At 47 years old, Christopher Adriano Santiago from Upper Bigte Norzagaray, Bulacan, has transformed from an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) into a dedicated denim artist, merging his love for creativity with his passion for sustainability. An undergraduate of Associate in Architectural Drafting, Christopher describes himself as a “self-taught artist” who has pursued multiple artistic avenues throughout his life.
Christopher’s journey started as an OFW in 2007 before he returned to the Philippines to drive a jeepney. In 2010, his interest in art deepened when he joined Artes Indios, a local art group in Bulacan. “I started to become serious in painting,” he shares with The Global Filipino Magazine, adding that his primary medium at the time was acrylic on canvas. Although he also worked as a tattoo artist, his main source of income was driving a jeepney. His talent in art was soon recognized when he became a two-time finalist in the GSIS Art Competition’s Non-Representational Category in 2011 and 2013, and later earned the Investor Choice Award at the Philippine Art Festival 2024.
When the pandemic struck, Christopher paused his work as a jeepney driver and devoted more time to his art. By 2023, his curiosity led him to explore a new form of expression: denim art. “I had many sacks of denim pants,” he explains. With a commitment to repurposing, Christopher creates unique artworks using all parts of the jeans—buttons, zippers, and fabric. “There is no waste in denim,” he says, emphasizing his dedication to turning recycled materials into something valuable and artistic.
He encourages others to explore their passions and embrace sustainability. “For those interested in recycling materials and transforming them into art, just go on. You can be artistic and help the environment at the same time,” he advises.