Pep Manalang‘s philosophy of art-making is influenced by the concept of mindfulness. She starts with a distilled idea and a preliminary composition. By working instinctively, her process is naturally genuine and uncontrived.
She creates work in a loose but precise manner. A balancing act between opposing forces–the conscious versus the unconscious, control versus abandon. Ultimately, the process of creation is inherently worthwhile.
Materiality plays a central role in her work in the way it limits and facilitates ideas. She often uses particulate matter such as pumice, sand, and lumina. She also works with acrylic paint which enables her to make numerous, rapid changes.
