Local Feature: Jamedith Abuan, The Heart and Soul of Isla Eskinita

In a world overflowing with content, chaos, and curated perfection, there’s something quietly revolutionary about art that finds beauty in the unfiltered, everyday. Whether it’s a stranger on a bike ride, a mundane street corner, or a fleeting, half-heard conversation—Isla Eskinita, the artistic identity of Jamedith Abuan, turns these moments into soulful, intimate works of art.

From paper to digital canvas, from silent observation to visual storytelling, Isla Eskinita’s art is a heartfelt reflection of the world as it is—raw, funny, strange, and familiar all at once. And through her works, you begin to see how even the smallest scenes can hold stories worth telling.

A Name That Says Everything

Jamedith didn’t always go by Isla Eskinita. In fact, she started out under the name Artsilly—a playful label that felt fitting for a young artist just finding her voice. But as her style and purpose matured, she realized that the name no longer resonated. It didn’t quite reflect the nuances of her evolving creative identity.

“It didn’t really stick with people or reflect who I am,” she explained. “So I came up with something more personal.”

Isla, meaning island, stems from her love for the outdoors. Hiking, cycling, running—being surrounded by trees, trails, and the hush of nature provides her with clarity and a quiet sense of belonging. On the other end of the spectrum is Eskinita, a distinctly Filipino word for alley—the narrow arteries of urban life, brimming with stories, strangers, and the pulse of the everyday.

Together, Isla Eskinita becomes more than just a name. It’s a statement of duality: solitude and community, stillness and motion, the natural and the man-made—all coexisting in her work.

Drawing Since Day One

Like many artists, Jamedith’s journey began long before she ever considered it a career. As a quiet child, she was constantly sketching—so much so that she once made a promise to stop drawing, thinking she was doing it too much.

“But of course, I failed,” she laughed. “Eventually, I embraced it.”

It wasn’t until she chose to take Arts and Design at Tagum City National Comprehensive High School (TCNCHS) in senior high school that things truly began to shift. Under the mentorship of Sir Jonathan Sensano, she started learning the fundamentals of art—technique, composition, painting—all of which laid the groundwork for what was to come.

Later, she crossed paths with the celebrated artist Sir Kublai Millan, and that’s when her artistic path deepened into something more introspective.

“With him, it wasn’t so much about the technical side anymore—it became about exploring the mind and understanding ourselves as artists.”

This layered approach—both academic and emotional—would later shape the very core of her works.

The Art of the Everyday

Isla Eskinita’s pieces are often described as “relatable,” but that feels like an understatement. They are deeply familiar. Her scenes—filled with casual gestures, masks, body language, and conversational snippets—mirror thoughts we’ve all had but never voiced. They offer comfort in recognition.

“I enjoy walking or riding a bike around the city, just quietly observing people… I think I carry enough empathy to really see and feel what others might be going through.”

Her subjects range from strangers in passing to characters that seem lifted straight from childhood memories. In her hands, a random passerby becomes a protagonist. A short exchange overheard on the street becomes a poetic moment.

Despite the humor and simplicity in some of her works, there’s a clear emotional intelligence running through it all—a quiet understanding of human nature that comes not from formal theory, but from simply paying attention.

Balancing Creativity and Commission

Jamedith is a multi-hyphenate artist—working not just on personal pieces and merch, but also taking on portrait commissions and UX/UI design. She sees no need to limit herself.

“I am a traditional artist and a digital illustrator. I also work as a UX/UI designer, so my creative journey extends into the design field as well.”

When it comes to managing client work and personal projects, her approach is intuitive. She doesn’t force creativity. “When I’m not in the mood to create, I simply don’t—and that’s okay,” she shared. But when inspiration strikes, she doesn’t let it go to waste—she jots down ideas, makes a sketch, and returns to it when the timing feels right.

This rhythm, based on listening to her inner flow rather than rigid productivity, keeps her creative spirit intact even amid deadlines and expectations.

Stepping Into the Scene

Over the past year, Isla Eskinita has found a deeper connection to the local underground art and music scene in Davao. Selling her work at pop-up markets and community events has been more than a commercial experience—it’s helped her find belonging.

“It’s been such a refreshing experience meeting people who genuinely appreciate art. For the first time, I feel like my work is truly welcomed.”

That said, being an independent artist comes with its own set of challenges—especially for someone who’s naturally introverted.

“I’m not exactly the most sociable person,” she admitted. “But in this field, it’s all about meeting new people, socializing, and introducing yourself.”

Luckily, she’s not navigating this journey alone. Her partner, Karl, has been a vital source of support, encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone. “I’m also grateful to my partner, Karl,” she shares. “He’s been a huge help in stepping out and marketing my art.”

What’s Next for Isla Eskinita?

With several exciting events and collaborations lined up, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Isla Eskinita. Some of her upcoming activities include:

• Group Exhibition: Kingkoy 2, May 28 – June 10 at La Herencia, Davao
• Pop-up Event: Munimuni, April 26 at The Commons
• A collaboration with Cheats (details to be announced)

Beyond these, Isla Eskinita has big dreams for the future—ones that go far beyond the canvas. She envisions her art leaping into new territories, from digital playlists to wearable pieces.

“I dream of collaborating with musicians and clothing brands. I’d love to see my work on platforms like Spotify or on local clothing. I’m especially excited about the possibility of working with Cheats!” she shared.

One of the most exciting ventures on her horizon is an upcoming collaboration with Cheats, a local clothing brand that shares her passion for storytelling through design. For Isla Eskinita, working with fashion isn’t just about putting her art on fabric—it’s about creating pieces people can carry with them, wear, and connect to in their everyday lives.

Whether it’s displayed in a gallery or printed on a t-shirt, Isla Eskinita’s art continues to find new and meaningful ways to exist in the world.

A Message to Her Younger Self

If she could speak to the younger version of herself—the quiet kid sketching in the corner, unsure if she should be spending “too much” time drawing—her advice would be simple:

“Stay weird and let the love within you guide the art you create.”

Connect with Isla Eskinita

Looking to support her art or collaborate? She’s open to commissions, collaborations, and more. Connect with her through the links below:

Facebook: facebook.com/isla.eskinita
Instagram: instagram.com/isla_eskinita