Many pickleballers proudly boast about their favorite paddle or new shoes, but when Marconi Calindas grabs his pickleball bag, he is carrying a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creation.
Calindas is a celebrated artist, known for his vibrant colors and striking geometric designs, which he’s now translating to pickleball gear.
Calindas’s journey to celebrated artist has been anything but conventional. Originally from the Philippines, Calindas now resides in Palm Springs, where he balances his passion for art with his love for pickleball — a sport that he admits he’s addicted to.
His colorful art style, coupled with his dedication to LGBTQ and women's rights, has garnered him both local and international recognition, most recently with his inclusion in New York Fashion Week. But it wasn’t always art and activism for Calindas — his roots in journalism paved the way for his current success.
From reporter to artist
Calindas’s path to becoming a full-time artist began in the Northern Mariana Islands, where he first moved to work as a newspaper reporter. While reporting, his artistic talent began to shine through when he was commissioned to design destination shirts for the island’s tourism industry.
What started as a side gig quickly turned into a full-time endeavor, leading Calindas to leave journalism and focus on his art.
“I loved writing, but journalists have to be factual and I couldn’t be as creative as I would have liked,” Calindas says. “But with my art, I can be crazy and I can express my emotions and comment on what I’m seeing in my community.”
His designs became so popular that they expanded to Guam, and soon, he was managing a successful shirt business while pursuing art exhibitions. However, it wasn’t until Calindas moved to San Francisco that his career as an artist truly took off.
"I became a full-time artist in San Francisco," he recalls. "I got represented in galleries, did shows, and even had exhibitions at City Hall."
The intersection of art and activism
Known for his use of vivid hues, Calindas draws inspiration from his upbringing in the Philippines, a place he describes as "a very colorful nation." But it’s not just his heritage that influences his palette — his personality plays a role, too.
"People always ask me about my colors. Maybe it’s a reflection of my personality because I’m jolly, and bubbly, and I love colors. It’s not for everyone, but when people acquire my art, they’re acquiring part of me," he says.
Calindas’s art is not only known for its vibrant colors but also for its strong advocacy for LGBTQ rights and social justice. Dubbed the "happy artist" by a San Francisco critic due to his bright and bold palette, Calindas often incorporates messages of equality and tolerance into his work.
His work, often both colorful and deeply emotional, is a reflection of his desire to create art that "makes people think." His past work has provided commentary on LGBTQ rights, antibullying, and equality.
One of his most impactful pieces was an entry for an international competition by New Era Cap. The artwork, which addressed the struggles of LGBTQ youth and the tragedy of suicide due to bullying, earned him the competition’s top prize and was showcased across five U.S. cities and Toronto.
“I got an email from a 65-year-old man who told me he was in tears looking at my art. He had been bullied when he was younger, and he said, ‘Thank you, Marconi. I’m glad we’re talking about this now.’ That moment solidified my advocacy,” Calindas says.
Calindas’s preferred medium is acrylic, though he also works with ink and fabric paint, particularly for his custom-designed bags and apparel. Recently, his colorful work has extended beyond traditional canvases — he has been “Marconifying” pickleball paddles and Selkirk bags for fellow pickleball enthusiasts in Palm Springs.
Pickleball: A passion and a community
Though art is a significant part of Calindas’s life, his love for pickleball is undeniable. Introduced to the sport in 2017, he quickly became hooked, often playing multiple times a day.
"I would play in the morning, and then in the afternoon, my husband would ask, ‘Where are you going?’ And I’d say, ‘I’m going to play pickleball again,’” Calindas laughs.
His passion for the sport isn’t just about the game itself but also the sense of community it fosters.
"Pickleball has become a family for me," he says. "The get-togethers after the games, the lunches, and the friendships — it’s more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle."
Calindas plays competitively, currently at a 4.5 level, and has participated in several tournaments, including the U.S. Nationals.
"It’s chaos on the courts these days with so many new players, but I love the atmosphere. It’s great to see the sport grow," he says.
Even in his art studio, pickleball often interrupts his workday, with friends texting him to come play or deck out their new gear with his artwork. He even created a giant pickleball paddle for his club.
"Pickleball perks my creative juices — it inspires me," Calindas adds.
Global recognition and fashion week
The inspiration has led to success. Calindas’s art has gone global, with his designs being featured on Emirates Airlines’ Platinum membership cards and exhibited in galleries across the United States.
Most recently, he was invited to showcase his work with House of Musa at New York Fashion Week, a significant milestone in his career.
“I never imagined this when I was just a reporter. Life on the island was simple, and I was happy, but opportunities came, and everything changed," he says. “Being a part of Fashion Week was surreal and am still in awe. To finally see my art strutting on the runway — and of all places, in New York Fashion Week — was an exhilarating experience.”
