In the heart of Sorsogon, where vibrant cultures converge and diverse voices harmonize, 32-year-old Judy Azul has emerged as a beacon of artistic expression within the community. As a proud member of Kurit-Lagting Art Collective, a passionate advocate for CAP-Bicol, and a creative force behind Rhymes of PEG, Judy's journey as an artist has become synonymous with bringing people together through the power of art. Judy's artistic odyssey began in childhood, where a latent passion for the arts simmered beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to blossom. In 2018, that moment arrived when she started penning verses that delved into various facets of life, drawing from her personal experiences. Through her written words, Judy sought to convey to readers that they were not alone in their struggles. "Simula bata pa lang, nakahiligan ko na ang arts, ngunit hindi ko ito pinagtuunan ng pansin na mas seryoso. Taong 2018, nagsimula akong magsulat ng mga tula na tumatalakay sa iba't ibang aspeto ng buhay base sa aking mga karanasan. Sa pamamagitan ng aking mga sinusulat, naipababatid ko sa mga mambabasa na hindi sila nagiisa sa kanilang pinagdaraanan," shares Judy. One of the pinnacle moments in Judy's community art involvement was her participation in the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk 2023 in Sorsogon. Through this experience, she gained a deeper understanding of the realities faced by the province and recognized the urgent need for solutions often overlooked by authorities. This event marked a turning point, solidifying her belief in the power of community art to reflect a city's true progress. "May mga sitwasyong dapat na solusyonan na hindi pinagtutuunan ng pansin ng ating gobyerno. Sa tunay na kalagayan ng komunidad, masasalamin ang tunay na kaunlaran ng isang bayan," reflects Judy. For Judy, art serves as a conduit for raising awareness within the community. Through her writing, she believes in not only presenting flowery words but also revealing hidden truths that society often overlooks. "Sa pamamagitan ng pagsulat, naniniwala ako na isa kami sa maaaring makapagbigay kamulatan sa mga mamamayan. Sapagkat, hindi lang mabulaklak na salita ang aming sinusulat kundi pati na ang mga nakikita naming katotohanan na pilit itinatago ng karamihan," she emphasizes. One of the community art projects that left an indelible mark on Judy was the initiative for Save Gubat Bay. Though she wasn't directly involved, she stood in solidarity with those fighting for the rights of the Cota Na Daco fishermen through poetry. It wasn't just a livelihood at stake but also their right to live the way they know. "Ang ginanap na programa para sa Save Gubat Bay, hindi man kami naging personal na bahagi, ngunit kasama kami sa mga pakikipaglaban para sa mga mangingisda ng Cota Na Daco. Hindi lang hanap-buhay ang pilit na inaagaw sa kanila pati na rin ang karapatang mamuhay sa paraang alam nila," recalls Judy. Navigating the diverse landscape of community art requires a delicate approach to collaboration. Judy believes in open-mindedness and friendliness when engaging with different groups and individuals. "Ang pakikilahok sa iba't ibang miyembro ng komunidad ay nangangailangan ng malawak na pang-unawa at pakikinig sa bawat ideya upang maging matagumpay ang isang proyekto. Ang pagkakaroon ng bukas na kaisipan at pagiging palakaibigan sa mga bagong kakilala," she shares. Being a budding artist in community art comes with its challenges, but the rewards are equally profound. Judy acknowledges the struggle of self-introduction, especially when confidence wavers. However, a robust support system, like the one provided by her organizations, bolsters her self-assurance. "Ang hamon para sa isang bagong artist ay kung paano ipakilala ang sarili lalo na't hindi naman lahat ay confident sa kung ano ang narating. Pero ang kagandahan kapag malakas ang support system na nagmumula sa organization, sa pamamagitan nito nadadagdagan ang aming tiwala sa sarili," she affirms. Balancing personal artistic expression with collaborative and community-driven work is a tightrope walk that Judy navigates with care. She tempers her emotions to understand the broader goals of each project. "Isinasaalang-alang ko kung may maapektuhan ba ang pamamaraan ko o makakaapekto ba ang sinusulat ko sa komunidad. Isinasantabi ko muna ang aking personal na emosyon upang mas maintindihan ang iba pang layunin," explains Judy. As a writer, Judy sees her art as a vital instrument in preserving Filipino culture and fostering social change. Through her words, she aims to document the Filipino way of life, ensuring that the next generation doesn't forget the importance of reading books and understanding true history. "Bilang manunulat, malaking bahagi ng pagsulat upang ipabatid sa mga susunod na henerasyon kung anong buhay meron ang mga Pilipino. Nais naming mapanatili ang kaugalian ng pagsusulat upang hindi makaligtaan ang kahalagahan ng pagbabasa ng libro, at upang hindi malinlang ng maling kasaysayan," says Judy. To aspiring artists eyeing a path in community art, Judy offers three essential pieces of advice: trust in your abilities, find the right people to accompany you, and persevere in your chosen art form. "Una, dapat may tiwala sa sariling kakayahan at kayang manindigan sa sining na napili. Ikalawa, hanapin ang mga tamang tao na dapat sinasamahan. At panghuli, ipagpatuloy lang ang nasimulan," she advises. Looking ahead, Judy envisions a future where her art touches the lives of more youth, further propagating community-based art. Her focus extends beyond individual achievement to a collective effort aimed at revitalizing the arts. "Siguro mas marami pang mga kabataan ang aming matutulungan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalaganap ng sining pangkomunidad. Hindi lang bilang isang indibidwal, kundi bilang isang community-based art group na ang layunin ay buhayin ang sining," she envisions. As Judy Azul continues to weave her stories into the fabric of Bicol's cultural tapestry, her commitment to community art remains unwavering. Through her words, she not only captures the essence of Filipino life but also amplifies the voices of those who may otherwise be unheard, ensuring that the community's vibrant narratives continue to resonate for generations to come. For more information about Judy, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/sentido1291
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ArchivesAuthorKurit-Lagting co-founder, Geri Matthew “Choi” Carretero. Choi is a multidisciplinary artist and community development worker. He has exhibited his artworks in various museums and galleries with themes about migration, displacement, and disability. |