“Moonlight By The River” 2013
Finally had the time to finish another art work. Thanks to Scott’s post for giving me the ‘nudge’ to start working with my colored pencils. 😉
I used colored pencils and black paper with silver speckles that now looked like gleaming stars. Ahhh yes, more to learn, more to improve. 🙂
Tiny Butterfly
I often wondered how fragile these small butterflies are (only about half an inch big) and how fortunate I am to capture moments like this one seeing them perched on a leaf or a twig before they set off to their endless flights roaming around nature’s bounty.
As technology advances each and every single day, the role of each and every single thing in this world, living or non-living, becomes not just as a part of an ordinary food chain, food web, habitat or niche, but yes, as something to marvel at and celebrate its beauty amid the vast expanse of grandiosity and extravagance.
That is, as captured subjects underneath that lens – photography.
Yes, mediocrity is where I intend to be bright and bold like this teeny, weeny butterfly. The mediocre – “peace and quiet.” 🙂
“Lighted Candle”
For the past few months, I have dwelt on only one question: “why?”
But it is not for me to question what God’s plans are for me. Nor is it right for me to contemplate on it and doubt. But then again, I am sure about 3 things:
1. I was meant to experience what I have experienced for the past weeks and months.
2. I was meant to be where I am right now.
3. I was meant to do what I am doing now.
Now, it all became clear to me. The answers to my “whys” were given. I have asked God to prepare me and to equip me. And He did.
Experience is the best teacher, as they say. God gave me circumstances to make me realize that last semester was not the right time for me to pursue my thesis in my grad study but this semester. He gave me a job while I am doing my graduate study to prepare me emotionally, mentally and spiritually for what is to come. And lastly, He planned my stay in my job as short-lived because I have a prior commitment, which is, being a Family Support Volunteer in the Community Outreach Ministry.
I guess it all boils down to one thing – like a flame in a candle, keep your faith burning. Surely, it’ll lead you out of the darkness. 🙂
“It is for the treatment of two sick kids.”
This was what my friend and former co-worker, Sigrid, told me when she asked me if I could donate some of my artworks for an exhibit.
A donation for a good cause, I never hesitated. An answer was given – YES.
‘Sandaang Pintor, ‘Sang Damdamin (A Hundred Painters, One Passion) is a collaboration of over a hundred painters all over the Philippines to raise funds for the treatment of two ailing kids, Zack and Zoei, sponsored by the UP Diliman Delta Pi Omicron Sorority, where Sigrid is affiliated with.
I donated two of my artworks: “Atlas” (my first charcoal sketch on a big canvas) and “Banga.” It truly is a privilege to be part of a cause and be able to help in saving lives, most especially those of these young children.
I was able to attend the opening of the exhibit last December 6, 2012, at the PCPD Building in Taguig City and met my two great friends, UP DPO Sorority’s Lady Omicrons, Tish and Sigrid, the rest of the Omicron ladies, and other supporters of the event.
The great news then arrived – someone bought one of my donated artworks. I felt like a teenager who just got his driving pass. 😉
Happy is an understatement to describe it, not only because I was able to help raise funds for the two kids, but also because I know they will have a greater chance of surviving. Honestly, I wasn’t confident about displaying my artworks since I had just started creating them. But, my friend Sigrid happens to be so good at convincing. 😀 And I really want to help.
This is an ongoing project, and if you would like to help, please visit the ‘Sandaang Pintor, ‘Sandaang Damdamin website and be part of this very good cause: http://www.sandaangpintor.com/.
From us, fellow supporters, our sincerest gratitude, and join us as we pray for Zack and Zoei’s healing and fast recovery. ❤
Chinese Old Man and Little Boy Marble Bric-A-Brac
I was rummaging through my old photos and found this – a photo of a bric-a-brac that serves as a memorabilia of my ancestors. A few months back, I was looking for a subject to shoot at and stumbled upon Mom’s collection.
She loves collecting antiques. Being the inquisitive me, I find pleasure adoring the marvelous carvings of every sculpture.
If there’s another hobby that I would like to learn, it would be sculpting. Isn’t it amazing how sculptors can create a miniature, 3-dimensional replica of a particular figure that is very well-proportioned?
Yes, they say it is all about proportion and an eye for the aesthetics. These are the creations made possible by them whom we call, “the artists.”
This is a masterpiece that is quite hard to achieve but interesting to learn. Indeed, having this skill is a gift. ☺
For more photography ideas, you can read through this article: Beauty Captured Through A Lens: My Photo Collection
A trip to the garden is always the best breather for me. Yes, communing with nature so to speak. Must be the reason why my thesis back in college centered on regionalism and nature’s role in our lives. Here are macro shots of some of Mom’s beloved plants back in our hometown. 🙂
Ginger Plant
Cone-Like
Fernish
Wriggling Flowers
Rose Bud
Blue Bells
Cattleya
Bangkok Calachuci
Vine
Lilies
Malaysian Mums
Vanda
This is a workshop that inspired me even more to create another fashion design creation like the one below:
Pink and Blue Dots and Circles
“Fashionably fun.”
That would definitely describe the experience I had during the Fashion Illustration workshop of Ms. Tin Iglesias sponsored by Rio Mints at Thaipan Restaurant last November 24, 2012. It was a spectacular afternoon of colors, lines, food, and lots of fun. This was the first fashion illustration workshop I have attended, and I must say that I have never enjoyed an occasion as much as I have enjoyed this workshop, wherein I barely knew the attendees.
Thaipan Restaurant
The workshop was even made more fun by the perfect ambiance of the restaurant, which is located at Tomas Morato in Quezon City. The interiors are just so cozy with all the soft, mellow light from the hanging lamps, and of course, how could I forget the delicious Thai meals served while we were drawing.
Although it was not my first time tasting Thai cuisine, I must say that it never fails to please my appetite. If I am to rank the ambiance and the food, I must say that I will give it a perfect score of 5, 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. The place is just suitable for any small group meetings as the limited space makes it more convenient and cozy for the attendees to socialize and acquaint with one another.
Thaipan’s Hanging Lamp
Thaipan’s Cuisine
(www.facebook.com/riomints)
Thaipan’s Dessert
(www.facebook.com/riomints)
The workshop started with a short introduction of the speaker and host, Ms. Tin Iglesias. She is a graduating BS Clothing Industry student at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. But she has already been invited to numerous fashion events and featured in several fashion magazines, both local and abroad. She has also received several fashion awards and has been making a lot of fashion designs for clothing companies here and internationally.
(www.facebook.com/riomints)
tiniglesias.com
Tin Iglesias
After the introduction, Ms. Tin showed us a few of her artworks. And here they are, lifted from her website (tiniglesias.com):
tiniglesias.com
tiniglesias.com
tiniglesias.com
tiniglesias.com
tiniglesias.com
Truly talented – I know that is what you are going to say upon seeing her artworks. And at such a young age, I could not help but admire her and admit that she is going to make a big name and be among the best in the fashion industry. Afterwards, we were then given the chance to create our own fashion illustration after learning the basics of figure drawing and portrait sketching.
Fashion Illustrators
basic figure drawing
my output during the workshop
All I can say afterwards is this – MAGNIFIQUE! I am looking forward to yet another Fashion Illustration/Fashion Designing workshop with her. I never thought that fashion could be made as exciting as this. And the best part is, I got to meet other fashion enthusiasts who are passionate about bringing today’s fashion to a whole new level. ❤
Me and my friend, Jeai
Me, Ms. Tin Iglesias and Jeai
Fellow fashion aficionados with Ms. Tin
Fashion Illustrators
Thank you Rio Mints, Ms. Tin Iglesias, to my fellow fashion aficionados/artists and of course, to my ever beautiful friend and herself a fashion icon, Jeai, for this wonderful opportunity. Thanks to Thaipan Restaurant for the delicious Thai cuisine as well. 🙂
Until the next fabulous fashion event my fellow fashionistas!
P.S.
We got freebies too! 😉
Rio Mints
Sketching a male subject is quite a challenge for me as all of my portrait sketches are females.
When I have thought about sketching a dear friend for his birthday gift, I was apprehensive if I can pull it off like REALLY WELL.
But the verdict came: first attempt, not bad at all (according to him). 😉
So, it is a YES to more future “manly” sketches like this. Now, who’s gonna be my next target? 😀
I can’t help but be fascinated by the color combination as well as the lovely stitches and crochets on one of our pillow cases.
The very reason why I used it not for its intended purpose (sleeping) but as one photo essential. 😀
Naguilian, La Union, Philippines (May 27, 2013)
If only the stars shone the brightest when I met you,
Then I can tell that they’ve aligned for me and you.
If only the skies were as clear and as vast,
Then I could have rejoiced gladly and at last.
But things suddenly changed,
Perspectives here and there were exchanged.
I didn’t realize too as days dragged on,
All the multitudes of emotions I have to ride on.
I could care less if the moments were never the sweetest,
Nor were they precious moments to attest.
But feelings I care not but for what I have learned,
I sure am glad how the cards have turned.
Yes, I did cry.
For yes, I did try.
Funny, how ironic life can be.
A happy ending is not usually what you see.
But should I always be the cynic that I always am?
With a fear to go through yet another sham?
But I hoped for gray skies to clear,
Moments I know I always will hold dear.
So when skies start to become blue,
Believe, for always, they are true.
For though I may have lost you,
Space tells me I will find you.
(Written by: Christine Lailani G. Ginete)
The Journeyman's Moments 