This Filipino Illustrator Is Championing Filipino Sign Language Through Art

It’s easy to narrow graphics and art to something that’s only for the sake of aesthetics. However, there are talented and forward-thinking artists who have used their skills as well as their platform to bring to light certain issues that they care about. Artist CJ Reynaldo, also known as Caldatelier, is one of these artists. The Filipino and deaf freelance illustrator creates digital art that raises awareness regarding Filipino Sign Language (or FSL). 

With a strong following on social media, Reynaldo remains to be influential. As a self-proclaimed deaf advocate, he produces art about the experiences of those in the deaf community and what it’s like to communicate on a day-to-day basis through his drawings. The artist’s distinct style lends itself to charming and sometimes humorous depictions of everyday occurrences. 

Much of his work revolves around the local experience, exploring ideas and concepts that are unashamedly Filipino. One particular piece that Reynaldo worked on explained the ways to sign the different well-known mythological creatures that once filled the stories and tales of old. There’s the kapre, tiyanak, and duwende among many others.

WATCH OUT FOR ASWANG AROUND THERE!
Let's learn how to sign Philippines mythological creatures in Filipino Sign Language.

Thanks, FSL Treasure group for the wonderful collaboration with me on the illustration of these FSL signs! pic.twitter.com/EY01OQ7YYh

— Creepyatelier (@caldatelier) October 10, 2021

Reynaldo’s work also provides charts with bits of info for anyone looking to learn FSL. The illustrator brought awareness to what is known as the Fingerseek Puzzle. It’s a version of everyone’s favorite word search game, except the words are fingerspelled. The game features a bunch of beloved Filipino dishes and snacks such as taho and lechon. 

Fingerseek is a sign language word search that has only fingerspelling words in this puzzle. It would be fun and interesting for kids and anyone who starts learning sign language to practice reading fingerspelling. pic.twitter.com/1hF6Of5csy

— Creepyatelier (@caldatelier) October 18, 2021

However, the bulk of Reynaldo’s art is made up of comic strips that talk about how those in the deaf community move about in their daily lives. He brings to light the experiences that people who aren’t in the community may be unaware of. One of the issues that the artist presented in his work is the idea of whether or not hearing aids must be worn. He touches on the topic with empathy and thoughtfulness, which easily spreads to his many followers.

Hearing aids may be effective for people with hearing loss. But they can't cure deafness because deaf people struggle to understand complex sounds. They find it difficult to concentrate and hear clearly in busy environments.
That's why wearing hearing aids is a choice. pic.twitter.com/8nbSO77aO2

— Creepyatelier (@caldatelier) September 21, 2021

Reynaldo also talks about how tough it can be to read lips. It is for this reason, according to him, that learning sign language could help a lot. Even communicating through writing is a better alternative for those who aren’t familiar with the language. 

Lip reading is fine but most deaf people find it hard to read the lips. Because sometimes, speech sounds have identical lip movements for example,"b" and "p" look exactly alike on the lips.
That's why they prefer signing, or writing if a hearing person doesn't know sign language pic.twitter.com/iByYVbIskC

— Creepyatelier (@caldatelier) September 19, 2021

The illustrator also touched on the possible benefit of sign language during the pandemic, in which speaking to one another has been limited. Communication has been limited to text conversations and emphasized eye contact. There is a space for sign language here as it is something that can be spoken while maintaining a distance. 

Why is sign language great for social distancing?
Because it will help you understand each other from far away in order to reduce your risk of infection while you can talk through the glass shield or window using sign language! pic.twitter.com/vL3n9K7jNN

— Creepyatelier (@caldatelier) September 20, 2021

While spearheading values such as empathy and understanding, CJ Reynaldo’s page allows people’s eyes to be opened to the perspectives of those in the deaf community. It’s great for those who are aspiring learners of FSL, or for those who just want to learn more. You can view CJ’s page here. 

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