Life & Work with Gori Bautista

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gori Bautista.

Hi Gori, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My art journey began when I was still in the Philippines. I was born and raised in Manila, an urban area, where everyday life is like a survival game. My love for art began on sketching comic books with my made-up story and various characters at the age of 6 which was inspired by anime that was a huge hit in the Philippines back in the ‘90s.

It progressed on taking my art to the streets when I got older, slapping stickers wherever I go, posting wheatpaste art on random walls. Then I even took it further by painting big walls on the streets using spray paint, commonly known as graffiti art. Graffiti art is not so legal in the Philippines so the adrenaline is what makes it even more fun. It didn’t take me so long when I started painting on the canvases. I enjoyed it so much cause I knew I could take my time painting and not rushing as I do with graffiti.

Less adrenaline but safe I thought. After that, people started to notice my art more, I got invited to various group shows and art events. I was able to get to know more people in the art scene. In 2014, I had my first solo exhibit in Manila. Then in 2017, I had my 2nd solo show which was a sold-out success. I eventually moved to the US and started a new life with my wife. I had a little bit of fear in me that I would not be able to pursue my passion for art again.

But that fear didn’t stop me. I started painting again and applied for different calls for art events but never had a callback. I didn’t stop there. I began to apply for art galleries in Arizona and fortunately was able to be a part of group shows. In 2020, I left my day job and started to translate my painting into resin toys or so-called designer toys. In 2021, I had my first solo exhibit in Philadelphia showcasing my designer toys and some acrylic paintings.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was definitely not a smooth road for me.

When I was growing up, I dreamed of going to a fine arts school but at that time it wasn’t practical for my family so everything I learned about art is through experience and from the people I met along the way. I struggled the most when I moved here to the US thinking nobody will know about me or my art and it will be the end of my art career.

I had that fear in me on top of the life adjustments, culture shock, and uncertainties. It took a lot of effort and time to get to where I am right now.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do canvas painting and toy designing right now. I specialize in acrylic painting. I am currently known for designing resin toys. So far, I have made 4 designer toys “Gorio, Gregor, kongu and boogie”. Each of them has a different concept, personality, and coolness. And they are my treasured possession.

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I can finish five bowls of ramen in one sitting.

Contact Info:

• Email: gorilaboratory@gmail.com
• Website: www.gorilaboratory.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g.0.r.i/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gori.bautista.9

Image Credits
Gori