Highlighting innocence

Teacher Cathy Paje’s love of children is not only creating a sensation in the classroom but on canvas too, writes May Al Mousawi.

The award-winning artist, pictured right, captures the incredible innocence of her subjects in a classic style and samples of her stunning work have been displayed in one of the kingdom’s leading hotels.

Ironic images of Bahrain also feature heavily in her work and she has used the summer holiday break to add to her collection.

Filipino-born Cathy, a teacher at the Philippine School Bahrain, said: “The art I produce is very realistic. I love using colour and focusing on what I see in the environment to express how I’m feeling. I find that art is the best way to convey my emotions, especially because I feel such fulfilment when I paint children.

“By combining my two passions, painting and children, I hope to become known internationally. However, before that, I want my art to be popular in Bahrain and to show my love for the people and the country.”

Her most recent artwork dominates most of the wall space in her home in Gudaibiya. Cathy believes she was born with the ability to draw and has carried the skill with her through her teenage years.

She later went on to gain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art from the University of the Philippines before becoming a professional artist. However, when she moved to Bahrain in 2008, she returned to studying and received a degree in education and now teaches kindergarten and high school art.

She said: “I started drawing before I could even write. But it wasn’t until the age of 14, that I started taking it seriously. I used to copy religious pictures.”

When her husband, Butch, got a job in the kingdom  five years ago as an interior and showcase designer, the family moved from the Philippines with their son Lenin, now aged 15.

When she heard of the Best of Bahrain talent competition last May, she decided to submit a painting to show her perception of the island. “I was so inspired by the theme of the competition and I just wanted to show why I love this country and how grateful I am to be here.

“I painted a child with a camel as they were both so happy. The best thing about it is I won the category and it encouraged me to continue with my dream. I hope it is not my last competition, I will carry on taking part in local art contests to show my respect for Bahrain.”

Cathy has recently exhibited her work for the first time at the Sino Si Juan Festival at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel. Focusing on Filipino culture, she explained how although she considers the island as her second home, she still gets involved in events that bring her closer to her native land.

Cathy is always researching new ways to portray Bahraini culture in her art.

She said: “I try to move away from what other artists are doing. My style is very different and I am trying to build my own name; everything is still a dream. All it takes is time and effort to make it a reality.”