Gemo Velda is a self-taught artist. He has been a sculptor for more than 20 years. His realistic sculpture of him is inspired by Filipino culture and all its varied aspects He prefers working with wood, clay, and fiberglass resin. His sculpture was wearing the local hat of Filipinos called “sambalilo”. He is presently residing in Paete Laguna, the Carving Capital of the Philippines where he was born (1986) and raised.