Today we’d like to introduce you to Veeny Revilla.
Hi Veeny, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“You’re not a Revilla if you can’t draw,” my grandfather used to say. Coming from an extended family of construction workers and carpenters in the Philippines, I discovered my talent in the arts at an early age. I immigrated to the U.S. at 16 years old with my immediate family. At 24 years old, I hold a bachelor of fine arts in painting and new media from UT San Antonio. Since then, I’ve designed for and worked with small businesses, startups, and universities. I am a design teaching assistant at UT Austin and a creative mentee at Soho House Austin. I keep my eye out for ways I can be more involved in the art community.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I am still in the early stage of my design career. Finding my way to my passion was easy since I was naturally drawn to fine arts. However, I restarted a whole new life at 16 years old. I only knew a few resources and had no one to guide me to a career in fine arts. So, I needed connections, to begin with. I needed to learn how to ask for help, which is ingrained in my culture and something I am still unlearning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I will be in a group show, “Perlas ng Austin,” at the Asian American Resource Center in April 2023. I am displaying my artwork about Filipino cuisine brought to life by illustrating funny characters and eye-catching textures. In May 2023, I have a solo show called “Barely Unbearable” at Coffee People (inside Book People). I am showcasing my bear paintings for people to enjoy and sprinkle some silliness into their day. I am proud of this body of work that I am creating. I learn so much about myself when making art, and I want to share my background. Prints will be for sale at both events!
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
I value connection and friendships at this point in my life since I restarted my life as an immigrant. It is rare for me to have someone to go way back with because of distance. I don’t see people I grew up with in the same area. Right now, I am finding my people here in Austin slowly. I love the Filipino community here in Austin because I feel belonging. I found great friends and connections through the Filipino Young Professionals group. I have opened up and gone out more since, and I also want to give back my time through volunteering.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.veenyfrancerev.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyvirtualvenus/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veenyfrancerev/
