Cordillera artist Jef Cablog draws inspiration from human imperfections and nature to make art

Anatomical perfection was one of Cablog’s primary considerations in his paintings. He frequently noticed common mistakes in depicting faces, particularly the eyes and hands. “But as time passed, I realised the human body is never perfect,” he says. “Sometimes, the imperfections in a human body can be exploited by the artist to highlight what is unique and interesting in the person or subject. It’s the nuances in facial expression, body language, or composition that can draw attention, intrigue, and interest in the viewer.” 

Cablog mainly used paintbrushes, but his artistic journey took a significant turn during an artist residency programme in Brittany, France. There, a chance encounter with palette knives of varying grooves opened up new realms of texture and depth in his work. “I discovered I could achieve even more textures depending on how the grooves in the knives vary,” he recalls. 

This discovery allowed him to achieve the desired texture and thickness and significantly increased his speed. “Not only is it more convenient to change from one colour to another, but it’s also easier to clean by simply wiping off the paint from the knife without using any solvents,” he explains. This method is also safer, as it avoids the side effects associated with the long-term use of solvents.

Cablog tries to paint every day, regardless of his mood. He believes that consistency in one’s work is key to achieving mastery. “The rice terraces of Northern Philippines are known for the meticulous and painstaking process it took to build them. I adopt the same virtue of patience in every painting I make—paintings which, hopefully, will last for generations.” 

He aspires to continue creating and inspiring his viewers and to leave a legacy for the next generation: “For the Cordillera art community, I hope we continue to support each other, especially our young and emerging artists. I hope we continue our mission and dedication to preserving and promoting our local arts and culture.”

Establishing an art career is a slow process requiring much determination. Competition and standing out from all the rest are also tough. “My biggest challenge and motivation is innovating my work, improving my technical skills, and coming up with unique ideas, subjects, or concepts while retaining my identity,” says Cablog. “Finding constant inspiration is also a major challenge, as it is a crucial driving force in every artist’s creative process. Inspiration can be found everywhere; you just have to continually seek out new sources.”

For Cablog, a rewarding aspect is when people can recognise his style immediately without needing to check his name or signature. It is also gratifying for him to receive admiration from fellow artists—such as National Artist BenCab—and to have collectors who value his work and enjoy showcasing it in their homes for years. “The unwavering support I receive means a lot, as it allows me to continue my passion for creating art,” he reflects, having been in the industry for 24 years.

Jef Cablog’s commitment to his craft and deep connection to his cultural heritage enrich his work. Through his paintings, he invites viewers to experience the world through his eyes—a world where beauty resides in both perfection and imperfection and where the harmony between man and nature is celebrated. Jef Cablog’s work is one of passion, patience, and meaning, destined to inspire future generations of artists and art enthusiasts, particularly his fellows in the Cordilleras.

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