— Sarah Kaye Ybanez, Filipino artist
Introduction:
I’m Sarah Kaye Ybanez from the Philippines and have lived in Doha for more than 20 years, watching this small, lovely country grow and develop rapidly. I enjoy expressing myself through different forms of art such as painting, face and body art, illustrating and custom designing. I left a full time job as an administration assistant to pursue my passion and am thoroughly enjoying it.
What is your favourite pastime or activity?
I enjoy a morning jog by the Corniche, spending time in cafés or parks drawing on my moleskin sketchpad and updating my Instagram art page which is @sarahk_art.
How would you want to lead life?
To the fullest. I have only touched the very surface of what I was — much like an iceberg; the tip appears pretty plain but when you look underneath, there is an absolute labyrinth of beauty and life within.
What is your dream destination?
Buenos Aires, Argentina and Brazil — cities that celebrate ‘street art’ and allow their walls to be covered by murals.
What is your idea of a dream job?
When you find your passion it is no more a job but a joy; my dream job would be — inspiring people. Art is my passion, whether I’m face painting for a private or corporate event, a film or an advertising production. My dream job would be work related to art; to be a full time artist, exhibiting my paintings and letting my passion speak to people. I would like to illustrate children’s books and collaborate with the creative industry to do art work on shoes, bags, shirts and SUP boards.
What cuisine do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy Arabic food because it offers healthy options and I love the spices used in grilled meat. Arabic food is uncommon and considered a treat in the Philippines; I also enjoy Thai, Chinese and Mexican.
In Doha, the Turkish Central Restaurant, with their delicious grills and various healthy appetisers, is my favourite joint.
Who is your favourite actor?
George Clooney. Besides enjoying his movies I admire his humanitarian effort in Darfur, Sudan.
Your favourite movies would be?
I enjoy comedies and films that speak to me.
What scares you?
I cannot imagine dying without touching someone’s life in a significant way and making a difference. I want to leave a mark on this world.
What was the scariest moment of your life?
When I was about 10, I was once riding with my aunt and remember a giant truck suddenly coming headlong at us because the driver was slow at jamming the break. It miraculously stopped short of a metre of our van!
What about your most embarrassing moment?
My friend and I were once at an art fair, checking out some items together. Thinking she was still near me I picked up a small trinket to show to her and said, “Babe! This will look good on you!” As I turned to look at her, I realised my friend had moved and I was addressing an old Arab gentleman standing next to me! Embarrassed, I apologised, but the old man just replied, “Thank you, but I’m not sure if pink looks good on me.”
What are your retirement plans?
I don’t see myself retiring; an artist never retires. I do see myself producing fun, unique creative projects for a good cause — like the oldest Australian Alfred Date — ‘Alfie’, who at 109, spends his spare time knitting tiny sweaters for penguins affected by oil spills.
What would you do if you won a million dollars?
Explore the Philippines and, of course, visit places like Paris to learn how to appreciate art and architecture. I would also support a centre for troubled children, where art would be used as a therapeutic tool.
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
Knowing and understanding myself, taking risks and facing my simple fears, while learning wise lessons through the tough circumstances I’ve faced. I’ve also been able to tap into gifts that can potentially help other people. I’ve never let go of my passion, regardless of circumstances and, that to me, is an achievement, because many people let go easily. Never giving up on myself is one of my greatest achievements.
How would you describe your life right now?
Life is like a colourful piece of abstract art — there are few bright and dark hues. I believe I was created like an abstract painting, with my path laid out for me long before time. The colours and the painting may not always make sense, but when I step back a bit, I’m able to see the bigger picture more clearly, and the more I’m able to see the beautiful piece of art that my life is.
You see, when you stand too close to an abstract painting you see blotches of colour. But you must step back to appreciate it; then all the colours come to focus and even the dark parts become part of the beauty.
To me, it’s a life’s lesson — we are all like an abstract painting from the minute we are born. As life goes on, various colours and hues are added. And as we age, if we step back every now and then, we will be able to see and appreciate the beauty of this ‘mess’, we think it is.
What is your attitude to life?
This may sound like a cliché, but everything happens for a reason. Be open and accept the challenges that life throws at you; welcome the people and circumstance that cross your path; either you will be a blessing to them or they will bless you with an important life lesson.
Lessons learnt
from life…
You are enough and there’s a reason why you are ‘you’. You are capable of doing great things, and there’s no age limit to chasing your dreams. Forgiveness and love are the most important. An unforgiving nature is toxic as it rots your soul. Learn to love unconditionally and without making judgements.