Artist Bio
Born in 1985 in the Philippines, Mary Elwin "Elwin Lyon" de Jesus - Manliclic is a highly accomplished painter, mental health professional, and chess player. Her multifaceted background and diverse experiences contribute to the depth and authenticity of her artwork.
As a mental health professional, Elwin Lyon recognizes the power of painting as a unique medium for capturing and expressing the intricacies of human nature.
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Through her art, she skillfully translates the metaphors of the mind, emotions, and behavior onto the canvas, creating thought-provoking and emotionally resonant pieces.
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Drawing from her passion for chess, Elwin believes that the way one plays chess reflects their personality, and she applies this philosophy to her artistic practice. She understands that valuable qualities of the mind, such as strategic thinking, foresight, and introspection, can be acquired and strengthened through the game of chess. This mindset influences her deliberate and carefully planned approach to each brushstroke, resulting in compositions that convey narratives and evoke specific moods.
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Elwin Lyon's artistic lineage is illustrious, with her great grandfather, Jose Corazon de Jesus, popularly known as Huseng Batute, being a renowned Filipino poet and writer. Additionally, her grandfather uncle, Carlo J. Caparas, was a prolific comics writer, illustrator, movie director, and producer. Drawing inspiration from her family's creative legacy, Elwin took her father's middle name, Lyon, as her artist name. Her talent and passion propelled her to become a finalist in her first national painting competition, solidifying her determination to pursue a career in art.
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Throughout her artistic journey, Elwin has actively participated in the art community. She was an active member and officer of the Pasig Art Club, Inc. from 2008 to 2020. Currently, she is a pioneering member of the Portrait Artists Society of the Philippines, Inc. (PASPI) Manila Chapter, established in 2019, alongside esteemed painter Romulo "Mulong" Galicano, a master of Filipino realism. Elwin's technical skills have been honed through art sessions with Mulong and workshops with portraitist Romel de la Torre, as well as through interactions with other renowned professional artists.
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Elwin's dedication to her craft extends beyond her own artistic pursuits. She has shared her knowledge and expertise as an art instructor in various drawing and painting workshops. As a testament to her dedication and expertise, she served as an art instructor for the prestigious Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation, Inc. This experience allowed her to share her knowledge and passion for art with aspiring artists, nurturing their talents and fostering creativity. Additionally, she has consistently exhibited her work in galleries and museums since 2009, garnering recognition and admiration from art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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Elwin Lyon, a skilled Filipina oil painter, possesses a remarkable talent known as sprezzatura, as defined by Robert Greene. This unique ability allows her to create a method in madness, blending various influences from her diverse background. With technical excellence, she effortlessly employs a distinct style characterized by simplified figures, surrealistic elements, and bold impasto techniques. Through her confident brushwork and captivating compositions, Elwin invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of contemplation and emotional resonance. Her art showcases a deep understanding of strategy, introspection, and the human psyche, all while maintaining an air of nonchalant mastery. The result is a captivating and engaging experience, where the difficult appears easy and the complex seems simple, truly embodying the essence of sprezzatura.
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Through her art, Elwin Lyon seeks to bridge the gap between intellect and emotion, inviting viewers to delve into the complexities of the human condition. Her paintings serve as a visual language, capturing the essence of her subjects while resonating with viewers on a profound level.
Experience Elwin Lyon's captivating artistry as she explores the intersection of chess, mental health, and the power of art to transcend boundaries. Delve into the complexities of the human condition through her thought-provoking compositions, where intellect and emotion merge seamlessly.