In 2009, I wrote about Jessie Marinas, who, in spite of his painful medical condition, was able to make a mark in the field of arts in the City of Manteca. Aside from winning accolades and awards for his murals and paintings, Marinas was inducted in the Hall of Fame in the City of Manteca/Lathrop—an extraordinary feat for someone who has only started to paint three years ago.
An electrical engineer by profession, he had to give up his dreams of being an artist being the eldest among 12 siblings. Marinas suffer degenerative spinal problems, something that also almost killed him. But his condition has given him the time to go back to his first love, painting.
He painted The Passion of Christ—a moving painting that became the defining moment in Marinas’ career as an artist. He also won first place for The Harvest Continues, in a mural painting competition in 2008, beating seven other accomplished muralists from Canada, Oregon, Colorado and California. The Harvest Continues continued to garner awards later on when Marinas allowed some friends to use it as a quilt and has won 2nd place and two Best in Shows in international competitions. This beautiful mural now hangs in the Manteca Senior Center.
Last May 14, Marinas was inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame.
“I could hardly believe it myself,” said Marinas when asked what his reaction was after finding out that he was chosen. For this, he is grateful for Tony Raymus who nominated him, as well as his family and friends who believed in him and his art.
Displayed during the induction ceremony was one of Marinas’ most recent works, Eaglehearts, which he painted last year. Eaglehearts represents and recognizes the patriotism and courage of US military men and women, who died or continued to fight wars. Initially, the painting was questioned by the City of Manteca because of its content when they noticed that one of the soldiers was holding a prayer book, but Marinas explained that he made the painting to represent people of different origins and religions, who have the same love for the United States.
Marinas is now set to do a mural for the City of Manteca Library. “I don’t have a wall (mural) of my own yet, hopefully, this is the one,” he said.
Still, he remains true to his faith to God, by surpassing physical limitations in doing his work. Also, he holds the same values the City of Manteca has, which is family comes first.
“Manteca knows me as a good artist,” he said and then added, “But I want to be recognized as a good father, husband, brother and grandfather.”
For more of Marinas and his art, visit his website at http://jessiebmarinas.com/.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(Northern California May 20-26, 2011 SomethingFilipno pg.2)
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