About The Hermit Art

A native of the Philippines, The Hermit immigrated to the

United States in 2007, becoming the first Filipino American in

her family to build a life abroad.

The Hermit Art's path has been shaped by nearly two decades of public service—beginning in the U.S. Navy, continuing through humanitarian work with the U.S. Agency for International Development, and later leading to diplomatic service with the U.S. Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. Along the way, she earned a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and built a career grounded in structure, policy, and complex systems—worlds seemingly far removed from the creative practice she quietly nurtured within herself.

Art has always been present, but often interrupted by duty, relocation, and responsibility. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that quiet pull toward creativity became impossible to ignore. She chose to pursue art more intentionally through painting, stepping into tattooing through apprenticeship, and laying the foundation for her independent studio, The Hermit

Art—where creativity became something lived, worn, and permanent.