Canvases of Calm

Art is both escape and refuge for architect-artist Rafael Yap Gatus

Art Rafael Yap Gatus

Self-confrontation, mixed-media, 2017, Header: Was up all night, mixed-media, 2017

Welcome to Kanto! Do introduce yourself.

Hello. I’m Rafael, an architect by profession and an artist by birth.

Your illustrations are beautiful, poignant depictions of emotion and daily struggle. What inspires you to draw?

Most of my artworks are born out of my emotions. They are honest, intimate expressions of what I really feel. Naturally, they are often emotionally charged, created to elicit or provoke their viewers to introspection. I grew up coping with depression and I consider illustration an emotional outlet, an indispensable part of the healing process. It’s also a creative diversion by helping me ‘take my mind off my mind’ whenever I need to.

Contraction series, graphite on paper
Detachment, mixed media, undated

What are your favorite illustration subjects? Why these in particular?

I really don’t have a particular subject that I’m fond of depicting. Ever since I delved into illustration, I’ve been in a constant transition and exploration of styles, momentarily pausing on particular phases that interest me before I move on again. I remember experimenting with hazy silhouettes, pixelated faces, moving images, and Artidote-type artworks in the past.

Lately, I am obsessed with composing unfinished sketches of faces and botanical elements pulled out from my old sketchbooks into artworks. I find the process rather nostalgic; this approach enables the depiction of expressive narratives with mundane and minimal elements, something
I’ve always wanted to achieve. I guess in broad strokes, my favorite subject is really myself; the artworks I do are ‘self-portraits’ of my continuing foray into the concepts of confinement, isolation, and longing.

Nine in the morning, mixed media, undated

Describe your ideal drawing place.

My ideal drawing place would be at a seaside cottage near Bathurst Point lighthouse in Rottnest Island, West Australia. It’s also my dream home. I have always fantasized about living in a beach house, with my studio oriented towards the sea. There would be drips of paint all over the wooden floors and stacked frames and canvases on a corner. I imagine it to be a place where I can relax and be carefree.

Tell us about the bravest thing you did.

This is a tough one. I feel unease whenever I talk about my depression, but I feel compelled to share two noteworthy points in my life where I decided to be brave. First was when I decided to take up architecture in college despite my health condition. I didn’t know how things would work out back then but I forged on anyway. The second was when I finally gathered up the courage to admit to my parents that I needed help after I tried to take my life one week before my birthday. These were the instances that required a lot of courage on my part; the decision to face my fears and acknowledge my weaknesses has irrevocably changed me. I’ve never felt any braver. •

Rafael Yap Gatus

Rafael on Instagram @rafaelyapg

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