The Philippines, whose people are known for their liveliness and creativity, is home to various talented visual artists who shape Philippine art and contribute to the global art scene. One of the notable visual artists of this generation is Amador “Dodie” Inlayo, a landscape artist and cubist who is gaining prominence in the field since 2016.

Hailing from Antipolo, Rizal, Dodie started his artistic journey at the age of six when he developed a habit of copying and drawing cartoon characters from TV shows and movies. As a student, besides being his teachers’ favorite kid to draw on the blackboard, his classmates often pay him for doing their plates. At the same time, he shares a great liking for drawing with his sister, which their parents support. Little did he know, all these chances in his childhood were leading him to the path he would eventually take in college and later in life.

“Oo naman, very supportive naman sila, kasi ‘yung iba kong kapatid like my sister is mahilig din mga magd-drawing. Pero ako talaga ‘yung nagpursue nung aking passion sa pagpipinta,” he expressed.

Although Dodie completed his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts at GlobalKnowledge Philippines in Mandaluyong, he didn’t immediately become a full time artist. He spent 20 long years in the publishing industry before pursuing his passion for painting, noting that during that period, it became easier for artists like him to promote their artworks because of technology compared to the time when he graduated.

Dodie started as a landscape artist, drawing inspiration from Filipino visual artists Fernando Amorsolo, known as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art,” Melancio Sapnu, and Fidel Sarmiento, the longest-serving president of the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP). He delved into abstract painting as well before experimenting with cubism, inspired by Pablo Picasso, until he found his current style.

Using acrylic as his medium, Dodie paints ten little pieces of landscape art daily, applying his principle, “Gawa lang nang gawa [Just keep creating].” It is what kept him going as a full time artist for seven years.

“Syempre full time artist kana, dyan din nanggagaling ‘yung source of income mo. Minsan talaga hindi mabenta, minsan naman merong mabenta. Pero sipag lang talaga at tiyaga lang. Pinta lang ng pinta, ika nga. Gawa lang ng gawa kasi mabebenta rin naman ‘yan.”

Meanwhile, his cubism artworks, which mainly revolve around the theme of mother and child, are typically finished within five days’ time. Besides Filipino familial themes, he gets his inspiration from nature and animals, often going out to observe his surroundings and “set the mood” before painting in his studio to get his creativity flowing.

As someone who has reached five decades of life, Dodie aspires to create a total of 50 artworks and conduct another solo exhibit to leave a lasting and inspiring creative impact in the Philippine art scene, all the while working on his current projects and commissioned works.

Over the years, Dodie has conducted three solo exhibits: “Agos” (2017) at Loreland Farm Resort, “Lily” (2019) at Luljettas Hanging Gardens Spa, and “KUBISMO” (2023) at Robinson’s Place Antipolo. His first ever exhibit was at the Manila Hotel Group Art Exhibit in 2016, the year he first joined the ARTipolo art group, an organization of artists from Antipolo, Rizal. Two years later, he became the recipient of the Most Inspiring Artist award by the GlobalKnowledge Philippines.

His artworks were also displayed in numerous exhibits such as Ayala Museum Art Exhibit and Book Launching (2017), SM Megamall (2019), Kambal Gallery in Hongkong (2021), Robinson’s Place Art Exhibit of ARTipolo (2022), and Art Center Megamall’s “Contemporary Trends” (2023).

Dodie’s growth and journey are proof that once you have embraced your identity as an artist, that identity will remain forever—no matter how long it takes you to pursue your passion again. Filipinos who want to be inspired can take delight in his vivid, realistic painting and creations, which serve as a great reminder that everyone can achieve their dream at the right time, if they truly desire it.