I am Alex. Some things about me are: I’m Filipino, I’m 17 years old, I go to Rainier Beach, I’m this, I’m that and that, you probably won’t remember. So instead of all that, I want to tell you who I am as a person. I am Alex. I am a creator, -of what? That’s the thing, you don’t always have to know, you just keep going, keep doing, -doing what? Doing something. You all know how the saying goes, “life is short” but it truly is, so spend your time doing what matters to you. I am Alex, and who are you?

I’m Alex and I have a story. Through my art, I choose to tell my story, some people might get it, some people might not, but I don’t really care because this is mine. But that’s a lie, I can’t really call it “mine”. This is for everyone, I want people to see their own stories in my art. I want my art to mean something different for each person. I want my art to be undefined, as I want people to find their own meaning in the art I make. I want my art to make people think, reflect, and most of all, inspired. I’m Alex and I have a story, and so do you.

‍

A boy swimming in a pool (Bohol, Philippines, Winter 2024). 

This is a photo of a boy in a swimming pool. I took this photo because it sparks feelings of innocence in childhood. I was walking by the pool when I saw this little kid splashing on the water. The sunlight reflected around him as if he’s spreading his glistening joy around the world. Oh to be a little kid again,not a care in the world. Who wouldn’t want to relive those days? I took this in my home country and it reminded me of myself years ago. I pictured myself in those same footsteps, I too was a little boy playing in the pool with my little hat. Do you picture yourself here too? 

‍

The moon between the signs (Seattle, WA, Winter 2024). 

I took this photo because it reminded me of peace. The moon was shining bright and it was standing out in the quietness of the sky. It reminds me of how I feel when I’m around the person I love, she reminds me of the moon; standing out among the stars in the sky.

‍

My experience with CCC has taught me significant things not only with cameras, but a lot about art in general. I often see people ask the question: What is art? I used to ask the same thing but now I know that art is whatever I want it to be.

‍