Artist’s Spotlight

Roel G. Cabulang

Roel G. Cabulang, who possesses a remarkable knack for creativity, embarked on his journey as an artist out of necessity: he had a mission to gather funds for constructing a school library back in his hometown of Biliran Island, Philippines, as well as establishing a self-sustaining non-profit school in Kengoma, Uganda.

Being a passionate traveler, he considers all his life adventures and cultural immersions as essential parts of his education as a self-taught artist. He’s deeply engrossed in painting, poetry, and photography, with a focus on promoting the use of art as a form of therapy and a tool for social responsibility. In August 2022, he made the bold decision to resign from his position as a nursing administrator at Stanford Medical Center in California to chase after a career in the arts. He took over a 120-year-old church in Buffalo, New York, which he’s transforming into a creative hub for the local community. Now, fully committed to sharing his creative expressions with the world, Roel is determined to continue establishing schools and libraries in underserved areas, harnessing the power of his art for the greater good.

As a contemporary artist who champions art for noble causes, Roel takes an unconventional approach to his creative process. His artistic style stands out as remarkably unconventional, to the extent that even he finds his artistic results to be both unpredictable and thought-stirring. Rooted in the belief that art holds the ability to heal, Roel immerses himself in the present moment while weaving his life narratives into every piece he crafts.

Working primarily with acrylics and mixed media on canvas, Roel manipulates the materials to give his artworks a robust physical presence. This visual impact, achieved through his inventive use of colors employing various techniques, often brings about a captivating dynamism. “I invest my emotions and energy into every creation. More times than I can count, my tears literally drop onto the canvas and become part of the medium,” he shares. This sheds light on why his body of work exudes a sense of intimacy and emotional resonance. As a component of his creative ritual, he composes a poem for each artwork he produces.