Meet Grace Bio | Multidisciplinary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace Bio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?

My background of me and my siblings being Visual Artists and having most of my education in Art Schools molded my foundation as an Artist – but my siblings being who they are molded my interests. Because of them, I learned about music, culture, subcultures and fashion/style. Being exposed to all these elements molded my overall identity. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My personal artwork aims to bring awareness to the world of the beauty we have within us while paying tribute to what came before us.

Ever since I was a child, I always had a mysterious force guiding me to something greater than me. It wasn’t until 2007 I discovered what that was.

I started my Art Career while I was still in High School. Like any artist, I just “put mesamyself out there.” I remember (thankfully) getting plenty of opportunities, but found myself getting burnt out bringing other people’s visions to life but not having any identity of my own.

Shortly thereafter, I had a sudden urge to learn more of my heritage of the Philippines. I asked elders in my family/community and even sought various resources to find more information about my heritage, disappointingly coming out short. 

Frustrated, I ranted on social media and was messaged by a complete stranger suggesting I read “Way Of The Ancient Healer” by Virgil Mayor Apostal. I immediately purchased it, read it and the game changed. It’s as if my ancestors took the wheel of my life and kept me on this sacred path.

Ever since then, I’ve always trusted and relied on the Divine (God/Universe, ancestors & spirit guides) to guide my way in everything I do. Not just with my Art, but in my everyday life. I see value in everything because it all, in its own unique way, contributes to my evolution.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would grab a coffee or tea (I love Bold Bean Coffee) beforehand and take them to connect with nature at the closest park (My favorite is Stinson Park). Afterwards, I’d take them to check out a local art exhibit or check out all the amazing murals around town (Hello, Art Republic and Art In Public Spaces!). If they’re hungry, I’d take them anywhere around the city to find something delicious to eat (depending on their palette), but for me, my favorite place to eat is anywhere down Beach Blvd.! Afterwards, I’d take them thrifting. If there’s a cool independent film playing at Sun-Ray Cinema, I’m taking them there. At the end of the night, I’d take them dancing! I am engaged to an amazing DJ (DJ Papi Disco) and know a lot of DJ’s (Shout out to DJ Enerji, DJ JB Dizzy, DJ Satellite Frank, DJ Done Dizzle, DJ NickFresh and DJ HoneyDo!) in the city, so it would be a matter of what music they’re into. If they’re not too tired after dancing, I’ll find a nice open space to go stargazing with them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my immediate family – Papa, Mama, Kuya Leo and Ate Gigi for raising me to be the woman I am today; my first mentor – Ava Mitchell who always believed & supported me ever since I was in Elementary School; my love, Dorian Lopez for always loving & supporting me; every single person that has supported me in every way as an Artist and DJ Enerji for sharing my work.

Website: https://gracebioart.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GraceBioArt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grace.bio

Other: https://linktr.ee/GraceBioArt?fbclid=IwAR2Ql4e_AFUtjPs9MAJiKi-oIHMEVHv3pDx4VNRhMUN8A-OisaCLpEwFOxQ

Image Credits
Agnes Lopez