“The art in silence”, Filipina artist's battle with multiple disabilities

Her work’s delicate patterns make her battle against disabilities even easier to conquer. Her craft’s vivid colors tell a rich personality. She is Bagani- and this is her story.

Bagani delo Santos, 26, a resident of Brgy. Ampayon, Butuan City is deaf, mute, has blurred vision, has a paralyzed left leg and is diagnosed with Mild Cerebral Palsy. She might be silent but her art speaks a lot. Painting, crafting colorful accessories gives her a life to live. She might have difficulty connecting to people around but she is quite expressive when it comes to her craft.

Nanay Teresa, her mother took care of her since her father died during the Martial law. Since then, she tried to seek for help from doctors about her condition. They were puzzled about her case but one thing is evident. She never stopped cutting papers in uniform sizes with different colors and stick them to boards. Bagani is also attracted to colorful things and tends to play with it. Her doctor declared her leaning towards art and enjoyed painting a lot since then. She made exquisite patterns on paper and clay pots at home.

“Bagani” or “troupe warrior” as nanay Teresa named her, seems to fit her personality. When she was younger, her hands shake that makes it hard for her to finish her art. But it seems to not bother her and continued practicing until she can make fine-detailed patterns of colors. Her works did not only help her overcome her body's abnormal reflexes but also calm herself from involuntary movements as symptoms of Mild Cerebral Palsy. Her craft help her cope with variations of muscle tone which limits her physical activity. Instead, she sits on her table, work on the craft she loves so much.

Nanay Teresa had difficulties communicating with her deaf and mute daughter but this did not stop Bagani from expressing herself. “One time, she drew a school uniform and handed it to me. I understood she wanted to study since her friends are already in school”, emotional nanay Teresa said.

They didn’t have much to send Bagani to school but nanay Teresa is eager to provide her daughter a formal education. They went to special education centers but because of lack of understanding on Bagani’s condition, they did not meet her needs. She learned sign language at school but also to find out she has reading and writing disability.

She focused on her art, improved on her craft and gained attention from artists and art teachers. She was given a chance to take an art class together with other high school students in Cabadbaran, City, Agusan del Norte. Although she has difficulty communicating with her teacher, she was excellent when it comes to art. Her performance became her mother’s motivation to continue supporting her craft.

“I don’t know how long I am living but as long as I am here, I am fighting for her. She’s fighting for herself as well and I’m happy to see her that way. I’m happy she has a life to live”, nanay Teresa spoke.

Now, she makes colorful fine-detailed pattern works at home. She has her own mini-gallery and crafts bracelets and necklaces from rolled magazine pages. Her mother found ways to market her paintings and products by bringing them outside. Bagani’s work are brought to offices of her mother’s friends and even to schools. People visit her and buy her crafted bracelets and other accessories because of her unique patterns and color combination.

These carefully crafted bracelets from used magazine pages rolled and glued are sold from 100 to 150 pesos

Nanay Teresa is delighted to see people being happy with Bagani’s work and speaks for inspiration. “Her craft helped her live. I am more than happy to see people who appreciate her work. May she be an inspiration for people especially those who are differently-able to pursue their passion. Also, it takes effort from their family to discover what they love doing. They might live shorter than us so they have to spend it with things they want to do”, she added.

This lovely lady is giving her flying kiss while at work on her artist table

Bagani is living a quiet world yet her vivid work carries her story to the world. To anyone who thinks they can’t do anything, this young lady is fighting the battle of life with extra colors.