Experiences as military nurse still influence Concord artist
CONCORD, CA (June 24, 2024) — Rhu Bigay’s story is one of resilience, passion and dedication to art.
Born in the Philippines to a lineage that traces back to the French Castilian, he began his pursuit of art in high school, much to the dismay of his parents who believed that “art would not feed you.”
Despite their concerns, Bigay’s passion for art persisted – ultimately shaping his remarkable career.
Before fully embracing his artistic talents, Bigay served in the military and worked as a nurse in the burn unit. Rhu took a deep breath before recalling those days.
“Oh boy. Very difficult times I had in the past – knowing that they won’t be making it to the next day,” said Bigay, who now lives in Concord.
The harrowing experiences left a profound impact on him, leading to a struggle with PTSD. It was during the quiet nights after his shifts that Bigay found solace in painting, using it as an outlet to cope with his trauma.
Intense and provocative
Bigay’s artistic style is deeply influenced by his military background. His work often features dramatic scenes of military life and aviation. His unique focus on patriotic and military themes set him apart but also posed challenges. Despite his undeniable talent, art galleries often found his work too intense and provocative for their audiences.
Unfazed by rejection from the traditional art world, Bigay found a niche that embraced his work: airshows. He also has a trademark called Air Show Blues. By painting vivid scenes and selling prints of his originals, he garnered enough success to support his family.
His dedication and distinctive style did not go unnoticed. Notably, the Monterey County Catholic organization commissioned him to create a portrait of the pope and author John Steinbeck’s company hired him for a painting to be placed in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Still, Bigay often felt alienated from nonprofit art organizations and constantly feared vandalism of his patriotic work. His decision to abandon galleries and shows was a bold move, but it led him to a new and rewarding venture: creating his own art calendars.
Pivotal moment
A pivotal moment in Bigay’s career came when he entered the Sunol Wildflower Art Contest after learning about it from a local newspaper. His entry, “This Side of Mt. Diablo,” is a captivating oil painting featuring the Southern Pacific 1744 locomotive and the USS Macon, surrounded by California golden poppies and a family of California quails. This intricate piece won first place, earning him a spot in the JOR Fine Art Gallery in Clayton. Jo@gmail.com
The recognition was a triumphant affirmation of Bigay’s talent and perseverance, symbolizing not only his artistic achievement but also his enduring spirit and service to his country. Bigay’s journey from a high school art enthusiast to a celebrated painter is a testament to the power of passion and resilience in the face of adversity.
Editor’s Note: The Pioneer welcomes Clayton resident Julia O’Reilly as the new art columnist. After moving here from Istanbul, she specialized in interior design at Las Positas College. She began her career as a jewelry artist in 2003. Diablo Magazine named her Best Local Jewelry Designer in 2012.
After being involved with the Blackhawk Gallery in Danville and the Alamo Danville Artists’ Society, she opened JOR Fine Art Gallery in Clayton in 2022. Email comments to her at joreillyfineartgallery@gmail.com.
Julia O'Reilly
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey, Julia pursued her studies in Business and Economics at Istanbul University before immigrating to the United States in 1991. She furthered her education at Las Positas College, specializing in Interior Design, and eventually settled in Clayton, where she has resided for 29 years. In 2003, Julia began her career as a jewelry artist, earning recognition from Diablo Magazine as the Best of the East Bay Local Jewelry Designer in 2012. Since 2014, she has been involved with the Blackhawk Gallery in Danville, California, and became President of the Alamo Danville Artists Society in 2020. In 2022, she opened her own JOR Fine Art Gallery, and for the past two years, she has been actively contributing to the Art Community in Clayton, a passion she deeply cherishes.