Entitled “Mientras Tanto,” a Spanish-rooted term loosely meaning “in the meantime,” the exhibit showcases pieces from different stages of Sabanal’s life.

She explained that most of the pieces were made during the height of the pandemic, when she felt trapped and hopeless, unsure of the future, and she clung to her craft more than ever before.

“I told myself that I just had to do it,” she said.

“Trying to be creative is rather daunting than easy. It can be frustrating, but I don’t have a choice. My life depends on my craft.”

Walking through the exhibit, one can see the transition of her art style to reflect her transition in life.

One particular painting showed a portrait of a baby; however, what drew attention were the little doodles, not unlike the work of an actual child.

Sabanal explained that it was a portrait of her nephew, and while painting it, he came up and started doodling on the canvas. Rather than scolding him or getting him away from her work, she encouraged him to do as he pleased, saying that it only added authenticity to the piece.

“There is no such thing as perfection in art,” she said.

She also featured self-portraits her father painted in his old age, stating that it was one of her favorite forms of art in that it resembled the whimsy most people lose as they grow older.

“It’s his own ‘mientras tanto’ moment,” she shared.

As a seasoned artist who’s already had solo exhibits in Cebu and Bohol, she encouraged younger artists to not just wait for inspiration but work through art blocks until the creative juices get flowing again.

“Just pick up a pen, start with a dot, then keep doing that until you eventually come up with a picture.”