In the process of figuring out who we are and where we belong, getting lost is part of the journey. While many may see this as a setback, being lost is a chapter where we question ourselves and truly discover who we’re meant to be. There is no one perfect way to find the answer. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
For 24-year-old Katelyn Miñoso, life has led her down many paths, allowing her to explore, question, get lost, and start again. Before becoming a visual artist, this young woman from Iloilo completed a degree in Advertising and Public Relations at Assumption College San Lorenzo in Makati City. She later worked in public relations before resigning in July this year to fully dedicate herself to her painting practice.
Although it may seem like Katelyn has found her path through colors and paintbrushes, she admits she still feels overwhelmed and conflicted at times. These emotions are some of the elements she translates onto the canvas, as seen in her recent exhibition, titled “Everybody is a Fair-weather Friend,” with fellow young artist Georgina Pomarejos.
To learn more about her creative journey, Style Weekend sits down with Katelyn as she shares how her love for the arts is rooted in her family, explores the thin line between reality and imagination through her work, and discusses her goals as a young artist.
First of all, what inspired you to become a visual artist?
I can’t pinpoint one exact moment when I decided to become an artist. It feels like so many pieces of the puzzle slowly came together over time. Honestly, I never even called myself an artist until others started seeing me that way. If I had to trace it back, though, it would be my late Tito Eric de los Santos, a fashion designer. After school, my sisters and I would hang out at his shop, drawing clothes or whatever came to mind. Watching him sketch was magical—like witnessing art come alive. I think that’s where it all began, even if I didn’t fully realize it at the time. My younger sister is into design too, and my dad, who discovered it later, has a deep love for photography. It’s nice to see how creativity flows through all of us in our own unique ways.
Where do you source your inspiration? Can you share your creative process with us?
Inspiration, for me, is everywhere. I’ve always had this habit of being really present, observing everything around me. But as I’ve entered my mid-20s, I’ve also started battling this internal whirlwind of emotions. Sometimes, it feels overwhelming, and painting is my way of understanding what’s happening inside. It’s like I’m translating my experiences and emotions into something tangible. My entire life has become my muse, and painting allows me to process the chaos and find a sense of calm.
What is the story behind your latest works?
My latest works are part of a two-person exhibition with Art Camp. The inspiration comes from Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore, which delves into themes of fate, memory, and the blurred lines between reality and the metaphysical. This theme resonated with me because, during my time in the corporate world, I was constantly torn between who I was and who I thought I needed to be. It was like living in two different worlds—one I was supposed to be in, and one where I truly belonged. That inner conflict seeped into my art.
How do these paintings reflect your life as a young artist?
I think these paintings will resonate with a lot of young people, especially those just starting out in their careers. There’s this phase, this “mid-crisis,” where you’re still figuring out where you belong, and it can feel really frustrating. We’re all searching for that sense of purpose, that place where we truly fit. I hope people going through this understand that they’re not alone. It’s okay to feel lost—it’s part of the process. But I also hope they learn to enjoy that journey of self-discovery without being too hard on themselves.
How would you define your aesthetic?
I find it hard to define my aesthetic, honestly. Labels feel limiting, and I never want to box myself in creatively. But I’ve heard people describe my use of colors as “fauvist” because my palette is often far from realistic. For me, my art feels dreamlike—like I’m exploring that thin line between reality and what’s inside my mind. When I paint, I don’t always see the world as it is. My gut instinct leads me to colors that may not be there to the naked eye, but they feel true to me. It’s hard to explain, but it’s as if I’m painting what I feel rather than what I see.
We know the exhibition wrapped up earlier this month. What can our readers expect from you next?
I’m brimming with ideas right now, and honestly, the hardest part is bringing them to life. Life has this funny way of pulling you in all directions. But now that I’m fully immersed in painting, I’m excited to dive deeper into this theme of mid-crisis. There’s so much left to explore, and I think it’s a journey worth continuing through my art. For my future exhibitions, I’m also planning to incorporate installations to create a fully immersive experience for the audience. I want people to feel like they’re stepping into the art, not just viewing it, making it a truly unforgettable moment.
Lastly, how do you spend your ideal weekend?
My #StyleWeekend starts with a quiet morning and a strong cup of coffee. It’s a time for me to slow down, put on some music, and get lost in painting. I prefer being alone, just reflecting and creating, with no distractions.