Rachel Anne Lacaba was born and raised in Pangasinan and earned a degree in Information Technology. She is now a self-taught and full-time artist.
What inspired you to become an artist?
I started drawing when was about 5, mostly cartoon characters. Hilig kong gayahin dati iyong mga napapanood ko sa TV, si Goku, Flame of Recca, Ghost Fighter.
I remember when I was young, I also like drawing weird creatures and monsters so I wouldn’t be scared.
Habang lumalaki ako mas lalo ako nahihilig sa Art, habang tumatagal may mga nakikilala akong artist na nagiging kaibigan tapos nagshishare kami ng ideas, ng struggle sa buhay.
What was your first exhibit like?
It was in 2013 in Liongoren Gallery in Dagupan, nagkaroon kami ng groupshow “LIING”. Pangasinan word siya na ang ibig sabihin ay NAGISING. Sobrang saya. Dami ko nakilala, dami kong natutunan.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a few pieces for upcoming shows, groupshows and a two-man show.
What is your process like?
Minsan gumagawa ako ng sketch or study bago ko umpisahan yung piece. Nililista ko yung ideas na naiisip ko. I sometimes look at old magazines and images as references. Then I lie down, close my eyes and do absolutely nothing. In a few minutes, or hours, I will have the entire painting visualized in my mind, every detail.
What was the most valuable thing you learned doing your art?
Araw araw may bago akong natututunan sa Art making ko, at sa sarili ko. Natutunan ko rin na dapat magfocus ka sa sarili mong gawa at isipin kung ano pa yung mga dapat mong iimprove as an artist. Wag matakot ieexpress yung sarili mo o yung nararamdaman mo sa artwork mo.
What is your favorite piece you’ve created?
Tuwing may bago akong natatapos na piece, nagiging favorite ko siya, kaya lahat ng nagawa kong piece paborito ko. Lahat malapit sa puso ko.
What is your favorite piece by another artist?
My favorite pieces by other artists would be Lessons from the Plague Ground by Ben John Albino, God Bless Pilipinas by Jojit Solano, Lasong Dilaw by Boni De Guzman, Animal Rescue by Rodel Tapaya, Dulang Bayan by Renato Habulan, Broken Piggy Bank by Alfredo Esquillo, Karnabal by Saling Pusa, Hibi by Elmer Borlongan, Pagpasok ni Kristo sa Maynila by Manny Garibay, and Cincuenta Y Seis Años sa panahon ng Damuho’t Covid” by Deng Coy Miel.
Why do you work in the medium that you do?
I use acrylic paint. Naeenjoy ko siya gamitin, malaya gamitin. Madali matuyo.
What is your favorite place to create in?
My studio. 90% ng oras ko nasa studio ako. Malaya akong nakakapag pinta sa studio ko. Hindi ko namamalayan yung oras.