22/03/2024
After seeing Elvin Perocho Vitor's name proliferating across news outlets and social media for his upcoming recognition by the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci International Art Award, I was grateful for the opportunity to chat with this inspiring artist and pen this chronicle of his faithful journey. ---- Let us honor Elvin’s awe-inspiring works and share this inspiration widely so that his faithful artistic vision may touch more lives.
The True Story Behind Elvin Perocho Vitor's Leonardo da Vinci International Art Recognition
A Humble Journey of Faith and Artistic Vision
I recently had the distinct honor of chatting with Elvin Perocho Vitor, the celebrated Filipino artist soon to be recognized by the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci International Art Award in Milan, Italy. It was a truly modest moment to connect with this rising force in the global art world.
Elvin's story is one of humble beginnings and an unwavering pursuit of his creative calling. Hailing from the simple town of Sierra Bullones in Bohol, Philippines, he defied personal obstacles to nurture his artistic talents. Despite being severely visually impaired with a profound disability, he steadfastly refused to allow it to impede his beloved passion for painting. With resolute determination, Elvin studied Advertising Arts at the University of Bohol, laying the formative foundation for his flourishing artistic journey.
As our conversation turned to the numerous accolades, media spotlights, and guest appearances he has garnered in anticipation of receiving this esteemed Leonardo da Vinci recognition, Elvin humbly provided an important clarification. He wants to ensure the accurate perception that this honoring is not akin to winning an award or competition, but rather an acknowledgment by the prestigious global institution of his significant artistic contributions.
However, what left the most indelible impact on me was Elvin's profound humility and devout faith that clearly anchors his life and work. In his own words shared on social media, he expressed, "Just like the biblical story of Job, I have experienced different troubles but still I praise God." This reference to the faithfully persevering Job, a figure from scripture renowned for maintaining unwavering devotion to God despite unfathomable suffering and trials, is a poignant window into Elvin's spiritual moorings.
His driving purpose transcends mere artistic expression. "My cause is just to produce art that will contribute to the art scene of Bohol and glorify God with the talent He gave," Vitor shared. His ultimate aspiration is to utilize his God-given gifts to elevate Filipino art onto the global stage while bringing honor to his beloved home province of Bohol.
Though undoubtedly appreciative of the tremendous attention and recognition, Elvin recognizes his time on earth is fleeting, resolving to inspire others by channeling every ounce of his strength and talents into his craft – an inspirational refusal to be constrained by his visual impairment. With profound humility, he fervently deflects all acclaim to God, firmly rooted in the conviction that his talents are divine gifts to be leveraged for a higher purpose.
I departed my chat with Elvin Perocho Vitor in utterly awestruck admiration - not merely for his breathtaking artistic mastery, but more importantly, his grounded, faithful perspective that guides his work and life. In an age often consumed by pursuits of material success and vapid celebrity, here stands a man for whom art is an expression of devotion - an instrument to bring glory to his Maker and his home.
The global art community has undoubtedly gained a new luminary in Elvin. But more profoundly, the world has been gifted with a shining exemplar of walking life's journey, no matter its trials or honors, with humility, gratitude and an unwavering focus on the true source of all gifts - God himself.
Let us honor Elvin's awe-inspiring works and share this inspiration widely so that his faithful artistic vision may touch more lives. We could all benefit from more role models like him.
--- by Ron Marquita-Lozano Echual
Follow Elvin's work ://www.facebook.com/elvin.vitor
Elvin Perocho Vitor