Piaget Martelino Born August 22, 1977 I discovered my interest in artistic expression at an early age. Encouraged by my mother and my teacher Jess Abrera, I developed a love for art making and participated in school exhibits and contests. Throughout my school career I continued to enjoy and develop my hobby of sketching and was known for my amusing caricatures of teachers and classmates. After graduating high school I was offered an athletics scholarship by De La Salle University to play for their baseball team, however I was obligated to major in sports and recreational management. Not knowing what career to pursue, I accepted the offer. The following year, our team traveled to the United States for a tournament, I was able to visit the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. I then realized my true desire. Unfortunately, I was unable to afford the tuition and it was not until the passing of my mother in 1997 that I felt the urge to seriously pursue my art. I sat the U.P. talent test and passed. I attended U.P. Fine Arts for three years where I developed and refined my skills and technique. In 2001, I left the University demotivated, as I felt a lack of encouragement and objectivity from several of the lecturers. I felt that I was no longer developing as an artist and was being constrained. I decided to leave and explore my creativity and pursue my own artistic expression. Since leaving the University, I have traveled to Malaysia, Europe, and the U.S., visiting galleries and museums and seeing works by both famous and up-coming artists. These experiences have given me greater insight into a wide range of styles and expression, expanded my horizons and provided immense stimulation. As a result, I have gained the confidence to pursue my own style. Since 2001, I have focused my attention on my paintings and sculptures. I have joined both the Artists Association of the Philippines and the Society of Philippine Sculptors. I visit the local galleries around the city on a regular basis, keeping up to date with the Philippine Art Scene, and meet up with other young artists at least once a week to create and discuss our art.   Exhibitions 2007 Bintana, V.O.C.A.S., La Azotea Bldg. Baguio City Bintana, Prose Gallery, Makati The Grand Gulaman, Prose Gallery, Makati Threat or Menace: The New Breed of Criminal, Prose Gallery AAP-ECCA Finalist exhibition, Exhibition Center for Contemporary Art, Valle Verde 1 Exhibited works at Habi Home @ Serendra AAP Annual Art Exhibit, Kanlungan ng Sining, Luneta Finalist –Art Assoc. of the Philippines – Exhibition Center for Contemporary Art 2nd Semi-Annual Abstract Painting Competition Finalist – 60th Art Assoc. of the Philippines Annual Art Competition, Sculpture category 2006 Solo Show: The Egg And Other Friendly Shapes, Prose Gallery 3x4, Prose Gallery, Makati Echoes, E-Gallery, Serendra Time Space Warts, Prose Gallery 2005 Color Blind, Chunky Far Flung Gallery, Marikina Shoe Expo 2004 3, three man show, Sanctum, Intramuros Cubicle Gallery, Pasig City UFO Gallery, San Juan 2003 Annual AAP Art Exhibit, sculpture and painting 2002 Baked , Jonis Bldg. Makati