At 19 years old, Faith Sycaoyao has already made a significant mark as a visual artist and Deputy Graphics Director at Climate Cardinals. Her journey into the world of art began with simple scribbles that evolved into detailed scenes, capturing her curiosity and creativity from a young age.
“I started drawing as a hobby around the age of 6 and began self-training by the time I was 13 years old,” she recalls. This early passion grew as she realized art’s potential to transform real-life scenes into captivating works and create something that resonates deeply with her soul.
Faith’s studies in Economics and Business Administration have played a crucial role in shaping her artistic approach. “Studying Economics and Business has influenced my approach to art by deepening my commitment to addressing critical global issues,” she explains to The Global Filipino Magazine.
These studies have provided her with insights into global commerce and interconnectedness, enriching her exploration of themes such as sustainability and cultural diversity in her work. Her involvement with Climate Cardinals, the world’s largest youth-led climate nonprofit, and her art donation initiative with the Bezos Family Foundation’s Students Rebuild Program are prime examples of how she integrates these themes into her art.
One of Faith’s most significant projects is her art donation initiative with the Bezos Family Foundation’s Students Rebuild Program.
“This endeavor involved contributing a total of 6,000 creative works across two projects under the program since 2023,” she says.
The project required immense patience and resilience but generated substantial five-figure funds for the program’s partners.
“It marked a pivotal moment in my early career—a meaningful initiative with a profound societal impact that I am excited to formalize in the future.”
Despite the recognition and opportunities that come with being featured in international publications, Faith acknowledges the challenges she faces. “Balancing exposure, occasional pressures, volunteer work, personal life, and studies as a student is challenging but manageable with discipline,” she admits. Staying true to herself and maintaining a strong sense of identity helps her navigate these complexities and build resilience amidst global attention and cultural influences.
Faith’s artistic influences are primarily internal and derived from nature. “I don’t really seek external influences to guide my artistic journey. It’s more about introspection and discovering what resonates with me,” she notes. This reflective approach allows her to connect deeply with her experiences and perspectives, striving for a classic and elegant style. “I continually explore various art techniques and engage in creative volunteer work, which broadens my ability to express myself in novel ways.”
One of the highlights of Faith’s career is creating the Boston Marathon Mural titled “Aeolian Step, the Flight of Victory.” “Creating the Boston Marathon Mural was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience for me,” she exclaims. The mural, showcased during the 100th anniversary of the marathon, celebrates Hopkinton’s legacy as the starting point for this prestigious event. “It’s been amazing to see how it has touched people—bringing together spectators, participants, and the local Massachusetts community to reflect on the Boston Marathon’s legacy and its values.” The positive response and media coverage the mural received were particularly humbling for Faith.
Philanthropy is a core component of Faith’s career. “Philanthropy is important to my career as an artist because it allows me to address issues like climate change and poverty,” she explains. Her life background and birthplace in the Philippines, a country heavily affected by disasters and poverty, drive her commitment to these causes. “The increasing global impact of disasters and the resulting impoverishment, particularly affecting billions of children, drives me to contribute meaningfully to these causes.” Through art initiatives and collaborations, Faith aims to raise awareness and inspire action towards creating positive change.
Looking to the future, Faith’s aspirations are clear. “My future aspirations center on using art to address poverty alleviation and promote sustainability, especially concerning children,” she reveals. Professionally, she hopes to collaborate with nonprofit groups and businesses to implement art-based initiatives that foster sustainable practices and improve the well-being of children in marginalized communities. “Overall, my goal is to continually strive for excellence and growth, to see how my gifts can positively impact others.”
This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 1 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.
