Bea Elizalde is a living and breathing form of her chosen medium of art, and this is the precise reason why she is a MEGA Woman to Watch
The possible separation of the artist to their art has always been a point of debate since time immemorial. To some, the creator’s context should bear no meaning as the piece must have its distinct merit, a voice of its own to speak for itself. However, it will truly be remiss not to talk about Bea Elizalde’s collage art without taking into consideration that she, indeed, is a collage of her own.
As she uses her creative energy to mount her presence into her two fields of interests, Bea proves that, just like art, there is so much more to her than what meets the eye.
An assemblage of yearning
For Bea, nostalgia is the glue that binds both her actual collages and the pieces of herself. As an old soul, she declares vintage-slash-retro-futuristic as the main aesthetic of both her art consumption and production. “Movies such as Le Cercle Rouge, Jaws, Total Recall, La Piscine, and The Darjeeling Limited are a few that I find are pleasing to the eye.” She also cited Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo as two artists she would have wanted to conversate with about inspirations.
Indeed, Bea’s works reflect a particular nostalgia wherein a bending of time persists through combining old childhood photos and vintage black and white photographs with foliage, flora, and fauna. These elements seemingly depict the growth and progression that come out of historical elements.
This growth of interest is also similar to where and how Bea’s collage-making started. Before taking interest in piecing pictures together, the 25-year old first fell in love with photography. This paved the way for her to discover other mediums to express her artistry. “It was my love for this medium that led me to collaging because it taught me to look outward and capture dynamic moments to share with the rest of the world,” she explains.
From time to time, cutouts of planets and the galaxy appear on her assemblage, creating a new world birthed from two old ones. Perhaps, a destination to settle your thoughts in, a form of organization found in chaos. Bea recalls, “I started collaging seriously during my senior year of college. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I took it to another level and used it as a form of escapism from what was happening around me. Collaging was one form of expression where I could turn my thoughts into visuals while having a lot of fun at the same time.”
A creative overlap
Bea’s ingenuity goes beyond her personal expression through collage art. With her former job as a publication relations officer in Jewelmer, she translated her artistry to many facets. “In both businesses (collage art and PR), I find myself having to think outside the box. In PR, I am constantly meeting new people in the fashion and art world, getting inspired by talented artists and learning as much as I can from them and their work through riveting conversations.”
One cannot discount fashion as an outlet for one’s inspired spirit. That’s why it’s no surprise that the artist is also well acquainted with local brands such as Pio Pio, JOS Mundo, Carl Jan Cruz, Toqa, Araw, Muni Muni, Amarie, Alegre, Jewelmer, and V! Jewelry. In fact, Bea was wearing a Pio Pio kimono when she arrived at the shoot space. Correlating her art with her personal style, Bea notes, “I would say that my fashion sense and my collage art processes are tied together because of how I pair complementing colors and patterns with each other.”
Emphasizing her love for Filipino artisanship, she expresses her love for Dina Gadia who she wants to have a conversation with when it comes to collage making. “Her works deliver a powerful message,” Bea pointed out. She also cited her favorite works from the artist: Domesticated Violence Go (2010), Blooming Hits (2010), A Fear To Remember (2009) and A Cry of Terror, A Honeymoon Scream I (2009).
A sum of all parts
Since moving back to the Philippines after pursuing her education abroad, Beatriz Zobel De Ayala Elizalde has commanded people looking her way. As she discovers her own path, Bea is nothing but grateful for her parents’ support and guidance. “Both my mother and father are working parents and have instilled courage, motivation, and productivity in me. They encourage me to keep myself busy, be curious to try new things, and most importantly, achieve my goals, whether big or small, by following through and finishing what I start. They have taught me to always be kind, open, and honest with myself and with who I work with,” the artist elaborated.
Looking brightly ahead of her future, the working creative plans to actualize her business idea. But even with this in mind, she still wants to have time for other interests. “Having love and passion are necessary for carrying out a successful plan. I do think it is important to have hobbies outside of your work, too, though. Life doesn’t always have to be about the grind. We can slow down and hone something out of pure joy and nothing else,” she reasons out.
Capping off our interview, we ask Bea for advice she can offer to young women pursuing their passion or career. Here’s what the artist has to say: “Put yourselves out there, speak about what you believe in, and have meaningful conversations and discussions with those around you! You could meet the most interesting people by being confident and authentically yourself. You never know where a conversation can take you.”
Getting to know Bea’s different sides has been a delight—like doing a deep dive on an opus. Truly, there is still so much to appreciate about an individual who embodies her own art. So, we will keep watching.
Photography DOOKIE DUCAY
Creative Direction NICOLE ALMERO
Art Direction NICOLE ALMERO, assisted by BRIE VENTURA
Fashion Direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU
Styling JOAQUIN RODRIGO, assisted by NAVEENA ABDURAJAK
Beauty Direction MARA GO
Makeup GERY PEÑASO
Hair JEFF VALENZUELA
Sittings Editor PEACHES GARCIA
Producers MEGA DIGITAL (CARYLL CABUHAT, JEMIMA CRUZ, CHLARINE GIANAN, MARA GO, and MIKA REYES)
Video Production REGINA ACERON
Videography JR RAMIREZ
Production Design JOSIAH HIPONIA, assisted by JOB CONSTANTINO
Shoot Coordination KZ FRANCISCO
All pieces by CHRIS NICK
