What do you like about working with jewels and gems?

My father and grandfather were both jewellers. My grandfather owned a pearl farm in Palawan while my father (Fai Co) founded Hoseki Jewelry in 1996. That craftsman mentality has always been with me. After a while, I felt so limited working at our family business that I decided to start my own path.

I believe that jewels and gems have energies inside them because they have so much history with them. I source these gems locally in the Philippines, like the Chrysocolla from the mountain rivers of Iloilo and some parts of the world. If you would imagine a timelapse of how a gem is formed, you would see how all elements come together to form these precious stones and for these different colours to come out. I really open myself out to that sensitivity and give my respects to the ancient.

And what about this metal alloy that you use?

I named it aurichalcum after the mythical metal alloy of the same name that is mentioned in several ancient writings, including the story of Atlantis. It resembles gold in colour but it's a metallic alloy of brass, copper, and more. I researched about it, reimagined it, and created my own version of aurichalcum. It doesn't corrode easily but it's best to keep it away from direct sunlight and not to be cleaned using harsh chemicals.

Read more: The Creative List: Fashion, Styling, Jewellery, and Accessories

What drew you to the arts?

My passion for the arts began with what I call my "baptism of fire". It's when I found myself without money, without a home, shifting from one job to another. Then I met this Tibetan monk-slash-businessman who built a temple in Pasig. He invited me and I spent a year there. That's when I sort of "flipped a switch", using my traumatic experiences to create something beautiful.

Because I wanted to create something that has never been seen before, or something rare at the very least, I pursued this unique form of artmaking. By doing this, I am challenging myself and my audience to be open to seeing something new. Art nowadays is usually a variation and it's rare to find something new.

Why is energy important in your work?

Energy does not dilute. It doesn't degrade. I find that concept very beautiful that's why in all my works, it is important for them to be positive and optimistic. I put so much thought and positive energy into creating these sculptures and it's important for me that become calming objects that help you find your stillness and inner peace.

Who are your favourite local and international artists?

Locally, definitely Gabby (Gabriel) Barredo. His courage to show to the public his avant-garde works is really admirable. As he grew older and matured, his work became better and better. I regret not being able to meet him in person after his passing in 2020 but I have been following his work since before.

Internationally, I admire Olafur Eliasson. He is an Icelandic-Danish artist who plays with light. He creates atmospheres as well, the most impressive of which in my opinion is when he created his own rainbow using mist being released through tiny holes. He is a very conceptual artist and I idolise him for that. 

I keep my influences to a minimum to keep me from imitating them but I admire these two because of their discipline to keep making their work better as they age. I would like that to happen also here in the Philippine art scene. . .that artists strive for perfection even when they reach a certain point of fame and recognition.

What do art lovers say about your work?

They are surprised actually that it's made in the Philippines and that I am a Filipino. And I am proud to be Filipino. That's why it is important for me to put my foothold here despite being successful abroad. I want my fellow Filipinos to also understand and appreciate my work despite it being of a different calibre. I also want more Filipino artists to create art of this calibre.

Read more: 40 Other Important Filipino Visual Artists Who Are Not Yet National Artists

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

Many people call me an old soul, which is clearly evident in my body of work. But I want to acknowledge myself more as a student of life, one who is open to learning from the different people I meet. I'm also one who feels humbled and grounded by the powers of nature. I always strive to see the sunrise and aim to see the sunset. This reminds me how powerless I truly am, which saves me from so much frustration.

I also have this "river philosophy" that I abide by. You see, when a river is formed at the top of a mountain, its only goal is to come down and reach the sea. It just moves around every obstacle it faces—rock, tree, plant—to reach the sea. And when a river meets another river, they become stronger. I look at myself as a river, one who meets other people and honing if I am in the presence of another "river" or not. I don't force anything. I move along in harmony. 

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