Meet Dominic Barrios, the security guard-clay sculptor who just mounted his first exhibit with college students
Dominic Barrios is not your average school security guard who checks students' identification cards and pokes their bags with a stick. He is an artist who breathes life into modeling clays, transforming them into vehicles, pop culture characters, and mythological beings.
The 29-year-old craftsman, who has been working at De La Salle University College of St. Benilde (CSB) for nearly two years, is ever-flexible with his subjects—from the likeness of French schoolteacher Bénilde Romançon (whose name the college uses) to the menacing Godzilla of Japanese consciousness to the fearsome Medusa of Greek mythology.
Dominic can equally handle the throat-slashing Wolverine and the happy-go-lucky SpongeBob SquarePants. Most of his pieces fit one's palm, if not as big as one's forearm.
At the college's recent Artchives Unwrapped exhibit from Sept. 17 to 20, Dominic was there not to report for duty but to showcase his talent and expertise alongside Benildeans in celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries month.
He mounted his first-ever exhibit, titled KUYA SEKYU, which "reflects the imagination of a young boy who found joy in comics and mythic tales" according to its catalog.
"Through his sculptures, Barrios reclaims the space for self-expression, offering a powerful commentary on how artistic talent flourishes even in the most unexpected places," the catalog states. "Barrios' art speaks of a voice waiting to be heard and a talent waiting to be seen, reminding us that creativity knows no boundaries and can emerge in any walk of life."
"KUYA SEKYU" included Godzilla, King Kong, Zeus, Medusa, Kratos, and a Spartan soldier.
Artistic tendencies
Dominic's artistic tendencies began when he was eight, a time when he didn't have his own toys.
"Hindi ako pinapahiram ng laruan ng mga kaibigan ko," he told PhilSTAR L!fe. "Kaya ginaya ko na lang sila hanggang sa nakagawa na ako ng (iba't ibang shapes)."
Dominic noted that nobody ever mentored him, and was simply observing characters in comics and video games.
"Tinitingnan ko ang mga parte ng katawan nila at pinipira-piraso ko dati," he said. "Ginagaya ko hanggang sa maging kamukha na."
He's the proverbial student who does his classmates' art projects for a price during elementary.
He also made dioramas for display during high school, taking inspiration from artisans along Altura and Santa Mesa.
But like many others, Dominic's family struggled with finances, forcing him to stop his secondary education.
Dominic had to fend for himself, selling sampaguita and rags on the streets to survive. He also took on odd jobs before becoming a security guard some 11 years ago.
Before his Benilde stint, he worked for a bus and FX terminal, as well as a two-star hotel.
In any case, his love of art never stopped. He is spending his free time creating clay sculptures, whether at home or during breaks at work.
"Libangan ko siya pag nandoon sa barracks," he said.
A single-color clay sculpture fitting one's palm, according to Dominic, sells for P3,000 to P5,000. The price would go up depending on the color, details, and complexity.
Even if he wasn't accepting commissions, Dominic makes clay sculptures for himself just because. "Itinatabi ko siya kasi obra ko ang mga ito," he said.
Aside from sculpting, Dominic also knows how to draw and paint.
Growing popularity at CSB
Dominic has been bringing his hobby to work, and it was only a matter of time until students noticed his craft.
Some of them have shared photos of him and his art on the "EDI Benilde Freedom Wall" and "DLSU Freedom Wall" Facebook pages.
Faculty members also noticed Dominic's talents, and he said that some of them have given him money to buy the clay and equipment he needs.
"Noon, kung ano lang ang makita kong pang-sculpt, 'yun lang ginagamit ko pati kuko at kamay. Saka na lang ako gumamit ng tools nang magkaroon na," he said.
Dominic said he wasn't expecting to be part of Artchives Unwrapped.
"Inimbitahan ako, sinabihan akong isasali nila ako. Siyempre, medyo naano ako kasi 'di naman ako estudyante," he said. "(Pero) masaya ako dahil ngayon ko lang na-experience ito... Ito ang first exhibit ko sa tanang buhay ko."
Dominic was more than grateful to show what he's capable of beyond his white uniform. During the exhibit, he gave viewers a treat by making a clay sculpture on the spot.
"Naisama ko rin ang pamilya ko doon (sa exhibit). Sila ang inspirasyon ko, pati ang mga kasamahan kong security guard," he said.
Dominic said he is set to receive a token of appreciation from the school administration.
"Maraming bumabati sa aking estudyante at teacher. Masaya ako kasi napapansin nila ako," he said. "Nakakataba ng puso."
Diligent husband, father, returning student
Aside from being a security guard and an aspiring artist, Dominic is also doing his best as a loving husband—and a father to his three-year-old son, Morgan.
More importantly, he is picking up right where he left off over a decade ago. Dominic is looking to finish high school and, as much as possible, reach college.
He recently went back to school via the Department of Education's Alternative Learning System. He's in Grade 11 and has a scholarship.
"Gusto ko sanang lumaki at makita ng anak kong nagpursigi akong makatapos ng pag-aaral," he said. "Gusto ko ring mabilib ang iba sa akin na hindi lang ako basta security guard."
His classes are held online from Wednesday to Friday. Since his shift is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., he had to ask his superiors to excuse him from work for a couple of hours. "Pinapayagan naman nila ako kasi para naman 'yun sa pag-aaral ko," he said.
Dominic is planning to take up fine arts in college.
Asked for a message to students out there, he said he's hoping that they're not taking their education for granted.
"Mag-aral kayong mabuti at pag-igihan ninyo. Huwag kayo mawalan ng kumpiyansa sa sarili," he said. "May privilege kayo. Maganda ang kalagayan ninyo at nakakapag-aral kayo."
As for his life goals, Dominic wants to have his own property one day but still lead a life of simplicity.
"Sana," he said, "makita ni Morgan na naipagpatuloy ko ang pinakaambisyon ko sa buhay."