Ara Nisperos stumbled and stopped a bit after losing her inspiration, and now in Canada, she is slowly returning to her first love in life — art.
Growing up in the Philippines, her passion for watercolour painting began when her dad taught her how to draw with precision and colour inside the lines.
Today, Nisperos is an artist and owner of an Instagram art shop. She is also a second-year hospitality and tourism management student at SAIT.
Nisperos sat down with The Press to chat about how she found her way back to the canvas after losing her way.
What’s your inspiration for doing all your art?
Ever since I was young. My dad was an architect. He brought me colouring books and colouring materials. That’s when I started to love colours. He always taught me how to draw and how to colour perfectly.
My dad is my inspiration to do it, and now he’s in heaven. Every time I do colour, I remember my dad.
I stopped when my dad passed away. When I came here to Canada, I slowly returned.
Why did you come to Canada?
To study more about the tourism industry. I studied for a bachelor’s in airline management and worked as crew in the Philippine Airlines. So that’s why.
When did you start doing your art?
During grade school, and then eventually high school and then college. That’s where I knew that I love art.
How do you balance your school and your art?
You know you can’t do art if you’re not in the mood. So for me, if I’m not in the mood to do art, and then I’m doing my school stuff. So that’s how I balance.
Given that you’re now studying tourism, but you’re still doing your art on the side, what are your career plans moving forward?
For now, I’m just looking to work at an airline, because I can do art anytime I want. So, I just want to work for Air Canada and, if possible, WestJet. That’s my career plan for the future.
What kind of commission-based art can people order from you?
Portraits. Some order family portraits during Christmas. Some for weddings. They can order from me by email or just DM me on my Instagram shop Kulay ni Ara.
Is there anything you want to add?
For those people who love art, you need to pursue it. If you love art, then go. It will make you relax and feel free.
(This interview has been edited for clarity and length)
