Current Place des Arts staff member

Biography

Shaina Mae Madriaga is a Filipino artist who strives to be creative every day. She constantly uses different mediums and believes in trying any new art form at least once. Her interests lie in fantasy, sci-fi, pop culture and general fiction. Shaina enjoys working on multiple projects at a time and tends to keep her hands busy with any new bits of inspiration.

Artist Statement

Ever since I was young, I found myself restless. I have always had a strong need to use my hands to create something, whether it’s drawing, painting or crafting. Being creative is something I hold close to my identity. That identity is being an artist.

As I grew older, I found myself shelving that identity due to a lack of time, energy and motivation. I was wrought with burnout and it felt easiest to sacrifice my artistic side. But it’s hard to ignore this identity when you work at Place des Arts and are surrounded by so many motivated and determined people who found ways to be creative in their busy lives. If I wanted to take that artistic identity back, I had to fight for it.

Recently, I took colourful yarn and shoved it into my bag in hopes of creating something – utilizing old art supplies to make things work. While I may be burnt out, I found my drive to create reignited once more. In the end, I created a crocheted ball and chain. Mostly made of yarn and strengthened with fibre fill, wooden dowels and a few rubber bands.

Perhaps my drive to fight for my artistic identity is what inspired me to create such a battle-ready item – or perhaps I just wanted something that looked cool. What I do know is that it felt like a hard-won battle.

Instagram: @jestersartbox

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