Edgar Bercasio was born in the Philippines. With a paint brush in his hand, he adjusted the canvas, getting ready to start an oil painting. Edgar is also a portrait artist and a comic book illustrator, animation artist who brought to life comic characters and superheroes on the drawing board. "The human face has fascinated me whether it belongs to royalty or the average person on the street. Each person is unique and has a story to tell."
Edgar was 15 years old, and his boyhood dream was to be an artist. At 17, survival took precedence over that goal. He struggled to pay for school as grants and scholarships were and far between, and at times, he had to go without food to pay for art supplies. He found himself often relying on what he called "fast food art:" pen and ink illustrations for magazines, quick sketches and personalized cards, which required little imagination.
Nestor Redondo and Rudy Nebres, then considered the Philippines' masters of comic book illustrations, took notice of Bercasio's talent and started bringing work his way from as far away the U.S.A. They were also mentors helping him to sharpen his skills teaching him the basics of comic art. He further honed his talent by taking fine arts at FEATI University (Far Eastern Aeronautical and Technological Institute - Philippines) where he was privileged to study under more talented artists. During his years as a student, he won awards in pen and ink drawing, anatomy and commercial design.
Later, Bercasio obtained commissions from DC National Comics, an American comic book publisher, to do short stories like G.I. Combat, Ghost stories, Tales of the Unexpected series, and House of Mystery. His best work was a stunning "Golden Age Flash" strip in a four-star spectacular comic book he drew when he was 27 years old. Since then, Bercasio's work has also been published by "Superyor Komiks, "Palos Komiks," Hiwaga Komiks," and "Pilipino Komiks." He also worked on real-life stories of sports icons like Ken Griffey Jr., Wayne Gretzky, Roberto Alomar, Roberto Clemente and Mark Mcguire, all for Revolutionary Comics of San Diego, California.
In Spring 1990, Bercasio and his wife and four children emigrated from the Philippines to Winnipeg, Canada. He was one of the ten Manitoba immigrant artists who participated in "E-merging Cultures," a juried exhibition of the work of different artists from November 19 to December 11, 1993; his work was shown and exhibited in the Main/Access Gallery (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
Edgar lived in Vancouver for more than two years (1996-1998) in collaboration with local Vancouver artists during which time, he was awarded Best Producer for his "Nilus the Sandman," " the Littlest Angel," and "Shop 'till You Drop," animated series done at Delaney & Friends Animation Studio. He has been back in Winnipeg for the last seven years working at Palliser's Logic Division. In his spare time, he continues to pursue his passion, in addition to commissioned art work.
As well, Bercasio has done work for the Filipino community, such as a cover design and illustrations for a language book used to teach children about their Philippine heritage, and a cover illustration for a Philippine Independence Day celebration.
In February 2005, Edgar was chosen from among six talented artists in Winnipeg to create a piece focusing on the immigration and everyday life of Filipinos in WInnipeg. The occasion celebrates a 25-year relationship with Winnipeg and Manila, headed by the then Deputy Mayor and Councilor Mike Pagtakhan, who went to the Philippines to mark the Winnipeg-Manila Sister Cities' anniversary and strenghten social, cultural, educational and economic ties. Edgar's painting is titled "Panday Lahi" (Shapes of Generations), depicting the life of Filipinos in Winnipeg, shaping a better future for the next generation of Filipinos growing up in the city. His art work is currently displayed at the Winnipeg Millenium Library as a permanent collection.
Edgar works with different mediums and has a collection of art work, including many skectches, charcoal portraits, oilwater colour, and pen and ink drawings. His themes are varied in nature-people, events and places.
Today, Edgar is happy with what he has achieved for himself and his family. He has once again taken up the brush and is painting furiously. He now finds more time to create and pursue the dictates of his heart and conscience.
