Jonathan Abellana: The Unlikely Artistic Journey of a Cebuano Creator
Jonathan Abellana stands, by every measure, as a remarkably talented young artist. This fact wasn't immediately apparent when my husband first introduced me to his artwork. I initially believed I was viewing pieces crafted by an experienced master—someone advanced in years and enriched by decades of life experience. Reflecting on his past, even during primary school and throughout high school, Jonathan was the student teachers consistently relied upon to paint murals, design elaborate stage backdrops, and carve decorative letters. He was the classmate who would enthusiastically assist peers in completing projects, particularly those involving drawing or artistic elements.
Early Life and Parental Influence
His parents neither actively encouraged nor discouraged his artistic pursuits. They likely held the common belief that financial stability through art was improbable, yet they observed their son's genuine happiness in his creative endeavors—so they allowed him the freedom to explore his passion. This supportive environment, though quiet, provided the foundation for his future development.
From Cattle Farming to Charcoal Drawing
As a teenager, Jonathan secured employment on a cattle farm in Manila, where he remained for six years. He performed all duties expected of a cattle driver, yet eventually carved out time to return to charcoal drawing—a medium that surprisingly proved more financially rewarding than farming. This period marked a pivotal transition, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to art despite practical challenges.
Educational Pursuits and Artistic Community
He later returned to Cebu to complete his high school education and enrolled in a Graphics and Media course at CIT. By his second year, however, he sensed the program wasn't the right fit for his artistic aspirations. Around this time, he encountered a group of artists practicing portraiture with live models. Jonathan joined them for indoor sessions and plein air outings, eventually becoming a valued member of Cebu Artists Incorporated (CAI), which provided crucial community and mentorship.
A Transformative Hospital Exhibit Experience
When questioned about a particularly unforgettable experience as an exhibiting artist, Jonathan responds without hesitation. During an exhibit at Chong Hua Hospital, a wheelchair-bound man with limited speech ability expressed a desire to purchase one of his paintings. The man's companion explained that the prospective buyer had survived two near-death experiences and would spend the remainder of his life in that condition.
Jonathan couldn't comprehend why someone burdened by escalating hospital bills would choose to invest in art. That his work could profoundly move another person was a realization he hadn't fully grasped until that moment. This experience opened his eyes to the quiet, transformative power and expansive possibilities inherent in his craft.
The Hidden Sculptor Within
Few people realize that Jonathan is also an accomplished sculptor. As a child, he felt captivated by the statues he observed in churches, and somehow, the skill emerged naturally within him. Despite sculpture being notoriously labor-intensive, he recalls simply deciding one day to attempt it—and was astonished to discover he instinctively understood the process. When I humorously suggest he might have been a sculptor in a previous life, he smiles warmly.
The Creative Urge and Artistic Addiction
He admits to carrying a constant inner compulsion to create. Jonathan finds genuine relaxation in completing a piece, describing it as a form of addiction—not unlike the euphoria others pursue through different means. For him, the exhilaration arises from total immersion in the act of creation itself. The so-called "starving artist" phase is very real, yet here stands a man who cannot envision himself pursuing any other path.
Artistic Evolution and Influences
At 37 years old, Jonathan still possesses ample time to evolve, experiment, and discover new modes of expression. Nevertheless, it seems improbable he will ever stray from this artistic trajectory. There is unmistakable joy in his eyes when he discusses his creative process—the kind of passion that makes observers want to cheer him onward. He cites key influences: Galicano for craftsmanship and discipline; Pepito for forging a distinct signature style; Ypon for elevating Filipino art to international recognition. Many other artists, he notes, have shaped his development over the years.
Family Connections and Creative Legacy
When asked whether he is related to the revered Martino "Tinong" Abellana, Jonathan confesses he is uncertain. What he does know is that creativity flows strongly within his family. One brother works as a tattoo artist based in the United Kingdom; another is a professional graphic artist. This familial artistic environment has undoubtedly contributed to his own creative journey.
A Lifelong Commitment to Art
At 37, Jonathan Abellana knows with certainty what he will be doing for the rest of his life. His name, rooted in Hebrew etymology, translates to "God's gift." In sharing his art with the world, perhaps that is precisely what he offers—a gift that continues giving, inspiring, and connecting through the universal language of creativity.
