Paper and ink

MANILA, Philippines - If you’ve seen that naked photo of Jun Sabayton — more commonly known as spoken word artist and TV personality Lourd de Veyra’s oft-shirtless sidekick — with the works “Lakihan Mo Logo Mo” scrawled all over his torso, you’ve definitely seen Wiji Lacsamana’s work. A beach lover and marine activist by default, she was also tapped by Lush Cosmetics to design the in-store posters for their Save the Philippines Seas campaign. As of late however, the illustrator and painter has been dabbling in tattoo artistry.

— Cai Subijano

YSTYLE: Which projects do you feel you are most known for?

WIJI LACSAMANA: I feel like people are starting to associate my work with watercolors, foliage and muted tones.

Tell us about your work as a tattoo artist.

I started learning only three years ago and I still have so much more to learn. My goal is to combine my illustration style with tattoos.

When you hear “YStyle,” what kind of images or ideas does it conjure up?

A plethora of many ideas comes to mind when I think of “YStyle.” It denotes something ever-evolving, something fluid, something that always catches up yet always leads the way. 

What was your concept for the new YStyle logo?

I wanted to come up with something somber for the month of November. I wanted to conjure images that represented November afternoons and nights: foliage we chance upon in cemeteries, windy afternoons that blend into nights that are almost cold.

Were you listening to music while you were designing it? What song? On purpose or on shuffle?

I was purposely listening to a lot of Jeff Buckley (the track So Real in particular) and Bon Iver’s “For Emma, Forever Ago” album.

Who/what inspires your art?

Nature and things I experience, touch, feel and see on my travels.

Who/what inspires your personal fashion sense?

My mood mostly depicts my style. The era that influences my style however, is the ‘70s. I love the fashion and the lifestyle that sprang from that era. Everything was mostly... steady, natural and comfortable.

It’s the latter part of the year. How did you spend 2012?

I spent a lot of it finishing pieces for my collaborative exhibit with photographer Mitch Mauricio called “Karesinda.” It’s displayed now at the Pablo X Gallery along Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati. It’ll run ‘till Nov. 24. I’ve also been chosen as a Breo Hero — being a brand ambassador is something very new to me, and to be one for a very fresh and adventurous lifestyle brand is amazing. 

What upcoming projects do you have for the next year and beyond?

I am part of a number of group shows lined up for the next year, the whereabouts are still tentative though. I hope to come out with a book with a couple of illustrator friends, too. Also, I’m about to plan my first-ever solo show. Please wish me luck!