La Voz

Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: A&E

Media Credit: Antoinette Luzano

Jping to find something at De Anza he couldn't find in Guam.

"Back in Guam, the inspiration I needed from the teacher wasn't there, and it's what I'm looking for in De Anza," he said.

After completing high school in Guam, the 19-year-old moved to Campbell to both spread and receive positive energy at De Anza.

"Have a positive mind … There is no other way, really."

Certeza started drawing at a young age, and his parents were completely supportive. In fact, they pushed him to practice art as much as possible. Throughout high school, he completed art projects for class assignments.

Certeza said, "It was pretty fun. I did the banner where the football players just run through."

On Nov. 15, Certeza experienced his first public exhibition at De Anza's Urban Arts and Hip Hop Festival, which was located at the Euphrat Museum of Art. His mixed media piece, called "One Love," features one of his favorite phrases.

"It was a graffiti style art piece that had 'one love' and a person holding up the hands," he said. "The words say it all, but you just have to have that person there."

Once a week he works the front desk of the Euphrat Museum of Art. During the rest of the week, he teaches an art class for young children at the Quinlan Community Center.

Certeza also worked on a pencil mural for an art instructor at Campbell's Canyon Heights Academy. However, much of his work has not been put on display for the world to see.

"Most of [my] artwork's just for myself," Certeza said. "[They were done] when I was bored or when I was just really inspired."

Certeza said he considers his artwork to be original. When working on art, he does not look to others' art for help, because he wants to develop his own technique and style. "It's a way to express an individual's thoughts and feelings.

"If you're kind of shy to the world, you can easily express yourself," said Certeza on the importance of art.

When he is not inspiring others, Certeza takes time to appreciate artwork himself. Some of his favorite artists include Michelangelo, Pete Mondrian and Leonardo Da Vinci. Classical artists from the Renaissance Era are some of the most inspiring artists, in his opinion.

In the future, Certeza plans to work with other mediums, including painting. He is also planning to start his own t-shirt line that emphasizes music, social justice and freedom of expression. Certeza has also decided to pursue an AA degree in graphic design.

"I feel that I can be much more successful in that field, and from there, I can branch out to the other fields in art," Certeza said.

His long term goal is more philanthropic, however. Eventually, the humble artist would like to open a center in Guam for both children and teenagers to express themselves through art and later hold an exhibit featuring their work.

"The happiness of children also kind of inspires me," he said. "I like to draw children's faces, too, because the facial expression of children is so vast."



Antoinette Luzano is a staff reporter for La Voz. Know an artist you think we should profile? Email lavoz@fhda.edu.

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