Profile: Philip Sabado, the FilAm artist from Maui

by Elpidio R. Estioko

Do you know that a FilAm artist has been providing art lessons to the children of Maui for 20 years now?

And said artist have been helping local artists discover their passion for art and their own unique styles for over 35 years!

Philip Sabado, owner of Sabado Art & Design (School of Art), did all these!

In a telephone interview at his Maui art studio, Philip said he was born and raised in Mauna Loa, Molokai in the plantation villages of Hawaii. His parents are Felix and Severina Sabado, originally from the Ilocos region and he is the youngest of 9 children.

Just like many of the villagers, he spent most of his free time fishing, hunting, and cooking.

He graduated from high school at Molokai High School in 1963. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division, for three years from 1963 to 1966.

He took an early interest in art after serving in the U.S. Army by enrolling in 1967-1970 at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Major in Design /Illustration.

From 1971 to 1973, he was enrolled at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, Major in Fine Arts. Realizing that formal and classical training in his chosen field of art was a necessity, Philip said he continued his studies at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA in 1973 majoring in Illustration/Design.

Then, from 1979 to 1980, he worked at Otis/Parson School of Design in Los Angeles by carving out a successful career as an art director and was voted to be one of the top 50 illustrators at that time.

He continued his studies from 1980 to 1981 at Columbia University in Paris, France with a Major in Commercial Illustration. In 1981-1983, he also enrolled in Long Beach State and his field of Study was Anatomy.

From 2010 to 2015, he was awarded Maui Artist of the Year.

He decided to move back to Hawaii with his wife Christine and his family in 1984 to begin a life with his first love: fine arts. He put up his gallery and studio featuring all his creations and paintings plus allied art products.

Philip confirmed in the interview that over the next 30 years, he has been committed to creating art that is historically accurate that expresses the essence of Hawaiian culture, and depicts his love for nature and the culture of Hawaii.

Philip loves nature and the Hawaiian culture so much that those became his main subjects in his paintings and drawings.

His passion and love for art are deeply rooted in the following quotation: “On every creative project, I strive to create a body of work that is beautiful and connects with the Hawaiian Spirit.”

Destiny is an intriguing word, he said, which means many things to many people.

Philip said during the interview: “When art and history merge, we have a complete picture in focus. Now we can “see” and “understand” the depth and evolution of spirit with a purpose.”

He continued: “My goal and vision are to bring our history, our destiny, into the present; to perpetuate spirit through the mediums of art and to tell the stories that accompany the artwork. We call this in the Hawaiian language; “Manao” because it not only tells a story but captures the ‘feeling and emotion the artist projects into their art, work, and life in general.

“As an artist born and raised in Molokai, I have always believed that what others consider mythology, I consider history. This has been my ongoing focus in creating quality art from my roots on Molokai. I knew at a very early age I wanted to be an artist.”

As part of giving back to the community, he established Ke’ena Kuakahi Art Studio (First Studio) in the late 80s as an art school for adults and children.

“As a child of the plantation era, the life lessons I have learned are still with me to this day,” Philip said.

“An understanding that has served me in my artistic endeavors: ‘What others term mythology, I consider history.’ My approach is consistent; quality of art (product), research (accuracy of information), and consulting with Kupua, (experts in the field).”

Philip blends art with his personal understanding and love of Hawaiian history where he believes that “Art has a way of speaking to you, no matter how many times you may view a mural; each time you may see something new.”

In the interview, Philip shared:

“My highest hope is to inspire and to remind us of who came before us. As in any project, the priority is quality and a balance of respect, and research, these go hand in hand, especially in Hawaii where the history is multi-layered. In my recent commissions, I have been honored to have the advice and counsel of an elder ‘Kahu’ that provides the additional information that is not always accessible. I immerse myself in additional history of the area that the commission and the location are focused on.”

Philip conducts art lessons for all ages. For children’s art classes, he has been providing art lessons to the children of Maui for 20 years. He prides himself in teaching children the fundamentals of drawing and painting in a variety of mediums. He provided all the tools and supplies for their journey into art!

For adult classes, so many of his adult students have waited for this ‘chance’ in life to begin to do art. He said: “We are here just for that reason.”

His art classes can take the students from drawing and painting to that portrait they always wanted to do. It’s a hands-on instruction style that keeps the students engaged and motivated.

Philp also caters to visitors. They are welcome to join his classes. He said he could help them create that special work for their Mainland or Hawaii homes.

Kudos to you, Philip! Keep it up!

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments… please email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com.