Meet Reena Tolentino RT

We were lucky to catch up with Reena Tolentino ” RT” recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Reena, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?
Growing up in a household without a father and being raised by a single mother who had migrated from the Philippines, my childhood experiences shaped my perspective in unique ways compared to my classmates who grew up with both parents. While I longed for my father’s love, my mother took on the role of disciplinarian, providing me with valuable life lessons.

As my mother was the sole breadwinner, I learned to be independent from a young age and had to take on responsibilities beyond my years. This early self-reliance forced me to mature faster than many of my peers, giving me a deeper understanding of the world and the struggles faced by others.

One pivotal moment that profoundly impacted the development of my empathy was when I traveled to the Philippines at the age of 11. Witnessing firsthand the harsh realities of poverty opened my eyes to the immense hardships that people endure on a daily basis. This experience was a turning point that further shaped my compassion to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

These conditions allowed me to develop a profound sense of empathy, enabling me to connect with and understand the struggles and emotions of those around me. My journey has taught me to appreciate the diversity of human experiences and to approach life with compassion and a desire to uplift those in need through my energy through art.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am not just a painter, but a versatile contemporary artist with a diverse skill set that includes working with paints and mixed media, blowing glass, designing new merchandise, writing, developing and creating content, and producing. I don’t mind pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges, and recently, I added another skill to my repertoire: art curation.

As I traveled and attended various museum and gallery shows, I had the opportunity to meet numerous talented artists. However, I noticed that many artists were more interested in connecting with curators, PR professionals, gallerists, and managers. To bridge this gap and foster meaningful interactions, I started presenting myself as a curator. This allowed me to engage with artists on a deeper level, learning about their unique stories, perspectives, and creative processes.

I can appreciate the depth and uniqueness of each artist’s journey. Some possess profound stories that resonate with me, while others offer a more surface-level perspective. My interest lies in exploring the vast spectrum of human expression and creativity.

I have an upcoming art curatorial endeavor at the Breathe Convention, set to take place at the prestigious World Market Center in Las Vegas from September 13 to 15, 2023. This event will feature an outside Art Garden and an immersive art installation experience, showcasing a carefully curated selection of artworks, including my own Quantum Entanglement narrative, REVEALED to the public for the FIRST TIME! I am excited to provide a platform for these talented artists and to share their remarkable works with a wider audience.

This experience embodies my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and fostering meaningful connections within the creative community. I eagerly look forward to showcasing the exceptional talents of these artists and contributing to the vibrant art scene at the Breathe Convention.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
During my early journey as an artist, three qualities, skills, or knowledge had a profound impact on shaping my path:

1) Bravery: Embracing the life of an artist is a challenging and uncertain endeavor. However, I realized that speaking up and fearlessly sharing my artistic voice was essential. As an artist, my duty is to use my voice as a complementary tool to my artwork, creating a compelling rhetoric that resonates with audiences.

2) Articulation and Pitching: Learning to effectively talk about myself and my work became crucial. Whether I possess a charming or intriguing persona, people’s curiosity about who I am and what I do demanded proficient communication skills. Being able to articulate my artistic vision and story became an indispensable aspect of my journey.

3) The Value of Reading: I discovered the immense importance of reading, particularly older literature. Through books, I unearthed valuable knowledge that often goes beyond what modern search engines can offer. Exploring classical literature enriched my understanding of art, history, and humanity, providing me with unique insights that shaped my artistic expression.

These qualities, skills, and knowledge have played a pivotal role in my artistic journey, empowering me to navigate the challenges of the creative path with confidence and insight. Embracing bravery, honing my communication skills, and delving into timeless literature have been instrumental in shaping my growth as an artist.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Among all my readings, the Bible, particularly the King James Version, stands out as the most essential. One of the notable stories that captivated me recently was that of Judith, a remarkable figure portrayed highly in Renaissance works of art such as “Judith Slaying Holofernes’ Head.” To me, Judith embodies the epitome of beauty, loyalty, strength, and intelligence, making her the ideal representation of a strong, empowered woman who played a pivotal role in saving nations.

As I delve deeper into Judith’s narrative, I am inspired by her bravery and unwavering commitment to her tribe. Her character serves as a timeless example of a formidable and empowered woman, and I aim to cultivate her devotion, intelligence, and courage and to carry her torch of empowerment as I navigate through my own journey.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Julian Carmona, all other credit for photos of art done by me (Reena Tolentino)

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