The Pinnacle of Human Wisdom

TThe abstract shapes swirled gently into forms between other fettles and configurations create an image of the classical country: a picture of makabayan It’s magical—to see the contrast of sunkissed skin against starbright tincture as silhouettes of people born from fantastical coloring swirl into beautiful outlines. These streaks of paint turn a plain old board into a masterpiece of Filipiniana, brushed on by none other than Tam Austria.

To speak with him is to delve into heart-to-heart on poetry, proverbs, philosophy, and physics—the very nature of art and science—so that we may fathom the depths of his brilliance. So, in the words of Tam Austria, what is art?

“Art is fertility,” answers Tam. “Fertility is to create especially for the enrichment of the human being. Art is inspired [by] the Paradigm of God, the gift of fertility to create, invent, especially for the enrichment of the human spirit and moral ascendancy on this beautiful planet Earth. It is not just a planet but a home where it deserves what is best: art in this world against inhumanity.

“In layman’s language,” he further explains, “art is our breath of life. Without breathing, we will all die of COVID’s destruction, vain of confusion, etc. Likewise, it’s the spirit of inspiration that is capable [of surviving] death from life’s separation.”

These are words of wisdom from someone who has lived life. Like most artists, Tam’s success was not instantaneous. A long time ago, Tam Austria was a struggling artist, locking horns with the reality of being one.

The call of the arts had been like a siren’s song to him as a young man. So when he painted a portrait of Christ with a crown of thorns upon his head, an impressed priest saw the painting and put it on display; the rest is history.

His artist’s career could have split in two when he went into advertising, but the lure of the purity of painting was too strong to resist. So when he quit advertising, he gained more audience for his breathtaking dioramas and more, and his name rose in the crowd.

Eventually, progress came with industrialism, leaving his hands fuller than expected. But Tam still lived in a small dampa in Rizal, even when there was a demand for his artwork. So finally, overwhelmed and overworked with nothing to show for it, he took action. He fired his broker, managed the business side of his art, and made the successful life he enjoys today.

Tam holds on to the belief that art will live no matter how challenging circumstances may be. Art was his cynosure even after his mastery. Now in his golden years, he keeps his passion alive with his philosophy of always moving forward. He professes, “I’m a positive thinker. Art can overcome (even) pandemics. I have a positive mind to contribute in a selfless way, with lots of experiences.”

“I can focus on younger generations. [My duty as an artist] is mainly to inspire. I think that is the pinnacle of human wisdom. In my twilight years [my goal] is to share my precious time remaining [to create] milestones for philanthropic acts of humility, having considered the best of mankind, and to lead my own foundation, Maharlika Sining Lahi Inc. based on my art advocacy-related action plans in educational outreach projects. Sharing art appreciation builds a brave heart’s confidence to gain sensory powers of influence.”

By helping other artists, Tam believes he can bring more to the world. “It is a work of [sociality and morality]. Art is very important in humanization and the cultural inspiration of a nation.”

Tam’s ultimate goal is to furnish young, struggling artists with a bedrock to grow. Sympathetic towards their plight, Tam considers it his duty to help his fellow creators. To further his goal of providing them with guidance, Tam plans to transform his grand estate in Antipolo into a museum and haven for upcoming artists.

Art is a human’s expression of reverence and beauty shown by how the world is seen. “Art is paramount or realization of our social dreams of abundance and multicultural aspirations of all nations and where the spirit of humanity communes with more friends—no enemies,” finalizes the master artist.