Wilbert Wee
Let’s take into account appearances first. Right away you’ll notice the mild and silent demeanor, self-assured in his academic prowess. Thirty-something Wilbert Wee,
a science teacher, might be channeling Walter Becker with his presence. Yet he’s on a career-defining path as an artist—with his works all described in full color allegory that’s bright, illustrative, almost dreamy, and very whimsical.
His is an artwork so soothing to the eye it bridges the state of waking and dreaming, reminiscent of Tim Burton’s “Big Eyes.” One would surmise that the artists has been working all his life in some rugged manclave, throwing on those brushstrokes like it was the most natural thing to do.
Armed with watercolor, charcoal and acrylic, Wilbert is slowly getting the attention. Wowing the local art circuit and what most people don’t know is that the man has been teaching Science classes for seven years now in reputable institutions like Velez College, Saint Theresa’s College, and Cebu Doctors University.
Play! sat down with the professor as he unraveled the most sacred life journey to becoming one’s self. The life of the modern artist.
How did you combine these two different interests?
I initially wanted to take up Fine Arts. However, upon the suggestion of my father, I took up BS Chemistry in San Carlos because he wants a job for me nga legit, and also he doesn’t want me to be doing portraits of people in the mall. His concern was—what if wala ka’y customers or clients? But today Fine Arts has evolved into a multimedia studies with advertising and all that. I decided to take up Chemistry because I happened to have a tita and a cousin who also took up the course, and I reused their books so I didn’t have to buy.
So you took up BS Chemistry half-heartedly.
Well, my heart has always been in art. Pagka-bata nako ganahan na gyud ko mag draw, and growing up, I watched Looney Tunes and Disney cartoons. I recall being in grade one when I was asked to go to school during summer because my teacher asked my help to make the decor and adorn the bulletin board. Even at that early age, I thought I must be good in the arts.
Who are your creative influences?
I am a fan of many artists but one of them is Valerie Chua, a local watercolorist. She is just awesome. Also the detailed and whimsical artworks of James Jean. His works are great on details, although dili kaayo ko ingon ana ka-detailed because dili sab ko ganahan mo-copy. His works are so relatable because his type of artwork is also what I am into —more on illustration-type for books or poster type.
Describe your art.
Most people say that my works are whimsical because of the colors, and they are kind of childlike and dreamy. Being whimsical, you have to dwell on imagination and dreams. Even if most of my subjects are based on reality, there has to have that element of fantasy in them.
Do you have a favorite among your works?
The process that goes into creating every artwork is dili sayon. Let me single out one of my works I titled “Struggle.” It’s my favorite because that word as the title of the artwork is very personal to me. Also the one with the goldfish because sa Chinese legend goldfish is a representation of dreams and ambitions.
What inspires you as an artist?
I prefer working with good energies on an artwork that has a good story. I affiliate with animals, creatures and children from stories nga mabasa nako—the artwork has to be story-driven.
What were you like as a child?
I woud usually be alone talking to myself. I remember drawing on the walls of our house and… good thing I wasn’t reprimanded. I would draw on almost anything and anywhere, like on the pages of books. I know for a fact that my mother also draws, so probably I got this from her.
What’s an ordinary day like for you?
During school days I would wake up early because I just have to be sayo in school. And then if there are commissioned works I’d work on them after teaching. Normally I prefer making artworks early in the morning. Lately I’ve been lazy—I don’t know why, naglibog gyud ko.
Is this the first time you’re going through such phase?
Not exactly. There were episodes before, pero mas grabe karon. I don’t know what’s going on. Or maybe it’s because I have been too critical of myself, comparing myself with others … like why he or she is more established and known and ako wala pa. Also I think about my purpose… what am I doing with my life? There’s that part of me that still wants to pursue a career in the arts, but when you’re exposed just locally here in Cebu lisud gyud siya. It’s kind of tough because when you name your price, at times baraton ka if not thank you-hon ra ka. Or they will just say like—we will get back to you. Sometimes sab there are artworks nga similar ra sa akoa but they are priced lower and these collectors would go for the cheaper ones. Before I didn’t mind it, it’s just lately nga nigrabe na siya. I don’t want to think it’s leading to depression, because clinically it’s just not.
This is just a phase then.I feel that I haven’t been productive in the creative side lately so what I am currently doing is I am watching videos of creative talks and what I got from them is that you really have to go out there and present yourself. You are different and in terms of comparison… we only see half of their life, we only see what they post on social media. Just continue what you’re supposed to do and someone will eventually notice you and value you for who you are. Right now I have been making drawings, just little things every day. I have been doing this portrait of my friend as my birthday gift for her because she has been helpful to me and my family. And since there’s still much in store for the year I will attending workshops as well as planning for a group exhibit.
So you have been interacting with other artists?
I am happy hanging out with other artists, actually naa ko’y group. I’m affiliated with Sketchbook Club here in Cebu. This is a pool of illustrators and artists both digital and traditional, and I can say that it’s good to have your own group kay at least you know you are not alone. But somehow when you see them posting here and there the challenge does get to you. So it’s two ways—you do get inspired and sa akoa man gud is dali ra ko mahadlok nga what if dili nako makaya ilang gibuhat. Mahadlok ko ma-fail and it’s easy for people to give the encouragement nga sayon ra lagi na siya pero sometimes dili sab baya.
As an artist, money is always an issue.
That’s why I have a day job which is being a Science teacher and right now I want to go part-time na lang with it so I can also devote time for my art.
I have to be honest and idealist ra kaayo ko kung purely art ra gyud akoang huna-huna-on because I have bills to pay. Right now I am owning my truth to live a life nga grounded, but because of my other passion I have to somehow compromise.
If you could have your way, do want to set base here in Cebu or somewhere else?
My ultimate dream is to publish my own book, fully illustrated by me. My only struggle right now is coming up with the material, the type that has no words, purely images. Realistically that’s my short term goal. On expanding in the capital or some other place, a lot of my friends wouldn’t recommend it because they say it’s already saturated and toxic over there. So I am still here now, just taking it one day at a time.
