OLISI
2017 - 2022
Making of olisi
I began my journey into the art of Kali in July 2016 after visiting my friends martial arts store and seeing Filipino weaponry displayed along the walls. This was the first time I had heard of FMA and was surprised to find out we had a martial art so decided to pursue training in the Kalis Ilustrisimo style and explore it further. I had just completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in both Indigenous Cultures and Art History and it dawned on me that Kali was possibly one of the greatest arts to come out of the Philippines. This inspired me to create new olisi designs and through my art I wanted to weave a story about our fascinating Filipino culture and history as well as promote FMA to the world. This is my initial project that coincided with my journey into Filipino martial arts. All designs are inspired by indigenous Filipino culture each telling a story of history, people, and country. The olisi are made of a hard Tasmanian oak wood or a Filipino rattan vine. Designs are burned onto the olisi using a pyrography tool, dried with the option to varnish. They are all individually handmade in Melbourne and can take up to 1-4 weeks to complete.
VIDEOS
Olisi+
Olisi | Ray Floro Fighting System
Olisi | Batok
Olisi | Strength
GALLERY
LIST OF WORKS
2022
Phoenix
Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO
Sampaguita
Jade Vine
Sea Poison Tree
Waling Waling
Rose Grape
Ylang Ylang
2021
Eagle III
Traveller's Compass
Waves
Maranao
2020
Vines
Orange Melody
Batok
Kapwa
Kinilat
Strength
Spear
Shield
Ray Floro Fighting Systems
2019
Mano a Mano
Fluid Tactics I
Fluid Tactics II
Fluid Tactics III
Fluid Tactics IV
2018
Karakao
Labid
Islands I
Islands II
Islands III
iKali
Scorpion
Pamana Kali
Eagle II
Baybayin Spiral
2017
Calm Tiger
Fish
Eagle I
Abaniko
Spearheads
Stars
Python
Palm Leaf
Luzon Weave
Centipede
REVIEWS
Arlene Stevens
Master Instructor, Train Pekiti, USA
"Louella Esguerra's precious work goes beyond art. It echoes a piece of our rich culture and reflects the power of nature. I am so blessed to have discovered such a talented artist with a meaningful vision. This contemporary indigenous piece will go in a special place inside our Kali temple. We hope to add more of her work to our collection."
Paul Dee
Instructor, Fluid Tactics, UK
"Although a non-traditional, heavier wood was used to create the arnis sticks, Louella creates such intricate and detailed line work that embodies the Filipino way of creativity and it also reminds me of traditional tattooing in the Philippines. I use the sticks that i got from her for conditioning and for my students to understand the difference between slightly different tools when used in training and also to develop speed. The artwork is definitely worth investing in specially if you are passionate about Filipino Martial Arts and the Filipino culture."