Hello there, Jay here.

I’m a mixed media artist specializing in textured artworks and acrylic painting. Born and raised in the Philippines but now finding a home in Perth, Western Australia.

But first of all, I’m a busy mum of 3 boys: Atom Angelo, 13 years old, Archer Angeldean, 3, and Axton Angel, 1. So yes, I do all the crazy parenting stuff with my partner, Baron, but mostly, it’s just the boys and me when Baron goes away to work, sometimes for weeks on end.

You must love art collecting, that’s why you’re on my website. So, I welcome you to my other world!

I have a Diploma in Building Construction and graduated Bachelor of Science in Architecture. I initially planned to take Fine Arts, but people told me there was no money in arts. So I took architecture instead, which was the “fancier” choice. I had no regrets, though. it was great, and I loved it.

I worked in the construction industry for almost 13 years. After having my second child, Archer, I decided to take a break and just enjoy being a full-time stay-at-home mum. Shortly after, Axton came along. I knew then I would not be returning to work for a while.

But art has always been my interest since I was young. My dad is a furniture maker, and my granddad was a wood sculptor, so art is really in my blood.

Motherhood is one of the most rewarding experiences life can give. But sometimes, mums get all caught up in taking care of their children that they forget to take care of themselves.

In effect, they forget the person that they are beyond being just a stay-at-home mum. They forget their individual capabilities, their God-given talents. All their waking hours are spent for their children that they forget the person that they are if their children are not in the picture.

I came to this somewhat sad feeling at some point. Motherhood should make me happy, and it does. But how could I be a good mother if something was nagging at my spirit?

Then earlier this year, I saw a textured art video online that sparked something in my soul. I knew then that I needed to take this journey, for my mental health, especially. I needed this to show up for myself. I really felt this was something that I had to do for me so that I can believe in myself again. This was something that was mine alone.

So that started my conscious undertaking to pave the way for my mental wellness, gifting textured mini artworks to family and friends. Then I got so much great feedback that people asked me to do commission work for them.

And so, what started as a hobby is now called Akin Artworks. “Akin” is a Filipino word that means mine.

I know now that I have found my passion and, thankfully, make a living out of it. I’m so grateful for that and am a better mother and person because of it.

Anni Albers couldn’t have said it better:

I wish art brings you a different kind of happiness, too, thru my creations.