Quick Facts
Biography
Tessa Cam Rowe (born January 30, 1981) is a Filipino artist, auteur and entrepreneur. She is mostly known as being the head mistress (or "Head Nurse") of Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Philippines, one of the hundred branches of the globally renowned Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School, founded by art model and illustrator, Molly Crabapple.
Life and career
Tessa was born in Davao City, Philippines.
Her career began in late 2002 when, after graduating with a degree in Economics from the Ateneo de Davao University, she discovered her niche in the realm of digital arts. In 2003, she decided to move to Vancouver, Canada to pursue a degree in 3D Animation & Visual Effects at VFS where she wrote, produced, and directed her first animated short film. In 2005, she went home to the Philippines to work for a small animation studio and has been involved in the local animation and film industry to this day.
In 2012, Rowe has since returned to Canada, where she illustrates for clients and teaches part-time at Vancouver Film School.
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Philippines
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Philippines is a Philippine counterpart of Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School. It is one of over a hundred Dr. Sketchy branches all over the world, from Akron to Zagreb. Dr Sketchy's is, according to the New York Times, a "cross between a life drawing class and new-wave cabaret". Originally founded by Molly Crabapple (who has drawn for and worked with Neil Gaiman), the movement found its way to the Philippines through head nurse and branch director, Tessa Cam Rowe.
On New Year's Day of 2011, Tessa was awarded the rights and license to open up a Dr. Sketchy branch in the Philippines. Her reason for bringing this alternative art movement to the country was "To break pre-conceived notions conservative filipinos have about art, nudity and the human form, burlesque, cabaret, performance art, tattoes, piercings, and everything that is a part of self-expression and individuality; to bring out appreciation of the true filipino gift". Her Filipino branch has been up there with Molly Crabapple's favourite new Dr. Sketchy branches.
Before returning to Canada in 2012, Rowe officially turned Dr. Sketchy's Philippines over to Spidersilk Productions who ran the branch for 2 additional years. Rowe remains active in the branches creative planning and social media management. To date, the branch is under the dedicated alternative art model, Dear Prudence.
Notable Participants
Since its launch in January 2011, Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Philippines has hosted events involving the participation of well-known activist and Rhode Island School of Design graduate, Carlos Celdran for a progressive art session Forward Manila, top model/DJ duo, Ornusa Cadness (Day of the Loving Dead) and Mia Ayesa (Express Delivery); Philippine pole dancing champion and Pole Academy Philippines' very own burlesque diva, Eisa Jocson (aka Lady S.); and alternative art model, Dear Prudence.
Rowe is also known to collaborate with the Sipat Lawin Ensemble, a Philippine-based theatre ensemble known for their 'site-specific' and barrier-breaking performances.