‘Kahit walang kayamanang naiwan ang nanay ko, ibinigay niya mga talento ko’ – Baguio-based artist Andrea Lourice on coping with mother’s death

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Baguio-based artist Andrea Lourice Rafael continues to honor her late mother not through material inheritance, but through the talents she says were left behind—abilities that now serve as both her livelihood and her source of healing.

In a deeply personal reflection, Andrea shared in an interview on April 29 how her mother’s legacy of creativity and faith continues to guide her journey, transforming grief into purpose and art into a pathway toward a long-held dream.

To recall, Andrea’s mother, Anna, passed away in March 2026 after a long battle with multiple cancers. Despite the loss, the young painter said she continues to feel her mother’s presence through the values and artistic abilities she inherited—what she now considers her true capital.

“Sa ngayon, ang pagpipinta at pag-uupload ng mga videos sa TikTok ay bahagi na ng aking healing journey. Gusto kong ipakita sa lahat na kahit walang materyal na kayamanang naiwan ang nanay ko, iniwan naman niya sa akin ang mga talento sa pagpinta, pagkanta, pagsayaw, at pagtahi. Ito ang tunay na puhunan ko. Ang mga talentong ito ang magiging tulay para matupad ko ang final wish niya: ang makarating ako sa Alps. Every brushstroke is a step closer to that dream,” she said.

The Baguio-based artist also shared that she has been featured in several local and international media outlets. However, while the recognition may seem like an achievement to others, Andrea said it often deepens her grief, as interview questions frequently bring up her mother’s passing.

“Nagkaroon ako ng maraming interviews. Aside sa Guru Press Cordillera, ang talento ko ay nabalita sa ABS-CBN, GMA News, One News PH, Daily Mail UK, at Must Share News na featured sa Singapore. Sa tingin ng iba, nakakaproud pero sa kabila ng lahat, lungkot ang naramdaman ko. Dahil bawat tanong nila tungkol kung bakit namatay ang mama ko,” she said.

About her artworks

Andrea’s works focus on surrealism, blending dreamlike imagery with personal symbolism. Her pieces often feature imaginative landscapes and symbolic objects such as clocks—a recurring element that reflects her inner thoughts and lived experiences.

“I started painting clocks because of a very personal memory. When I turned 8, my father gave me a watch with an image of Mother Mary… through ups and downs, prayer is our constant anchor. That's why my favorite verse is Isaiah 60:22… bawat takbo ng oras ay paalala na may plano ang Panginoon. Every time I paint a clock, it's my way of honoring God’s timing and His promises,” she said.

Andrea’s journey has since gained attention online and through local and international exhibits. Despite her grief, she continues to move forward with faith, trusting in God’s perfect timing.

Currently, she accepts commissioned and customized artworks. Her pieces start at P7,000 for 18x24 inches and P13,000 and above for 2x3 feet, depending on the client’s request. Interested clients may contact her through her personal Facebook account, Andrea Lourice, for further inquiries.