GERSHON Destora, 22, is back on his canvas amid his hectic schedule in school.
The young artist from Tunga-Tunga, Maasin City said he has to finish a lot of artworks to help finance the hospital bills of his aunt, who has been confined at the Living Hope Hospital in the city for a month now.
"I've made a lot of paintings. I have to find ways for the hospitalization needs of my aunt," said Destora, who is now in his fifth year as engineering student at Saint Joseph College in Maasin.
At present, he has finished seven paintings ready for sale.
"I am ready to make another obra," he said.
Destora's medium ranges from oil, acrylic, charcoal, graphite, color pencil, and ballpen, among others.
He discovered his love for painting during his grade school years after taking up short-term class from Maasin City's top artist Frankie Lim.
"I was in Grade IV when I took up one summer class in drawing under him," he said.
After learning the basic, Destora pursued painting seriously.
Some of his clients include known leaders and families in Maasin.
During summer time, he is teaching part-time in one of the colleges in the city.
In 2015, Destora had his solo painting exhibit during the national priest convention of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in Tagum City.
"I am greatly influenced by my family and other artists around," said Destora, adding that he is aiming to finish more artworks after graduation.
In the meantime, Destora is shifting his focus on how his art can help the medical needs of his beloved aunt.
For information on how to help Destora, email gershondestora22@gmail.com or contact 0975-464-7466, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gershan22. (SunStar Philippines)