ARCHITECT WILLIAM 'ELIJAH' Y. YOUNG - Founder and Artist, Glorious Art Gallery
Architect William in his former home studio with his textured paintings (2012).
THE ARTIST
Architect William is an unassuming yet exceptional artist from the Philippines with incredible versatility and a beautiful spirit. Far from the radar of all the art craze and trends is his serene and independent mind. Picking up his brush and working silently on his canvas in 2008, he found infinite art possibilities before him. At 57 and with over 400 striking paintings and signature techniques since then, the Architect is a gleaming hidden treasure buried far beneath... Architect Young always gives credit to divine intervention for the success of his artistic endeavors, as he works on his art only during states of prayer. As a prayerful and meditative man with a pure passion for art, he often receives visions of extraordinary art pieces that the world has yet to see, many of which he has yet to put on canvas. Not everyone can digest this into their belief system; nevertheless , there is no denying that his creations are unique, tasteful, and exquisite pieces... A self-taught artist, he never hesitates to say that his only inspiration is God. What's baffling is he doesn't stay with one style for so long in spite of its success. Not long after he has explored and mastered a technique, he begins to explore on the possibilities of his next innovation. One might feel sorry for the many great art pieces that he could possibly create and miss with that former technique since he has to move ahead quite fast BUT it is this inclination of his that sets him apart. He continues to work on his techniques with eager enthusiasm, and without any interest to imitate. Some of his highest moments are when he is painting with his momentum and some vibrant, euphoric music on!
Above: Arch. William Young holding his bamboo trophy made of brass, while marching with the then First Lady Imelda Marcos and her bodyguards. The young architect, who painted merely for fun or hobby, joined a painting competition for the first time, competing against veteran and experienced artists in the Baluy-an On-The-Spot Painting Competition organized by the then First Lady herself. His painting of Sto. Nino held by two hands, with a ra of heavenly light and golden petals beaming over his head, caused a spectacle among the audience during this festive event. Even though he did not finish his work on time, he was chosen as the First Place winner with a unanimous decision. The took his unfinished work. The following day, the young architect went about his day as usual as an architect and construction manager, not knowing that three decades later, an artistic career awaits him as a self-taught visionary artist whose LIMITLESS creativity flows from God's inspiration and guidance.
THE ARCHITECT
In Architecture, Architect William was also quite a force in nature. Back in college, he was the first student in his time to be awarded a perfect grade (1.0) in thesis for his research and proposal "The Undersea City" in UST (1982). Because of the depth, creativity and sophistication of his proposal, he was given the honor to formally present his thesis before a huge audience of students and professors for a fee. Fully supported with scientific principles, his thesis caught the attention of the US government, which offered to publish his work in their country, but in exchange, he had to give them all copies of his original work. The young William kindly declined. His advanced, futuristic ideas were conceived in 1983. With the right client, he would love to see his vision of The Undersea City come to pass.
Ever independent, the only time he worked for someone was when he was an unrivaled design student and his professor commissioned him to do architectural design and drafting jobs. As a self-employed fresh graduate, he took projects in architecture, interior design, construction project management and waterproofing; he also did consultancies in the Environmental Law of Nature. The latter is a supernatural gift that people associate with "Feng Shui" which was entrusted to him since he was a child.
Any venture that he undertakes becomes an outlet for his creativity. For example, when he was preoccupied with construction and waterproofing projects, he was able to invest his own cutting-edge machines designed to solve challenges in his waterproofing and construction projects.
THE CITY MONK
As an independent missionary, divine healer, former monk, and founder of A Holy Trinity Divine Healing and Outreach for the Poor Foundation Inc.(self-supported and never comes in loud trumpets), he would travel around the country's remote villages, and to nearby countries, usually by himself, to heal the sick through prayer, distribute food, and sometimes money using his own resources without expecting anything in return. (These claims are all supported with videos, photos and other documents acquired throughout the years.) All the medical attention he gives to his patients whether through acupuncture or through prayer are always free of charge. Don't expect him to be loving the limelight, public recognitions and social parties... A contemplative man, he finds peace in solitude and prefers to stay home for prayer, meditation and painting. With his now bald head, he comes close to a city monk! For those who are curious, he is Catholic. He loves his Creator in truth and without regard for any persecutions and sufferings that oftentimes come with it.
For more photos of his missions, please click here.
Above: Arch. William Young holding his bamboo trophy made of brass, while marching with the then First Lady Imelda Marcos and her bodyguards. The young architect, who painted merely for fun or hobby, joined a painting competition for the first time, competing against veteran and experienced artists in the Baluy-an On-The-Spot Painting Competition organized by the then First Lady herself. His painting of Sto. Nino held by two hands, with a ra of heavenly light and golden petals beaming over his head, caused a spectacle among the audience during this festive event. Even though he did not finish his work on time, he was chosen as the First Place winner with a unanimous decision. The took his unfinished work. The following day, the young architect went about his day as usual as an architect and construction manager, not knowing that three decades later, an artistic career awaits him as a self-taught visionary artist whose LIMITLESS creativity flows from God's inspiration and guidance.
