Memories of Paradise Island is an Existential Landscape painting series inspired by a photograph I took while backpacking though the Philippines, quite a few years ago. I just loved the colors and mystical feel of the photo, as well as the wonderful memories it inspires. I took the photo while exploring the amazing deserted islands around El Nido, northern Palawan.
Palawan is an island that sits between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. Also known as the last frontier, since much of the island is quite remote and during the time of my visit about 9 years ago, all electricity, if there was any available, was provided by generators. This gave the place an exotic, back to the roots feel–a perfect fit for a tropical island paradise. After arriving in Puerto Princessa, the capital city, I caught an uncomfortable bus north, to El Nido.
El Nido, once you escaped the more inhabited spots, was a true paradise. It was also the gateway to the many enchanted, deserted islands scattered around the Bacuit Archipelago, where jagged limestone cliffs emerge from crystal turquoise waters.
