Raymond "Monds" Fernandez

A father, an artist, a legend; Mr. Raymond Fernandez is many things, yet what truly defines him is his love for art. He is a professor at my school and he teaches a variety of classes, from Art History to Figure Drawing. He is truly inspiring, and that is why I am going to write about him.

Mr. Monds is down to earth. He sees life in a different way; he sees life as if it is a big piece of art that we all have to figure out. Given this, he is able to transmute it in his art; his passion is what drives him to create great masterpieces.

At first glance, you might see Sir Monds as the stereotypical artist, long hair, and loose clothes. But once you get a chance to talk to him, your whole outlook of him would change. It’s because he talks about things, as I said, in a different way.  He is open-minded about things which make being an artist better.

Being a father, he is able to teach his kids about life. He is the boatman to their journey through the river of life. He guides them in their endeavors and teaches them what is right and what is wrong, while at the same time giving them enough space to think about it themselves. He also keeps them intact with their faith in God (He grew up studying in a Jesuit school).

To me, Sir Monds is legendary, why? because of the fact that he is one of the best artist in Cebu, and by the fact that he is a visionary. He envelopes his art in what he sees in life, be it problems, happiness, and even love. He expresses these with so much emotion that you want to make art yourself. He is a truly inspiring man.