationary art is the most convenient present to give someone. We’re sure that you’ve made a lot of new friends this year—possibly to the point that it might be hard to come up with the right gift for each. But the creative and budget-friendly stationeries offer a lot of options for virtually anyone.

8bitfiction’s video-game inspired artwork has probably made an appearance or two in your timeline. While they’ve also released ebooks, they’re now also selling stickers and bookmarks of their digital art. You can order their wisdom-filled art like this through their online account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B18vo_BB3ss/

And, of course, you can count on the well-crafted and unique postcards of Cynthia Bauzon-Arre to flawlessly spruce up any message or greeting you would want to deliver. You can buy these postcards at the Common Room Ph’s branches all over the metro.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0qfAFhn9lw/

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