Whimsical and playful, Story Tiling features everyday joyful scenes, family milestones, and town fiestas. This is blissful living, a richness that belies what money can buy. As what Ann Marie Nakagawa wrote in Fast Forward, Calgary foremost arts and entertainment magazine, Story Tiling is equal parts Aesop's Fables and Marc Chagall.
During her Artspace Gallery Exhibit in Calgary, Paulina Constancia explicitly said, "My work is trying to show the simple pleasures….not to say
anything against the First World, but it seems that in less fortunate economies, people have more appreciation for the little things. Things that don't
cost much but bring so much pleasure, like just being with your family or going to the beach." Her views and comments about her work and life in the
Philippines was broadcast over "Artbeat" a CBC News segment by Lorna Sandberg of Canadian national coverage.
Sadly, our present lifestyle, urban living, commercial emphasis, technology and changing values may lead us to the eventual loss of the appreciation
for simple joys. Thus are Paulina Constancia's tiled artworks destined to become a poignant reminder of, dare I say, bygone days?
When was the last time we enjoyed the outdoors with the family? Or even extended simple courtesies such as greeting total strangers "Maayong gabi-i"
as we stroll in the dusk; and paid respects to our elders upon our arrival at home. These little gestures speak of culture and heritage just as a day at the
beach used to be great weekend family traditions.
The stories on the tiles spark memories, and woe to those who don't have any of them. Story Tiling speaks volumes, whispers to appreciative viewers,
and urges others to enjoy the sunny weather, blue skies, sand castles, and shady trees.
Possessing Paulina Contancia's tiles may be a reminder to ourselves to follow the better road. Reminders that the best things in life are free and that
simple joys surround us everywhere if we only take the time. Let us be aware of the little stuff that surround us, potential sources of joy and uplift to
our stressful days, which otherwise would be days of concerns with cash flow and media news. But if our homes and offices have the story tilings,
then we will always have that easy retreat into our more private and cherished memories.
More than that Story Tiling is one way of keeping family and community traditions alive for the next generations to ponder. This exhibit is an oasis
in today's hectic world, and may even be a commentary that we are fast losing ourselves to things that don't really matter as much in the long run.
Story Tiling (Tales on Ceramic Tiles) shows that Constancia has blossomed into the artist she is today in every positive sense of the word. The exhibit
is open from Sunday to Saturday 8 am – 5 pm until January 30 at the Gallery West of the West Gorordo Hotel, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City. Other works
of Paulina Constancia are permanently on display at the Gallery West.