How National Artist Patis Tesoro inspired Fil-Am visual artist Loisse Ledres

When fashion icon Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro was recently proclaimed National Artist for Design, Filipino-American visual artist Loisse Ledres was instantly elated by the news.

The Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion, after all, was Ledres’ No.1 influence in her multifaceted approach towards the arts. But most of all, the Cebu City-born multimedia creative was drawn to Tesoro uncompromising stance to being limitless across all her platforms.

“She (Tesoro) is not limited by just one medium. She’s a very strong cultural figure,” the 28-year-old New York native said.

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Tesoro is a key figure in fashion design, particularly of Filipiniana couture as could be seen in her intricate embroideries and the unique textiles she use for her creations.

Both Ledres and Tesoro enjoy quirky designs and vibrant colors and details on their artwork. Ledres said she made it a point to stay true to herself but at the same time show interconnectedness and warmth in her works, where each tells their own story. As much as she can, she tries to push Filipino women forward in the creative process, knowing that it is a generally male-dominated industry.

“I believe there is more room for Filipinas in these fields. Apart from it being a costly process, it is very limiting to women because then some of them would have to stop their career to be able to pursue their art. I myself have to assert myself and strive for respect,” she said.

Some of Ledres’ artworks landed on the Hollywood teen series “High School Musical+ The series,” which depicts a woman with long flowing hair with teardrops making a plant grow. She could still remember that time because the occasion marked a tumultuous moment in her life.

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“I remember getting the call post-heartbreak. The piece was called ‘Keep Growing,’ It helped heal me,” she said.

Ledres also expressed admiration for Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala who is “setting the bar high for Filipinos abroad.”

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From an early age, Ledres knew that she wanted to be an artist. Coming from a family of teachers did not at all dampen her aspirations to become a visual artist, but complimented her desire to connect with others through art.

But if there is one thing that she wanted to emulate from Tesoro, it is that she also wants to give back to her community. After holding art exhibits in New York City and Las Vegas, Nevada, already she is hoping to set up an exhibit in the Philippines, where proceeds would go fund her outreach programs.