An Update on Artist on a Mission, Kristine Lim;
through an exclusive interview with the person who continued to witness her journey
In the world of art, a fast rising name in the international scene continues to emerge: the Artist on a Mission, Kristine Lim. Her incredible, distinct and deeply rooted creations inspire anyone who sees them. But what makes her journey an even more interesting testament is through the words and stories of the person who believed in her and her mission as an artist when no one else did.
Meet Direk Ariel Atendido, a key part of Kristine Lim’s amazing story and journey; a friend who saw her talent before people refused to do so.
Direk Ariel, now in charge of Mrs. Lim’s projects as her Projects Director and Producer. He played a crucial role in bringing Kristine’s art back after a ten-year hiatus from the art scene. This interview with Direk Ariel Atendido gives us a 1st hand update and the most important glimpses into Kristine Lim’s fast paced world that is now catapulting her and her legacy from county to country all over the globe.
Interviewer: Hi Direk Ariel! Nice to have you here. Please introduce yourself and what’s your role in Kristine Lim’s life as an artist and as an individual.
Direk Ariel: Hi! I’m Ariel Atendido. I am an Events Director. I am also a person of faith. I believe in the gifts of others and use that positivity to compel them to do greater things. I believe I did what needed to be done with Kristine. She was down, most especially with the death of her son John. I wanted to support her back then. I helped with the wake and cremation of her son. It was a troublesome time, but I was convicted by God to stand by her when she decided to go back to art… so what I did next was out of my comfort zone: I curated and produced an art exhibit that I never had an experience of doing, and helped her back up to her feet and fix things for her calling, which is to not only be an artist but a missionary visual artist.
Interviewer: How is it like working with Artist on a Mission, Kristine Lim?
Direk Ariel: Working with Artist on a Mission, Kristine Lim, has been a blessed journey. To see her devotion to her faith and artistic calling shines brightly, and it’s a privilege to witness God’s work through her creative endeavors. Together, we walk the path of purpose, spreading His love and light. She possesses a strong expertise in various artistic and cultural domains, including painting, art installation, photography, graphic design, sculpture, printmaking, and creative writing. She’s also very patriotic. She finished her basic citizen military course with Class 5 and is now a reserve in the Philippine Navy.
Her activeness in print, electronic, and online media also shows just how dedicated she is to spread her message across. Her works, such as that of the Portraits of Christ, which was a great installation to reflect on, literally, was featured by CNN. She is very passionate and I believe that is a very steadfast and deeply rooted Christian-like trait to have in times where you feel down or persecuted by this world, which all of us are.
Interviewer: What inspired you to curate and produce Kristine Lim’s comeback solo-art exhibit after her 10-year-hiatus from the art scene?
Direk Ariel: So, it was 2020, and she was looking for someone who would want to organize, or curate as they call it, her exhibit. She had nobody to go to. Her son had just died that time, so I figured I could help. With God’s guidance since it was my first time doing this sort of thing. What inspired me to curate Kristine Lim’s comeback solo-art exhibit was a strong sense of conviction that her unique artistic voice, combined with her deep Christian faith, had the potential to create a profound impact on both the art world and the hearts of those who experience her work. I felt that time this unexplainable magnitude of what’s to come, and I knew God wanted me to step up: Despite the challenges and the uncharted territory, I felt a calling to support her in sharing her message of faith, hope, and transformation through her art. It was a step of faith for both of us, and I was guided by the belief and conviction that her artistic comeback will be a powerful testament for everyone.
Interviewer: Can you share more about the Almost There art exhibit and its significance, particularly in relation to Kristine’s faith journey?
Direk Ariel: The ‘Almost There’ art exhibit holds profound significance in Kristine’s faith journey. It symbolizes her unwavering trust in God’s guidance through life’s trials. Just as she persevered through challenges in her hiatus, the exhibit reflects her spiritual journey of drawing closer to her Creator. She was literally almost there, and now she is there. The artworks within that exhibit resonate with themes of hope, resilience, and the presence of the Divine. It’s a testament to how God’s grace carries us through, even when we feel “almost there,” reminding us that He is always with us on the journey.
Just like what she just said recently. She was a finalist in Ten Outstanding Young Men 2022. She said “sayang!” I said, well, it’s better than not being there. At least you were almost there… let’s try again this year!”
Interviewer: How did Kristine Lim’s personal experiences influence her artistic expression and mission as a visual artist?
Direk Ariel: You know, Kristine’s personal experiences, like the loss of her son, have deepened her connection with God. Through her art, she channels emotions and faith, offering comfort and healing to others. Her mission works now bear a more profound purpose – to share God’s love and bring hope, showing that even in pain, His light shines brightly in what she’s doing right now.
If we can observe, she themes her major exhibits. Almost there since she was not quite there yet, then she soared, going up, then advancing towards the next steps to become an artist on a mission to spread the Word of God to all nations, to Kuwento ng Alon which symbolizes the echoes of her message.
Her exhibits are very personally influenced by her faith and this shows, just like how her exhibit Advancing in Art Lounge Manila and Makati City got sold out. People were also captivated because she radiated that positive energy.
Interviewer: Could you elaborate on the role of faith in Kristine’s creative process and how it is reflected in her artworks?
Direk Ariel: Faith is the cornerstone of Kristine’s creative process. It’s the brushstroke that guides her hand, infusing each artwork with a message of God’s grace and truth. Her creations become vessels of spiritual connection, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journey and find inspiration in the divine.
Interviewer: Outside this interview, you mentioned that Kristine had a “calling from God” to dedicate her whole life to Him. Can you share the details of that transformative moment and its impact on her mission as an artist?
Direk Ariel: Certainly, according to her, Kristine’s calling to join God’s family was a pivotal moment during a sermon by Pastor Patrick Mercado at Every Nation, Taguig. In that divine encounter, she felt a profound sense of purpose to become part of God’s family.
This calling ignited her to becoming one with God, shaping her character which ultimately culminated in 2020 when her son died. It was a climax, a sort of explosion of purpose. Now, her artworks inspire faith, hope, and transformation in others, reflecting the love and grace she found in her own journey with Christ.
Now look at her today. An exemplary pioneer in missionary visual art and cultural sustainability according to Metro and a “hero of the year” by Gawad Pilipino: two high awards and achievement that create more credibility and space for her to do philanthropic and charitable works in the name of God.
Interviewer: What specific aspects of Kristine’s upbringing and education contributed to her strong work ethic and commitment to her faith-driven mission?
Direk Ariel: As per what Kristine shared, her upbringing rooted in Christian values and education has nurtured a resilient spirit. Her dedication is a testament to the seeds of faith planted early, blossoming into a commitment to honor God through her talents. Institutions like Sto. Niño Preparatory and Miriam College nurtured her strong work ethic. She shared that she wasn’t always like this. It was only later that she began to lean in the visual arts, and she was good with it.
In fact, Lim’s teachers in elementary and high school took notice and would make her sign art-related school projects for them to keep. These aspects ignited her commitment to a faith-driven mission, exemplified by her endeavors in Payatas and her dedication to art workshops, outreach, and philanthropy. This foundation, combined with her artistic journey, fuels her unwavering mission to spread God’s light and love through her creative endeavors.
Interviewer: Could you provide more insight into Kristine’s artistic techniques?
Direk Ariel: I can only try to quote Cid Reyes and Rcky Francisco to describe Kristine’s artistic techniques. They said Kristine likes to “blend natural textures and graphite pentimento, mirroring the layers of one’s spiritual journey.” Just as textures merge to form a masterpiece, our lives, marked by trials and blessings, weave a story of God’s grace. Her artworks resonate with depth, inviting viewers to contemplate their own narrative within the divine context, and inspiring a closer walk with God.
Interviewer: How has Kristine’s transition from a freelance photographer to a full-fledged artist been guided by her Christian faith and values?
Direk Ariel: Her transition embodies faith’s transformative power. Guided by Christian values, she embraced a purpose-driven path. Her journey from photography to art reflects God’s hand shaping her talents. Through her creative expressions, she radiates the light of Christ, inspiring others to find their true calling and dedicate their gifts to His glory.
Sometimes I think that, maybe that time in 2010 when she joined a group exhibit in My Little Art Space in San Juan, that was already God’s teaser for her. She did that just before she went into that 10-year hiatus. Perhaps, God planted those seeds for her to transition into this type of artist we know today.
Interviewer: Can you share some examples of the faith-driven outreach initiatives and art workshops that Kristine has been involved in?
Direk Ariel: Her faith-driven outreach initiatives are a central part of her mission as the “Artist on a Mission.” She has conducted art workshops that intertwine creative expression with spiritual growth, allowing participants to explore their faith through art. These workshops serve as a platform for sharing Christ’s love and inspiring others to use their talents for meaningful, God-centered endeavors. Additionally, her fundraising events for the less fortunate reflect her commitment to making a positive impact on communities, aligning perfectly with her Christian values and the overarching theme of her artistic journey.
There was also this instance that in October 2021, her first solo auction was sold out. Guess where 100% of the proceeds went? A foundation called Malasakit sa Bayan. That signifies her intention of using art as a way to give back to the community.
Interviewer: In what ways has Kristine’s “Artist on a Mission” initiative impacted local and international communities, particularly those less fortunate?
Direk Ariel: Kristine’s “Artist on a Mission” initiative has left an indelible mark on both local and international communities, particularly those less fortunate. Her faith-driven outreach, like the Payatas mission works and scholarship programs last 2007, has brought tangible change to underserved areas. By donating art supplies, creating playgrounds in Davao, Pangasinan, Samar, Marinduque, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and supporting Artist on a Mission center developments such as that in Ethnos in Palawan, she embodies the Christian principle of selfless giving. She also had her artworks featured in some local Aesca scarves and Katinko art boxes, which inspires people to reflect on it and create positive change.
Her international exhibits like Kuwento ng Alon further amplify her message, inspiring diverse audiences to reflect on faith and God’s grace.
Interviewer: In line with that, could you tell us more about the Kuwento ng Alon international tour and exhibit, and how it aligns with Kristine’s mission?
Direk Ariel: Sure, the Kuwento ng Alon international tour and exhibit stand as a testament to Kristine’s unwavering faith and artistic mission. She wants to connect people through music and the arts. This remarkable journey has taken her artworks to embassies and consulates worldwide, sharing her message of hope and inspiration across cultures, just like in Sydney last February.
Then there was her exhibit in Beijing last July where it became an exclusive exhibit for ASEAN heads, ambassadors, and their wives. On top of that quick exhibit in the NCCA gallery, this is a pretty big feat for an artist of her degree. Just goes to show how God is backing her up.
The exhibit will continue its course this month in the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, London, Paris, and eventually in September in Dubai, reflecting her commitment to touching hearts on a global scale.
This aligns perfectly with Kristine’s calling to be an “Artist on a Mission,” as her art becomes a vessel for Christ’s love and a bridge for spiritual connection, reaching souls far beyond borders.
Interviewer: What does it mean for Kristine Lim to be recognized as the Gawad Pilipino Ambassador for Arts, Culture, and Women Empowerment?
Direk Ariel: Being recognized as the Gawad Pilipino Ambassador for Arts, Culture, and Women Empowerment is a divine affirmation of Kristine’s mission. It signifies God’s approval of her dedication to using art as a vessel to spread His light, inspire cultural enrichment, and empower women. This honor validates her faith-driven journey and underscores the impact of her creative endeavors in aligning with God’s purpose.
Not to mention she already had a plethora of awards and recognitions back then. She was the keynote speaker at the Global Women Who Rule 2022, with her speech called “When a Demanding Woman Faces a Demanding God.” It was a genius way of telling people about her and what to do when faith and self-interests collide. She was also featured as the cover story for Sunday Times and Art & Lifestyle-slash-Cid’s Art+Lifestyle magazines last August 2022 and September 2022 respectively.
Interviewer: How do you envision Kristine Lim’s future endeavors, both in terms of her art and her Christian mission?
Direk Ariel: I see Kristine Lim’s future endeavors as a continuous journey guided by God’s hand. Her art will remain a beacon of faith, drawing from her unique techniques like blending textures and graphite pentimento. In line with her mission, she’ll expand outreach initiatives, conducting art workshops and sharing Christ’s love.
I also envision a Kristine who joins group exhibits to motivate people to do the same as she did with her art: using it as a means to inspire love to the community. I remember when she joined Hiraya with her Christian+Collective friends and Tomorrow Will be Colorful when she was just revving up her artistic career again back in December 2021. It was a very Christian collaboration that helped her get back on her feet.
With international exhibitions like Kuwento ng Alon, her influence will grow, touching more lives and fostering unity across cultures. As the Gawad Pilipino Ambassador and Asia’s Most Remarkable and Inspiring Missionary Visual Artist, as deemed for her in the 5th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards, she’ll continue to empower women, leaving an indelible mark through her artistic expressions, all reflecting the grace and purpose of her Christian faith.
Interviewer: Can you provide some examples of the challenges Kristine has faced in balancing her artistic career with her faith-driven initiatives?
Direk Ariel: Certainly, Kristine has faced challenges in aligning her artistic career with her faith-driven initiatives. Her hiatus from the art scene was a test of patience, yet it culminated in the impactful “Almost There” exhibit, reflecting God’s timing. Then came “Soar”, then “Kuwento ng Alon.” Balancing art and faith-led mission works required divine guidance, seen in her dedication to workshops and fundraising for the less fortunate. Her journey also presented personal trials, like the loss of her sons, which strengthened her reliance on God’s grace and inspired her artworks. Through these challenges, she exemplifies the Christian principle of persevering in faith amidst life’s complexities.
Interviewer: What message or inspiration do you hope people take away from Kristine Lim’s journey as the “Artist on a Mission”?
Direk Ariel: In Kristine Lim’s journey as the “Artist on a Mission,” I pray that people see the power of faith and creativity intertwined. May her story inspire others to embrace their unique gifts, guided by God’s hand. Let her art remind us that challenges can lead to triumph, and every stroke can carry a message of hope and transformation. Just as Kristine’s dedication to her Christian mission has touched lives, may we too find purpose in serving, using our talents for His glory, and spreading His love in every creative endeavor.
To end this interview, on March 27, 2022, she had these paintings presented to Inner Wheel Philippines. It was for the inauguration of their National Head Office, and these artworks were contributed from the private collection of Kristine’s patrons, the Golez family. They were named “Wisdom to Surrender I” and “II.” That kind of name should tell you what kind of person she is. Perhaps it tells a lot of us what to do.
We should have the wisdom to surrender ourselves, or we won’t make positive change in life.
Interviewer: If it’s okay for you to disclose, what are the future plans of Artist on a Mission, Kristine Lim, as she follows this path?
Direk Ariel: I’m so glad you asked. She’s actually working on the KAWANGIS Artist on a Mission Museum and Gallery in Ethnos Training Center, Palawan. She wants to further advocate for ethnic people so that our Filipino culture, heritage, and identity won’t go to waste. This museum and gallery would do just that so that people would remember what we’re living for; a sort of a grassroots level of looking back. Kristine also envisions this as an ultimate suitable project where sustaining and elevating the identities of the indigenous people will go hand in hand in giving them a sustainable source of income that is relevant to today’s world; giving them more skills and opportunities where they can be proud to step out of the world as members of the indigenous community in the Philippines who can do so much more. She will also continue helping people and spreading news of the Gospel, as usual, through sponsorships, charity works, and more. This Artist On A Mission museum and gallery is the first but we hope to duplicate this in other IP areas in the country for the next years to come.
She will continue to visit Basilan, Sulu, and Zamboanga for some of her responsibilities in the Philippine Navy as a reservist goodwill ambassador for culture and arts. Our whole team is actually proud of her for this because she’s following her dreams and inspiring people at the same time, especially in rebel and conflict affected areas. She is God’s soldier after all.
Kristine also has another project which will unfold from 2023 to 2028 called Bridging Horizons: Naval Cultural Exchange Thru Arts. The Philippine Navy and the International Relations Council of the City of Manila, In a span of five years from 2023 to May 2028, Councilor Numero “Uno” G. Lim, together with Kristine will be visiting as many Embassies as they can here in the Philippines, as well as Government Institutions, Agencies, and even Naval Bases, in other countries. In every visit, a masterpiece of Kristine will be gifted to the hosting country, or dignitary, as a sign of our steadfast relationship with them. I can see that Kristine and her works will contribute greatly in strengthening, the diplomatic efforts of the country through the cultural and artistic exchange, I believe that her art and exhibits for this project will become platforms where the exchange of art and other aspects of culture can be done with other nations and their peoples in order to foster mutual understanding while she contributes to the civil-military operation efforts in our country. We will have an international launch for Bridging Horizons at the Metropolitan Theatre this October 11, the same day as her birthday.
Overall, she’s continuing on doing God’s work through more exhibits and projects that help people reflect so that they can do good and better things for the community. She’s creating sustainable actions that can foster newer generations to give back peace, hope, and God’s love to this troubled world.
Interviewer: That is so nice to know about her!Any final thoughts before we end this interview?
Direk Ariel: Everything that Kristine did, from her childhood to adulthood, has led her to this. She was down in the past but she picked herself up with God’s help and guidance. I believe that without God, nothing about this whole Artist on a Mission career would have been possible. Kristine is not only a follower but an obedient servant. She knows the word “surrender” to the core. I’ve seen how she continuously surrender to God. I’ve seen her obey even if it would go against her will, and even if it hurts her already, but she really is someone who does her mission for the Lord that goes beyond her, and even our, understanding.
I am thankful she chose this path. If it were another path, I wouldn’t have witnessed a constant walking reminder of God’s grace and guidance. It’s as if everything that she does works wonderfully. There’s a guiding force behind it.
As I wrap up, I want people to understand that while we are technically not required to do good works for us to go to heaven, we should still put effort into Christian-like thoughts and activities that would help the next generation move in benefit of their society. So much thought has been put into selfish things. We, as children of God, should embrace unselfishness, above all.
Kristine Lim has that quality. She found a way to use her artistic talents so that people would know God. I can only pray that whoever encounters this interview would be equally inspired to do the same.
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Direk Ariel Atendido was interviewed last August 17, 2023, via Zoom, while in San Francisco, USA during Kristine Lim’s Kuwento Ng Alon international exhibit tour.
Photos Courtesy of: Kristine Lim’s Team and Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco