After years of cultivating her passion in private and under the tutelage of masters both local and international, artist Rellie Liwag is finally ready to complete her journey. Her solo exhibit, “Deep in My Heart (A Metamorphosis),” opening this Dec. 6 in Artistspace, Ayala Museum Annex, will take viewers on an artistic evolution, likened by the artist herself to the transformation of a butterfly.

Rellie’s path is one of relentless passion, having overcome early criticisms that questioned her credentials. “I have always wanted to be a visual artist but did not believe in myself,” she said. But her devotion to art ultimately freed her from that.

The core theme of Rellie’s exhibit, “A Metamorphosis,” is an intentional reflection of her liberation.

“I likened my journey as a visual artist to the metamorphosis of a butterfly from a cocoon to that of a full-grown butterfly,” she explained. This transformation marks her journey from exploring different styles and art movements. "It is my desire for continual growth.”

Her initial foundation was built on rigorous training, focusing on portraiture under local master artists Andi Cubi and Gig de Pio, and later furthering her studies in New York and Florence with acclaimed veterans like Nelson Shanks and Daniel Greene. This initial focus cemented her reputation as a portrait artist, which she calls her “expertise.”

Her metamorphosis, however, means that “as a full-grown butterfly, I too, now have the freedom to be more liberated in the rendering of my art.”

The emotionally resonant title, “Deep in My Heart,” holds a distinct, uniquely Filipino inspiration.

“The songs of our very own multitalented artist Jose Mari Chan are a great source of inspiration to me,” Rellie revealed. His songs, most especially lyrics, give me a natural high every time I listen to them. Thus, the birth of my exhibit ‘Deep in My Heart (A Metamorphosis).’”

For the audience, the exhibit is designed as a guided experience through this personal and artistic timeline. “I selected my works depicting my evolution/metamorphosis from portrait/realism, to that of impressionism, and now realist/abstract,” Rellie noted. “This will be the sequence, and you will see and follow as you move through the exhibit.”

Rellie attributes her output and sustained energy to a disciplined routine rooted in gratitude and spiritual nourishment, echoing the belief in her artist statement that art is “one way which God is getting through to me.”

Her typical workday is “like clockwork.” “I wake up at 5 a.m., say my rosary and morning prayers, an attitude of gratitude to God.” Her most productive time is the morning, which she calls her “natural high,” dedicating it to painting, preparing canvas, and priming.

The afternoon allows for a break and a nap before energy returns around 6 p.m., launching her back into the “art scene/work once again,” before ending her day with daily online mass.

Rellie’s “Deep in My Heart (A Metamorphosis)” promises to be more than just a collection of paintings. It is an intimate look into her soul, showcasing the powerful results of relentless passion, technical discipline, and the pursuit of creative freedom.