Filipino Artists Magazine Vol 2 no 16

Contents filipino artists magazine / issue 16 / oct 2017

features

05 08 12 24 16

Tutorial By: Norbing Villez

You Need Strangers to give up the day job By: Mark Shellshear

Let’s Paint Figure Challenge By: Norbing Villez

Tasco 1st Tire Art Contest Winner By: Tasco Inc.

"Strange Beauty and Divinity�

by Ingrid Aimee, ingridaimee.blogspot.com February 19, 2016

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Cover Story By: Noel Sales Barcelona

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By: Let’s Paint Group

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By: Noel Sales Barcelona

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Manny BuĂąag

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Katuwaan Challenge

Well . . .

Featured Artist

Monnar at the Galerie Menouar in Paris.

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Monnar at the Galerie Menouar in Paris.

Gallery Wall

every issue

AR T I S T S

The Team

FILIPINO

MAGAZINE

Art, Culture and Lifestyle

Noel Sales Barcelona

Mark Shellshear

Editor-in-Chief

Columnist

Roy C. Espinosa

Mark Nilo Odiaman Jun Taniang Rafael Gozum

Creative Director

Jonh Renoir F. Espinosa

Photographers

Graphic Designer

Norbing Villes Ingrid Aimee Contributor Editorial and Satellite Business Office: Blk 4 Lot 13 Gemini St. Cruzville Subd. Quezon City 1124 Email: filartspublishing@gmail.com / filartsincorporated@gmail.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

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Diversification his edition of Filipino Artists Magazine is entirely different from what we used to produce.

We have a politician and businessman Luis “Chavit” Crisologo Singson in the cover.

But don’t get us wrong. Our magazine, and the organization behind it, remains apolitical (if there’s such a thing) and nonpartisan when it comes to views about cultural work and artistic production. Our bias remains with people who are working so hard and genuinely care for our national heritage and are willing to walk extra miles just to protect, promote, and advance our local cultural and artistic industry, and to defend it from being gulped by consumerism and the sinister agenda of some unscrupulous capitalists and power peddlers.

However, we have decided to feature Manong Chavit because of his new advocacy: he wanted to champion the cause of cultural workers and artists from the Philippines.

This is a very bold move for our part for Chavit is well-known and a very influential politician in Philippine political history as a whole. To be associated with Manong Chavit is to be associated with his brand of politics.

But as a publication dedicated to the promotion and advancement of our culture and the works of our local artists, we need to write about people that we believe that can help our local arts and culture flourish. And this includes Manong Chavit.

Moreover, in the coming days, we will be writing more stories not only about painters and sculptors, but about people who are into music, theater, dance, architecture, television and film, and even in fashion. This is in line with our efforts to bring you more stories—stories that can help you appreciate and understand deeply our local culture and the works of our talented artists.

Furthermore, in our future issues, we will also write in-depth reports about issues that are plaguing the artistic and cultural communities. This, on the other hand, is a part of our efforts to educate our readers, engage them in a cultural and artistic dialogue, and motivate them to join the growing movement of cultural workers and artists, campaigning for a true nationalist and inclusive culture and arts agenda for the Philippines.

As the scientist and social philosopher Albert Einstein said, “All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man's life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom.” And this publication, and the organization behind, wants to contribute to liberating the minds and souls of all Filipinos.

Read on.

Noel Sales Barcelona https://thereluctantkritik.wordpress.com

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Oil on Canvas Demo by

Norbing Villez

1. I toned the canvas with grayish colors l start sketching using the base colors of my subject 2. Next step is to put the lights and dark to create the depth 3. On this stage l start working on the river, painting the water flows and rocks 4. Final stage is detailing... adding twigs and branches to the trees.

More lights and dark and to the bushes and river.

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FINDING AN ARTISTS' NICHE

Nani Reyes with Rev. Fr. Reginald Malicdem. Rector Manila Cathedral

knows that it never happens. He has the hands of a master artist, with attention to details and last minute retouches. No wonder his growing clientele can't get enough of his works.

He was described by his peers as a true and classic painter.

One who adheres to his craft and delivers what is expected of him. His combination of colors and the undeniably 'Manansala' influence are what makes his work appeal to the public. It is easy to look at. Like a beautiful sunset which needs no explanation. The viewer would only have to take a deep breath and feel each passing moment.

By: Prof. James Owen Gragera Saguinsin

His early style was far different from his known style today.

He was mostly influenced by his Grandfather Vicente 'Tete' Reyes, an apprentice of the great master muralist, Carlos 'Botong' Francisco. Actually, most artists today in Angono were influenced by Botong. Most of them, lived under his large shadow and even if they find a way of finding their own niche in the art world, Botong's touch can still be seen in their works.

Nani Reyes was not used to having a client of a grand scale.

His clients were mostly middle class individuals who want to have a piece of 'Angono's art, something to decorate their living room and enhance the beauty of their homes. So when the call from the office of the Manila Cathedral came on that lazy afternoon to ask for a study on a proposed stained glass window, he cancelled all his appointments and held on to his pencil and started scribbling lines. This was his answered prayer and his winning lotto ticket combined into one. Finally, and quite symbolically, the gates of heaven opened up on that day upon him.

Nani found it difficult to have his own niche. His early style was lacking substance. The ratio and proportion of the subjects leave a lot to be desired. He joined art exhibits and some paintings were sold and mostly were given as gifts to

'My hands were trembling after that call' he said and yet he

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Manila Cathedral

stained glasses located at the sacristy of the cathedral

his friends. Yet he continued on with his craft, aware that someday the gods of the art world will bestow upon him the talents needed to create a masterpiece. He needed to create one, not for money nor fame, but for himself. The need to please the 'inner self' is too powerful to ignore for Nani.

and yet we know that what we are looking at is more precious and magnificent.

Finally, Nani has found his place in the art scene. By introducing a more beautiful style that focuses on the play of colors and cubes, he was able to capture the public's longing for something new and colorful.

He also captured the attention of the Manila cathedral. 'I did not expect their call to be honest'. Most of Nani's works are in private collections and the works in Manila Cathedral would be a personal accomplishment for him. He was an exseminarian and almost made it to priesthood. But the gods of art has a different plan for him.

The struggle continued and he almost stopped painting. 'I joined the Rizal Provincial Jail so I will have a monthly pay. I have a family to support and my earnings from my paintings would not suffice'. He taught drawing lessons to inmates of the said facility and for a time, he enjoyed what he was doing.

'I was commended by my superior for making cartographic sketches of suspects that looked real'. Little did his superior know that cartographic sketches are like an elementary drawing for him. Nani took pride in this 'new-found' fame, yet he knows deep in his heart that this is not his craft, that merely sketching the faces of unknown individuals will make him look good to his peers but not really make him a 'real' artist.

According to him, 'the paintings are my personal and spiritual accomplishment. I never imagined that my work will be chosen to be part of the cathedral. There are so many better artists in the country yet my work bested them all. I am not that great as an artist, actually I don't consider myself as such. It is just a great honor for me to be part of something spiritual and grand'.

So he made a decision to finally focus on finding his craft and he did. Armed with experience and a longing to make a difference, Nani introduced a new style that truly is innovative yet has roots from the masters. It is no longer Manansala and Botong that we see in his works, we now also see H.R. Ocampo's cubes covering his subjects. Actually, when we look at his works, it is as if our eyes are covered with gems

Ang Pagbati 30" x 60" Acrylic on Canvas Collection of Manila Cathedral

Nani is quite aware that generations upon generations will look into his works and be awed by it. Side by side with the masterpieces of Galo Ocampo, are his works, an artist who struggled yet continued on with his craft. This is where he truly found his niche, in this silent corner of the Manila Cathedral.

Banal na Pamilya 30" x 60" Acrylic on Canvas Collection of Manila Cathedral

Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig 30" x 60" Acrylic on Canvas Collection of Manila Cathedral

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Pieta 30" x 60" Acrylic on Canvas Collection of Manila Cathedral

strangers to up the day job? give

You need

I was asked this question by an Artist who is working full time outside the Art industry, when is the right time to give up their day job and paint for a living.

I do believe that every Artist is capable of earning a good living from their Art, but I also believe that you should not be in a hurry to give up your day job. Painting part time knowing you are paying your daily bills is less stressful than having to sell your paintings every week to meet your needs.

Paintings do not sell every week and you can have lean times.

Of course family and friends will say you are a talented Artist and love receiving your paintings as gifts, but that does not mean in the future they will buy all your paintings when they are for sale.

You need to remember that it is strangers who have to buy your paintings to sustain your future income, so you will need to build up a network of strangers that will become your collectors and are prepared to support your Art. You need to build your Art business while you are part time so that one day it can become your main source of income, but until it does you need to approach it as a part time job.

Do not rush out and become a full time Artist, keep your day job and allow your Art business to grow to the point where all your sales and commissions coming from strangers force you to give up your day job.

Be patient, a little success and a few sales does not make a life time of sales, for me this is the wise way to do it.

The worst that will happen to you doing it this way is you will have a wonderful, fulfilling hobby that helps supplement your normal income, doing something you love.

Mark Shellshear 0947.647.34.65 markshellshear@gmail.com galeriadelasislas@gmail.com 8

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Nunistell Mae Fulo Tthe “Negrense's Goddess of Dance and Textured Arts” festivals and competitions for long years.

Afterwards, her love of arts became her inspiration to create artistic paintings. She was able to join the Art Group Exhibit with her three mixed media arts. Unique styles and artistry can be seen in all her crafts. She expresses herself thru flowing lines, curves and spiral textures that are visible on her artworks. One of the paintings that is well-loved by many was her “Bayanis and Diwatas” painting that portraits dancing Bayanihan members.

For Nunistell, each art portraits tells its own story. So for her, “Every artwork is a masterpiece. Every finished product is a satisfaction to the heart”.

Her latest works are part of the Bayanihan Dance Company's 60th Anniversary where she will be having a solo painting exhibit, honoring our Filipino cultural heritage and keeping the spirit of Bayanihan alive in Arts and in our hearts.

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Nunistell Mae Fulo, the “Negrense's

goddess of dance and textured arts”, is a versatile, talented and a multi-awarded woman in the field of cultural and arts. She is a graduate of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising in La Consolacion CollegeBacolod. With her passion in dancing, she became a member of Bayanihan Philippine National Folkdance Company and performed in different countries (Europe, Asia and South America) during international dance

Portrait of the Philippine National Artist for Dance Mrs. Lucrecia Reyes Urtula of Bayanihan Philippine National Folkdance Company

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Nunistell Mae Fulo's authentic textured paintings for Bayanihan Dancing Bayanis and Diwatas

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FIGURES 1st place Junevy Llosa La Femme Oil on Canvas 20in x 15in 2nd place Lemuel Cunanan Before Bath Soft Pastel on Paper 25in x 19in 3rd place Jose Tolentino Jimenez Sana Soft Pastel on Paper 14in x 11in

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4th place Jess Navarro Bakit Watercolor on Paper 12in x 9in

4 5th place Mary Ann Cuevas Femme Fetale Watercolor on Paper 18in x 12in

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Junevy F. Llosa

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was born in Calubian, Leyte on October 26, 1983 but grew up in Manila. I'm second among the six siblings.

When I was very young, my father died and due to poverty, my mother has decided to leave us to a relative in Las PiĂąas so that we could go to school. I have discovered my talent in painting during grade school, using pencil and ballpen as my medium. I kept on practicing, and when I have entered high school, I have learned how to use other mediums and how to mix colors. Because of that, I have become a constant representative of our school, competing in painting and poster-making contests. I often use oil pastel during competitions. When I graduated high school, our guardian did not allow me to take up a Fines Art Degree, for the belief that there's no money on arts. Left with no other options, I took architecture instead since it was related to the course that I wanted. But my journey in the arts did not stop there. In 2006, I joined Shell Art Competition and won the grand prize in Watercolor Category. The next year, I won the GSIS Art Competition, 2nd place, under the Student Category. My dream is to have my first solo exhibit and reach the apex of my career as an artist in the future.

Major Awards: First Place: Rotary Club National High School Painting Contest (2002) First Place: 39th Shell National Student Art Competition2006 (Watercolor Category) First Place: Ani ng Sining sa Montalban on the spot painting contest 2007 First Place: Rizal Provincial Government Painting Contest 2016 Second Place: GSIS Painting Contest 2007 (Student Category) Third Place: Manila Bulletin Sketch Fest 201 (Exhibition Category) Third Place: BFP on the spot Painting Contest 2009 Consolation Prize: Baclaran Painting Contest 2016 Seminfinist: Art petron 2007 Semifinalist: 6-time MADE semifinalist since 2009 Exhibitions: Had joined 16 art exhibitions including exhibition of MADE semifinalist which are mostly sold.

“Debosyon 48in x 36in Oil on Canvas

Tampisaw 36in x 48in Oil on Canvas 13

Swimming Lesson 16in x 20in Oil on Canvas La Femme 12x15 inches Oil on Canvas Morning Routine 24in x 36in Oil on Canvas

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2017 TB SEAL STAMPS SHRINE OF FAITH

Paintings by Al Perez

The Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc.(PTSI) Launch the 2017 TB SEAL Campaign last August 16, 2017 at the QCX Museum Events Center Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City.

The theme of the TB SEAL stamps “ SHRINE OF FAITH” features 40 paintings of Al Perez showcasing various places of worships, old churches in the Philippines. It hopes to inspire in every Filipino across the country, The value and meaning of one’s faith.

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(L-R) Marissa Fe Yang, Arnel Ignacio, Tam Austria, Divine Austria, Ronald Vergel De Dios,Dra Nelis Gonzales, Al Perez, Atty Dalmacio Lim, Romeo Ranjo

Madam Zenaida Quezon Avacena, Arnel Ignacio, and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte

Ed Montealegre, Jeanette, Cathy Mas, Anita Del Rosario, Al Perez, Divine and Tam Austria

Robert Araos, Al Perez, Mel Riales, Eng Romeo Ranjo

Sarah Alcantara and Guhit Pinas 16

"Strange Beauty and Divinity”

by Ingrid Aimee, ingridaimee.blogspot.com February 19, 2016

Happiness, and the quest for it, is not all it’s cracked up to be.

What I mean is that I think we’re making a mistake in reaching only for happiness, lightness, good days, and good moods. I think that we’re restricting ourselves.

anything else I felt that wasn’t “good.”

It took me a while to realize that I didn’t feel like myself anymore. And that was because I wasn’t. I was pretending to be a flat placard of peace and joy, which isn’t very real, is it?

I realized I was robbing my soul of all the emotions and feelings and desires it should have.

We’re fishing in an ocean of emotions, looking to only reel in one or two kinds, throwing back the ones we don’t want without even noticing how shockingly beautiful they can be in their strange, confusing way, much like the fascinatingly mysterious fish of the deep sea.

Every feeling and all the changes we go through become precious when we realize they are all necessary, and they create contrasting beauty in our lives.

There was a long time in my life when I wanted happiness, so I avoided pain. I wanted to call myself brave, so I didn’t admit I was afraid.

Would you rather be happy, or would you rather be full inside?

Happiness is fleeting. It flits in and out of our days like a bird, singing a beautiful song that we want to revel in all our life, for one moment while the sky is blue, not to be found on the days with dark clouds on the horizon, heavy winds, and gray skies.

But fullness—that is deep in our soul. When we have that, it never leaves.

In my search for joy, I pushed away the other emotions I didn’t like, thinking I’d be left with only happiness.

But something was still wrong. I wasn’t full. By denying myself the plethora of emotions and feelings we, as human beings, are supposed to experience, I was only connecting with myself on a surface level.

Fullness encompasses everything. It’s what allows us to be fully human in all the raw, real ways.

How could I just be happy when my heart was broken in two?

When my bestfriend wouldn’t talk to me anymore? When I was uncertain and afraid of the future and the path I decided to take.

We need the contrasts that fullness, not just happiness, provides us. How else can we know true joy if we have never known sorrow? How can we feel and trust the deepest kind of love if we have never felt heartbreak?

Yet all I wanted was happiness, and I kept pushing away I think that by suppressing emotions we don’t like, such as fear and uncertainty and pain, we are taking away the shading of our own image. We’re denying ourselves the beautiful picture that needs the contrasts and shadows in order to be complete.

Sometimes, two seemingly conflicting emotions can fit together and coexist. Have you ever felt that? Maybe you have pain inside you that you suppressed, and suddenly another person finds a way to gently bring it to the surface.

That person and their kind eyes bring warmth to your heart, even while the pain is being laid bare.

Happiness can fill your chest and sadness can well in your eyes until they are entwined in a beautifully poignant harmony.

Don’t ever think that being so paralyzed by fear you don’t know how to take a step, or feeling angry and betrayed, or sobbing while your heart is in shreds, or feeling lonely or confused or uncertain or whatever you feel, is wrong or not good.

It’s your shading, your shadows, making up the complete, beautifully exquisite image of your soul and your life.

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Aiken Pe Yang: Illustrating/animating his ways to his dream Noel Sales Barcelona Editor-In-Chie

Because of his love for games, plastic models, animated movies, and animés, he decided to pursue a degree related to it. Unfortunately, during that time, there is none. Without any choice, he just took up Multimedia Arts at CSB and got the degree in 2008. As if he was toyed by fate, CSB offered a course in animation some years later.

I have never been a gamer but the way that the character of an online RPG game has been designed always gives a goose bump. They were so alive and beautiful, and not to mention that they have this kind of superpower that everybody in the gaming community, especially my idol Alodia Gosienfiao (yes, the Queen of Cosplayers) and her sister, musician and gamer Ashley, got hooked and actually made the game into an international sport which hundreds of thousands of dollars as prize money. Simply amazing.

But this does not stop him from learning the craft, though he admits it is a little bit hard for him. Since his course was not meant for gaming character development and animation, he knew nothing about the technical side of the thing.

And for this young artist from Sta. Mesa, Manila—Aiken Pe Yang, an alumnus of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (CSB) also in Manila—dreams to become part of a team that creates an awesome characters in RPG games, or to render some illustration for an animation studio.

“I was mostly self-taught. I have learned mostly from the internet—watching YouTube tutorials and getting advices and tips from other professional artists online, who work or have worked in the industry professionally. It is quite hard that you don't have members of the family or close friend that work in the animation or game development and production professionally. They can't help you when it comes to the technical aspects and how to improve your work to achieve the quality that the industry needs or requires,” he said.

A childhood dream As a child, Aiken grew up watching animation from Disney and some Japanese animé. Yes, those animated series and movies that were inspired by manga—a general term for comics and illustration in Japan—which either serialized in a magazine or published as independent comic books. (And I have to admit, I also love those, and until now, I still watched them, and watch them not only once—but over and over and over again.) Aside from animated series and films, video games and model and painting kits have sparked that strong interest of this Filipino-Chinese in art.

He also said that whenever he shows his drawings or products to his family and friends, all that he can hear was total praises for his work, and that doesn't help at all when it comes to achieving quality illustrations suited for animation or for gaming development.

“Sure they will say it looks nice and I can't blame them.

They're just trying to be supportive but, in actuality, my works won't pass for production in an actual [animation or gaming] studio,” he quips, laughing during that interview at a pizza parlor along the busy thoroughfare of Sta. Mesa going to Mandaluyong and Pasig, that afternoon of June 23rd.

Perhaps, it is in his genes. His mother, Aiken has shared to Filipino Artists Magazine, was an alumna of the University of Santo Tomas – College of Fine Arts. However, her mom did not pursue a career in painting but became a successful businesswoman instead.

A painful, yet an effective way to learn the trade He tried to apply in studios but he said he did not make it for, like it was mentioned earlier, he does not have the qualification; neither has he had the technical skills to become part of the team.

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Rejections, according to Aiken, had taught him to become more resilient and more determined to develop his craft and hone his skills more so that someday, he would join the roster of highly-talented and highly-respected animators and games developers. “.But I really wanted to get into the industry badly as 3D artist since I enjoy doing it and want to be good at it. So, even though I haven't passed the skills test, I remain at the studio and asked the director or the art lead or lead 3D artist, what did I do wrong? I wanted to hear their reasons so that I can improve my craft,” he said.

“Fortunately, they were kind enough to point out where I went wrong and give me pointers on what I need to learn.

So, I follow most of their advice and tips,” he added.

Aiming for the ultimate target I have asked him where he sees himself five years from now.

“I hope that someday, I would do freelance work and working part-time for some bigger local and international

games development or animation studios like Blizzard, Riot—that game studio that made the League of Legends. I have heard that they're planning to open a branch somewhere in the Philippines though I am not sure if it's true. Or with Ubisoft, Secret Studio 6, et cetera,” Aiken said. “Though I am kind of doing the work that I have always wanted to do, but I haven't got big projects, yet, for big animation or games development studios, locally and internationally,” he added.

Of course, that would need more skills, which Aiken is already working on.

Aside from working for big animation and game development studios, Aiken and his friends want to produce their own “big” works too, though in the indie w a y. T h i s p a v e d w a y t o t h e development of Red Raccoon Studio, a small indie group dedicated to creating animated works and drawings.

“Hopefully, in the long run, this would be a real studio, creating original content for clients while having that we call “creative fun,” he quipped.

“I am also into martial arts, and I would

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still have a little time for martial arts training,” he said.

Having heard what this young artist has to say, the words of the late Og Mandino echoed in my mind—those words that you will read in his famous book The Greatest Salesman in the World, “Persist until you succeed.” And I know that he would, someday, as he has the spirit of an artist.

Chito Ignacio the comeback of a pro Noel Sales Barcelona

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CHITO IGNACIO for more than three decades worked as a professional photographer who does portraiture and also often booked to do commercial and advertising photo shoots. He said, he just retired from active photography in 2016 but continued doing light studio photography.

course, this was prior to the advent of digital photography wherein you can edit your shot in the camera itself. And for 34 years, he was known as Chito Ignacio, an elite photographer, not Chito Ignacio as fine art painter.

Because of years of hiatus, his prowess in creating images using the brush, the paint, and the canvas had become somewhat “rusty.” Nonetheless, you cannot ignore the call of your first love, and now he's painting full time. Though, he said, it wasn't that easy.

But prior to becoming a man who uses lens to capture each beautiful moment and scenes, this Fine Arts major in Advertising graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, the finest and the only pontifical Catholic university in the Philippines, was first, a painter; and he was painting until he was third year in college.

“The most difficult thing for me is my comeback stint last year, in painting, after “abandoning” my brushes for almost three decades, since 1982; although I've painted a few pieces way back in the late '80 and early '90s. I have had that mixed feelings and emotions then, I have also felt terrified by the thought of making painting as my new and serious career, in this advancing age of mine,” he told this writer.

“I have to seek apprenticeship outside school since there was some limitations of what being taught in school, especially when it comes to painting,” Ignacio wrote in an email. “Because my interest in painting has been intensified, I wasn't able to finish my thesis on time.”

Influences

Though he loved painting so much, he has to leave it and pursue photography.

He considered the international visual artist Rudolf Gonzales, the son of the famous Rick Gonzales who achieved international fame because of his portraits.

His return to painting Since 1982, has been working behind the camera, capturing whatever his lens can capture, and work it on a dark room. Of

“Rudolf was my mentor,” he shared.

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Aside from Gonzales, who is considered the Philippine Master of Light when it comes to painting, Fernando Amorsolo and American artist Andrew Wyeth are the painters whom Ignacio admires.

“My admiration for Amorsolo, Wyeth and my mentor Rudolf Gonzalez is really based on their styles. Though each has their own distinct styles, they are all realistic painters who depict everyday life or genre excellently on their canvases,” he said.

Capturing everyday living in society As one may observe, the society and the environment, and even the human mind, are the limitless fountain of inspiration for artistic creation.

“The subject that left strong mark in my mind and heart is human activities—the everyday life scenes. Though lately I'm experimenting on still life, especially flowers,” he said.

If God gave you the talents, work on it no matter how late, as you have to show and share it to the world! Lastly, I may be a late bloomer in the field of painting but I am now blooming after all!” .

As Ignacio regains his momentum in painting, he confessed: “Doing life painting is the ultimate challenge for me and perhaps into many artists as well. Painting close-up images like the ones by Georgia o' Keefe, the famous American female artist specializing on still life and flowers really thrills me.

It's really like combining photography but the enlargement of the images is being done by hand. It's challenging but it's really, really fun!”

Some words to ponder When he was asked about his beliefs or principles about painting and photography, Ignacio replied: “My principle or philosophy is simply to immortalize and preserve simple men and women in an everyday life scenes or genre as I want to preserve my time and interest on my canvas.”

He also has message for the first-timers and for his colleagues who wanted to go back to painting after so many years of stopping: “To the young ones, my tip to become a good painter is: practice your craft and practice it with diligence and regularly.

To my colleagues who wanted to go back to painting: You must not be afraid to make a comeback or re-invent one self.

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Ida

ROBLES

The love for family, community, and Pinoy culture, and the art of Ida Robles Noel Sales Barcelona “I don't have any inkling that I would become a painter,” said furniture-designer turned painter Ida Robles during our interview for the Filipino Artists Magazine.

Robles is an interior design graduate from the Pontifical and Royal Catholic University of Santo Tomas, in Manila; and she said, she took up the course in interior design because it was a necessity for she wants to help in the family's furniture-making business.

Though as a young girl, she admits, she's into arts and crafts particularly creating paper dolls and dressing them up. And that's about it. And she said she didn't envision herself of becoming a painter whose works will be displayed in art exhibit, together with other artists.

It's all because of her Yannie But it seems that she is fated to become a visual artist when she saw her youngest child, Dianne (or Yannie, as she was fondly called), has a potential of becoming an artist.

“She was very talented,” she quips, talking about Yannie, who at the age of two, can scribble something nice.

To hone her daughter's talent, Robles decided to enroll then four-year old Yannie into art class of the late Maestro Solano Cruz.

“To assist my daughter, I also enrolled in Solano's class,” she relayed to Filipino Artists Magazine. Seeing her work, the late Solano Cruz prodded her to take painting seriously for she has a future in it. But, Robles is not keen of dipping her hands to the world of painting, giving her mother and wife duties as an excuse.

Later, she has enrolled daughter to the workshop of Maestro Fernando “Nanding” Sena. Robles said she has to join the class, too, to keep her daughter motivated. That's the first time that she has enjoyed painting.

The “coming” of Ida Robles as a serious painter A time came, in 2002, that she has to join a group of mothers whose children are studying in same school as her daughters, also interested in learning how to paint. This is to break the monotony, she said; for her “work” revolves of taking her youngest daughter to school and fetching her later. And her routine is the same of those other moms, of course.

They would have Pol Mesina for their teacher and their classes were held every Tuesday, hence the moniker “ICA MomsTuesday Group.”

Robles shared, while her colleagues are learning the basics, she has been busying herself doing other things. She would draw and paint according to what she sees or envisions inside her creative head, thus developing her style of painting people doing things in the milieu that they are living in.

But, as usual, she paints as a hobby; not until that her daughter finished secondary school and she has been “relieved” to sendand-fetch-Yannie-to-school routine.

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That's when she felt that emptiness; and the only thing that can fill that void is—painting.

Her “people” has this spectacle-like feature on their faces. The “glasses”, according to the artist herself, is her interpretation of the eyebrow, cheeks and bridge of the nose. Their eyes, actually, are small, or “chinky.” Their bodies or torso are quite large and round, the same as their limbs, reminiscent of the style of Victorio Edades when it comes to anatomy, and Mauro “Malang” Santos when it comes to colors—bright, vivid, and lively.

“It was a friend of mine who told me not to paint landscapes and still-life anymore for they are a passé. You should paint like Malang, she said. And I tell her jokingly, okay, I will become Malong,” she told this writer laughing.

Malang just died June 10th, 2017, only two months before this interview with Robles has happened.

But she said, her primary influence, of course, are the modern artists that she has encountered during her college days—the Pasigueño artist Cenon M. Rivera; the famed Antonio G. Austria, whom she said had taught her freehand drawing in UST, particularly his “little people”; and Leonardo “Boy” Hidalgo, a kin of the award-winning painter in the 19th century and often associated with the Reformist movement during the Spanish era.

More about the local culture The late Mohandas K. Gandhi once said, “A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”

In her paintings, you would see the glimpse of the country's rich and colorful culture, which is community and family-centered.

Sadly, as we have entered the era of modernization where gadgets are a means of entertainment, and the social media has become the “new community” for the Filipinos, especially

among the youth, some of the things that we accustomed to like the old toys and the old games that children, before the advent of the internet, used to play.

Rendered in her own modernist style, Robles has been able to capture the things that even this writer can vividly remember—flying kites and playing piko (hopscotch) during summer afternoons; the palo sebo competition during town and barrio fiestas; and the traditional Filipino clothing—the baro't saya and the patadyong that you will now only see during some special events.

But mostly, she paints about mothers and their daughters. Again, her reference is her love for her unica hija, Yannie.

Besides the mother and daughter, she also paints about family, and just like we have mentioned earlier, about traditional games and amusement that are almost forgotten by the younger generation.

She does this because she wanted to remind how fun and how beautiful our traditional games are.

To simply put, her works are about happiness, unity, and going back to your roots and never forget about it. Just like what the old Tagalog saying goes, “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa kaniyang paroroonan.”

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website and Facebook Page (www.tasco.com.ph and tascoph) so production and distribution of trash bins may be sponsored.

TASCO, Inc. commits itself in building a strong corporate social responsibility. It always believes that corporate world has to have a positive impact in the environment and to the society as a whole. The company is committed in staying involved with local efforts to bring people together and create a positive change whenever they can.

Globally, an estimated one billion tires reach the end of their useful lives every year and, in the Philippines with almost 10 million registered vehicles, about 10 million end-of-life tires are generated yearly. On an average, tires can only last for 2 to 4 years and the country is faced with great environment and health risks most especially that ELT recovery rate in the Philippines is not regulated and established as compared with Europe, US and Japan with 84 – 90% recovery rate.

Being improperly managed and regulated, discarded tires normally wind up being scatter everywhere clogging our creeks and drainage system or inefficiently piled up in

For the last 5 years, it has demonstrated corporate social responsibility through its Therapinoy program. The program highlights its free physical and occupational therapy which currently gives services to more than 50 special needs children of indigent families in Metro Manila thru its affiliate, Quality Life Discoveries, Inc. (QLD) that runs the Therapinoy Program. QLD, located in Project 4, Quezon City, provides the therapy services to people with disability.

In the past year, TASCO has decided to take steps to help protect the environment by giving away free garbage bins made of used tires for the consumption of the communities. The advocacy is to recycle and upcycle end-of-life tires or ELTs to promote extended supplier responsibility. A tire is considered at the end of its life when it can no longer be used on vehicles and all tires including passenger car, truck, aircraft, two-wheel and off-road tires result in ELTs. However, the bulk of ELTs result from car and truck tires.

Early this year, the first batch of trash bins was distributed to more than 50 barangays and institutions in Metro Manila with special focus to floodprone communities and those living near the esteros (rivers/canals) to help prevent these drainage systems from being used as a garbage dump. This initiative gives precedence to the communities and other business organizations that end-of-life tires, or ELTs have a variety of uses as they are increasingly being viewed as a resource instead of a waste. Any organization sharing the same advocacy may reach through TASCO's

Grand Prize Winner - 100,000 Php "Magnificence and Rebirth"

by John Erickson Dancel 24

Through the Tire Art Contest, TASCO encourages everyone to think of productive ways to re-use and upcycle end-of-life tires and today, with the larger-than-ever global community of artists, there are countless competitions possible, and they all bring out countless benefits. From small to big competitions whether it's a recycling or an art contest or both, these opportunities provide artists of all backgrounds great exposure and a myriad of possibilities.

Runner up - 50,000 Php "Reviving Gaea" by Patrick Alvin Cham

landfills where they occupy a lot of space due to their size, trapping harmful gases like methane and offering a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Runner up - 50,000 Php "Octopus" by Krizzia Rey V. Evangelista

With this situation in mind, the company launched 1st TASCO Tire Art Contest which provides an opportunity for talented artists to receive recognition for their works thus promoting its Extended Producer-Distributor Responsibility Program. 1st TASCO Tire Art Contest promotes an increased awareness of the possibilities of recycling and upcycling. Entries must be made from used tires that would otherwise be thrown away or recycled. It makes sense to reuse products and to reduce consumption altogether, as well as to improve initial product design. This initiative exudes a great amount of creativity and innovation.

Creativity can go a long way for the winners whose trash can become a treasure. This year's Tire Art Contest features artworks from different places and organizations. The Grand Prize worth 100,000 Php was awarded to John Erick Dancel for his artwork entitled “Magnificence and Rebirth” It features the Philippine eagle, our national bird, as a symbol of magnificence and rebirth, evidently displaying how upcycling tires can be utilized as well as to create beautiful art forms.

Consolation Prize Winners - 5,000Php each (Arranged randomly) 1. "Shenron" by Federico Villamar 2. "Mr. Potato" by Johanna Taglinao 3. "Carabao" by Maricar B. Alcarde and Jessica Marie A. Laylay 4. "Voltes V" by John Paul Ronsairo, Camille Villar, Alyssa Yang, Airiz Trinidad, Marnella Villamayor, Johanna Taglinao, Darla Bautista 5. "Mother and Child" by Marie Dearmaine Ramos 6. "Inexistent" by Bianca de leon, Earl Abareta, Erik Tiña, Derrick del Mundo, Ryndell Villanueva, Kierk Giray 7. "The Peacock" by Marc Vincent Tamayo 8. "Jarvis Ironman" by Bhryan Reeden Parcon 9. "Pizza Planet" by John Paul Ronsairo 10. "Blu Rio 2011" by Kashiv Marie Aku 11. "Olaf the Snowman" by Airiz Paola Trinidad 12. "Ducati" by Sesenando Conejos 13. "Garry" by Alyssa Marie Kristel Yang 14. "Rapunzel Tower" by Prysmma 15. "Couleur de Fluer" by Cedric Dela Cruz 16. "Pikachu" by Jacob D. Lanuza 17. "Lulu" by Camille Villar 18. "Leonard The Good Piggie" by Marnela Villamayor 19. "Robolong" by Mary Jane Castro, Lesther Deguito, Jennifer Selda, Jeremy Caparal, Jemark Malibago 20. "Round Table Layout" by Jose Glenn Blanco

The Runner up who received 50,000 Php is “Octopus” by Krizzia Rey V. Evangelista of UE Caloocan-Interior Design. It symbolizes complexity, diversity, mystery, vision, intelligence, illusion, variability and insight. Another runner up is Patrick Alvin Cham for his “Reviving Gaea” which represents a scene of two cursed parents turned golems protecting their daughter being chased by a smoke-like creature of corruption in order to save Gaea from being contaminated by pollution. Other twenty entries were also given consolation prize worth 5,000 Php each.

The winners of the contest were conscientiously chosen last August 23, 2017 by the panel of Judges composed of highlyesteemed professionals namely, Mr. Roy Espinosa, a renowned artist and Publisher of Filipino Artists Magazine, Architect Kevin J. Nieves, Co-Founder and Partner & Design Director of Headroom Concept, Design Visualization Co., and Ms. Anna Liziel Villavicencio Cosgayon, Executive Director of Quality Life Discoveries.

www.tasco.com.ph 25 24

Nature-Nurture and the Search for the Sublime

By Chong Ardivilla

I

f there is one endearing print showing the awesome might of Nature, it is Japan's greatest printmaker Hokusai's marvelous work, "The Great Wave of Kanagawa." This magnificent image shows a gigantic wave cresting while fishermen cower in their boats buffeted by the truculent waters, dwarfed by nature's majesty. This print shows the place of man in nature.

Printmaking has been vital in the act of place-making. The "making of a place" is when one draws out the many cartographic accents of the land and of the seas. Marking territories, jotting down paths, printmaking was used to literally and metaphorically carve out this world via maps, pamphlets, and other prints that have churned throughout the generations. Changes, demarcations, delineations, show that printmaking is tantamount in the motions of containing land.

However, nature can never be contained. Though there are numerous prints about the beauty, the danger, and the splendor of nature, nature will never be controlled. This year's exhibition of the latest prints by members and friends of Association of Pinoy Printmakers at the Cultural Center of the Philippines show the many intricacies of nature.

Eponymously entitled "Nature-Nurture," this exhibition posts the question to the participating artists on the valuation of nature as its own force, as a point of view of inspiration, as a focus of struggle. Nature-Nurture is not a dichotomy like two sides of the same coin. Nature-Nurture is a rallying call of these days of blind abuse of our environment.

This exhibit showcases the varied points of view from printmakers of different persuasions: from the florid, to the calm, to the calamitous. These are works that are extensions of the very impetus of humanity to render art in the first place which is to make sense of the powers of nature, from paleolithic cave paintings to grandiloquent immersive landscapes of Chinese scrolls, to bravura of disasters caught on canvas. Nature has been a favored subject of many artists as a source of inspiration. Nature has always been a focal point between humanity and creation in terms of making sense of our place in this world. Are we Nature's gatekeepers? Are we Nature's guardians? Are we under Nature's spell? Can we ever control Nature's awesome incalculable might? Nature has always been the framework in the search for the sublime.

With Nature, we always try to establish place and meaning.

How many stories have we heard growing up of the numerous myths on how nature bore us? These narratives that cross cultures show creation myths that can sustain us and, at a switch, can destroy us. Nature is never a quiet bystander in our lives.

Many of the prints in this exhibition go beyond the usual tinkering of nature as a mere host of beauty. The many processes, techniques, and materials utilized in this exhibition are reflective of nature's very formidable existence and the printmakers are mere vessels showing its many sides. The printmakers show that though nature is still most powerful, we, as a species must nurture it for our sake. Some prints tackle the issues of nature that can no longer be ignored: that of land grabbing, climate change, and excessive resource exploitation. If unabated, we risk the very place of humans of nature. Without nurture, humans will be eviscerated violently with rising global sea temperatures, disappearances of shorelines, and more violent storms. In the end, as retribution for our excesses, we will wipe ourselves out of nature. And nature simply goes on without us in another form.

LUPA‌ KAPWA Land‌ a living entity.

The Indigenous People, direct descendants of our cultural ancestors are emphatic when dealing with nature.

They treat the land as an entity and not as a commodity that can be owned, bought and sold for profit. But, instead of understanding that nature is a living entity where both can have beneficial symbiotic relationship, modern man chose to

subjugate and exploit nature parasitically, poisoning the environment through abnormal and polluting activities.

Using relief print process, the artwork wishes to engage the viewers in a visual discourse on the narratives etched on the surface of the sculpture as well as the general idea of what the installation piece represents.

Art During the Bayani ni Juan Art Exhibition in Robinson’s Novaliches Members: August “Boy” Santiago, Roy Espinosa, Mar Cempron, Chito Santiago, Manny Buñag, Viel Samaniego, Des Inosanto, Ross Del Rosario, Giovanni Dela Rosa, Norman Cristobal, Arturo Tinonas, Delfin Tinonas, Jun Tayao, Anel Danga, Rowel Macapagong, Owen Magtibay, Wilfredo Rufon Sr.

Workshop with the Art Association of Novaliches During The Bayani Event in Robinson’s Novaliches

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Art Association of Novaliches sketching and workshop at Robinson�s Novaliches During the Art Exhibition of Bayani ni Juan

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Luis “Chavit” Singson: The New Advocate

Will the power of politician and businessman Luis “Chavit” Singson be mighty enough to support and strengthen the Philippine arts and culture industry?

Noel Sales Barcelona Editor in Chief

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A Brief History on the Life of

GOV. LUIS CHAVIT SINGSON in an 7 Panel Oil Canvas Painted by RENE ROBLES

7ft x 12ft Oil on canvas by Rene Robles

T

HE NAME Luis “Chavit” C. Singson, actually, is synonymous to the

word “power.”

Manong Chavit, firstly, came from a very powerful political clan up North. In fact, he has been a politician for most of his life, being governor of the Province of Ilocos Sur from 1972 to 1986; from June 30, 1992 to June 30, 2001; and the last, June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2013. He became a legislator at the House of Representatives as representative of the 1st district of the province. And now, he is a Municipal Councilor of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. As a politician, he has the love of his constituents and the admiration of his colleagues and friends, and perhaps even of his enemies. For Manong Chavit, indeed, is a charismatic man with a mild demeanor. I have seen that personally when we have visited one of his mansions in Manila. You would never think that he can fire high-powered gun for hunting. Indeed, he was a sharpshooter, who can shoot a fly using a fine-salt plastic gun which was created for that purpose—getting rid of the festering flies in his beautiful kitchen, where some of his favorite Ilocano delicacies such as fried freshwater eel and others are cooked and served.

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Another proof that Manong Chavit is an epitome of power is that he is a very powerful, successful, and wise businessman. According to an article published earlier this year by business magazine, Entrepreneur, Manong Chavit has lines of business that rakes millions in profits. In fact, the Entrepreneur quoted Manong Chavit saying the net profit that he gets from all of his businesses is amounting P120 million (US$2,348,590.82 or â‚Ź2,348,590.82 based on the prevailing exchange rate last 28 September 2017) a month. It is such a hefty amount that enables this septuagenarian to go to Africa and elsewhere to hunt and have those animals preserved and be displayed in his museum in Ilocos.

He is a powerful man in the sporting world, but not as a player but an avid supporter of local athletes, particularly the boxer turned politician, Emmanuel “Manny� D. Pacquiao.

Early this year, Manong Chavit has also proven his power as a prime mover of tourism industry when he raised a whopping US$13 million for the Ms. Universe Pageant to be held in the Philippines. He is not afraid to lose a little money, especially if it will benefit the local tourism industry. Of course, the Miss Universe Pageant has been a success, and the Filipino people are a witness to that. Thanks to the man named Chavit Singson.

7ft x 12ft Oil on canvas by Rene Robles

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Chavit: arts and culture advocate With profitable businesses and political influence, Manong Chavit is now readying himself for another role that he is yet to play in the Philippine society—and that is to become the major advocate and supporter of Filipino artists and the preservation and protection of our cultural heritage.

This is a herculean task, we all know that. And how a Chavit Singson will do this?

Of course, it is no secret that Manong Chavit has been known of getting things done, notwithstanding the obstacles in front of him. The best proof of this was the Miss Universe Pageant that he moved heaven and hell just to make it successful.

Now, he's dipping his finger in cultural and artistic field. Not as a painter or sculptor or a dancer, of course, but a supporter and as an advocate. And what made him do this? It was his love for the work of local artists that moved him to venture into arts and cultural work.

7ft x 12ft Oil on canvas by Rene Robles

“I have seen a lot of beautiful works of our artists, and I have begun collecting artworks. But now, my attention has shifted to the creators themselves, our artists. I want to help them because there are so many good artists here in the country, but they are all underrated; you won't hear their names, especially in the international art scene,” he said.

“Even in the local, they're names are seemed to be unknown. And that is what I wanted to do—to transform that big area in Vigan into an artists' haven, where from time to time, our local artists can go there and create, and for them to become known,” he added.

He said that this is now his business—to serve the people in terms of providing what they need.

“So, our artists—painters, actors, etc.—I want to help them,” he said.

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One of the artists Manong Chavit is supporting now is the international visual artist, Rene Robles, who is now part of a huge project brewing in Ilocos Sur, and was initiated by Manong Chavit himself. If Robles is right, that project is estimated to cost P1 billion (US$19,567,860.34/€16,678,205.08).

Robles, a painter turned sculptor and the pioneer of the Assertionism movement in the arts is the one who would make that huge statue of Jesus the Christ, made of brass. The construction of the base has already been started and if it is finished, this religious monument will be the tallest in the world, says Robles.

An animal lover, Manong Chavit has also constructed an interactive wildlife park and sanctuary in Ilocos Sur, the Baluarte and you will also see some of the works of Robles there.

He even joked to Robles: “The price of your all paintings will go up when you die!”

He said that laughing, and you will really see how fond the man to Robles, whose works are the first ones that Manong Chavit has collected when his interest to artworks sparked some years ago.

To prove that his heart is genuinely beating for the arts, he even created an independent production company—White Lion Media Production Inc. which produces a weekly travel and tourism documentary, titled Happy Life.

“I have even produced a movie,” Manong Chavit said, referring to his autobiographical film, Chavit which he co-wrote with the controversial comic book illustrator and writer and film-television director & producer, Carlo J. Caparas.

He said, he done that to help actors and artists who went out of work.

7ft x 12ft Oil on canvas by Rene Robles

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7ft x 12ft Oil on canvas by Rene Robles

Bridging the public and the government in the arts and culture issue Manong Chavit even said that he is willing to engage with the government to tackle the pressing issues about culture, the arts, and national heritage protection and preservation.

This statement came amid the criticism of some sectors against the “inefficacy” of the Government of crafting and implementing policies and programs to advance and protect local arts and culture, and even protect the rights of cultural workers.

“I have to call the attention of the government because our artists are lacking attention coming from the State,” he said.

Manong Chavit has also been critical on how National Artists are being chosen.

“So, there are lots artists who have been conferred with the National Artist Award who do not deserve the award. I think, the one most qualified—and I am not saying this because he is a friend—is Rene Robles. He's worthy for he has achieved a lot,” Manong Chavit quipped.

He also said that he is willing to support all artists, for he believes in their ability to create great works of art.

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7ft x 12ft Oil on canvas by Rene Robles

Moreover, he is also willing to talk to President Rodrigo R. Duterte to advance the issues and concerns of the cultural sector.

“Yes, I am willing to talk to the President, and it is part of our job of promoting the concerns of our local artists,” he explained.

Earlier, during the President's State of the Nation Address, the chief executive said that culture and arts are now part of the State's program and agenda. This elated some sectors, but also gathered some criticism; they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

And as for Luis “Chavit” Crisologo Singson, he is there and willing to spend his own money just to promote the local creators, and to ensure that their issues are heard and addressed.

“Just like what I have mentioned before, I am here to promote the industry and to make our artists known to the world. We have lots of wonderful artists here, but they remain unknown. That is my number one concern. On my own, I will spend my own money just to promote them, and to create a large area where their works can be displayed,” he said.

Zafari Gallery 36

Erika Santos

Virna Andres Settle

Marilyn “Apps” De Lima Coney Mendador

Joanna Ramos

Christine Dela Cruz Cachuela

Mary Ann Esteban Cuevas 37

Pintuan 14in x 18in Acrylic

Spring Time Acrylic 18in x 24in

Joyce 9in x 12in Watercolor

A Group of women who work together and create arts in different forms.

Artistree aims to teach each member their knowledge and share their talent for the medium that they are most comfortable with just like a tree.

We grow together and spread arts to its truest form. Our advocacy is to help save the environment by spreading awareness through visual arts. We also introduce creative skills to children and adults, providing them with basic knowledge in arts which is also another way to preserve our culture. Basically, Artistree is just a group of women that know how to have fun. No pressure in members, but yes we are substantial.

Lumot 15in x 16in Acrylic

Here Comes the Sun Coffee on Canvas 13in x 17in

Charmed Pastel 18in x 24in

Shoreline Acrylic 8in x 12in 38

According to Yeyeh, “I want to inspire people through my artworks. I want to spread positive vibes and to give everyone the hope that everything will still be beautiful despite the trials

AYELAH “YEYEH” DEVEZA Some say that if you want to live forever, write a book.

But for former Lucban, Quezon Vice-Mayor Ayelah “Yeyeh” Deveza - "If you want to be immortal, inspire people through your paintings.”

Painting has been a gift she discovered early on as a kid. Through the years, she has developed her personal style and technique though practice even without formal training. This talent must run in her blood since she is the granddaughter of celebrated Lucbanin artist, the late Oscar Deveza Zalameda. Fact is, all of her siblings – Farah, Jerumel, Kroydl, and Gem - also dabble in painting, and her only son Marcus Andres or Kush, is already beginning to show interest on this art form. This activity started as her favorite pastime with her art works showcased only to family and close friends. But now that she is currently on public service hiatus and as a member of the Quezon Artists Guild (QAG), she is taking painting more seriously, wants to reach more people through her works, and hopefully inspire them.

that we experience”. It is no wonder that her works are teeming with vibrant colors. When asked about her inspiration, she said, “Most of my works are about the beauty of life, most especially the beauty of my childhood in my home town Lucban and my beloved province of Quezon. Most of them are about the love of family and important values that we Filipinos have”.

In her recent works, which are part of her "Tao Series", Yeyeh displayed the Filipinos’ immense love for festivities, rural living, and strong family bond. All the characters in her works kept dark because she believes in equality and that it is part of what defines our race. The characters also have big eyes and full lips because for this budding artist, these parts are such wonderful gifts from God, which when used well would allow us to see the beauty of life and would allow us to spread goodness to others. (Article by: Jun Barnes)

Golden Arwana 12in x 12in Acrylic on Canvas

39 30

AYELAH’S

WORK

Ngasab 18in x 24in Acrylic on Canvas

Gumamela 12in x 12in Acrylic on Canvas

Tatlong Maria 18in x 24in Acrylic on Canvas

Dungaw sa Pahiyas 24in x 18in Acrylic

The Fighter 8in x 12in Acrylic on Canvas 40

MONTHLY KATUWAAN CHALLENGE

1st place Junevy llosa Swimming Lesson Oil on Canvas 16in x 20in 2nd place JP Faderogao Tagpuan Watercolor on Paper 3rd place Alex Bugsy Sibug Into the Blue yonder 18in x 12in 4th place Arnold Esttrella Pahinga Muna Watercolor on paper 12in x 9in

2

1

4th place Arnold Esttrella Pahinga Muna Watercolor on paper 12in x 9in 5th place Jolim Delos Santos Sa Baybayon Latex on Canvas 12in x 15in

4 3

5 41

Need some ice breaker or a conversation starter?

To introduce yourself as the creator of the painting that your potential customer is looking at is a good way to start a conversation.

However, you should never, ever hard sell!

WELL…

The primary aim of starting a conversation is to build rapport and establish an initial connection with the person who seems to show interest on your painting. To ask him or her to buy your painting outright is off, and it will drive your potential customer away.

by Noel Sales Barcelona

Artists should be businessman; not mere creators.

There are some important things that an artist should learn.

You should always remember that the best way to sell any products is not to sell it at all.

I am not talking about composition and style but the business side of his craft.

How could it be? The answer is relatively very, very simple.

As a businessman, you should know how to create the clamor for your product.

I have talked to lots of Filipino artists, and most of them, they have one thing in common: They do not know how to sell themselves. Neither, they have that concrete marketing plan how to make their art business big and profitable. And some of them, they even don't know how to save and how to do invest on things that will bring more money to their coffers.

In this case, as you talk to your potential customer, you have had this opportunity to explain to your potential buyer the aesthetic value of your piece and how did you come up with such amazing painting. By doing so, you are indirectly insinuating or giving your potential customer a hint that he or she should buy your work.

Don't forget: It's all about the money We are living in an era where money is needed for you to live and to create something nice, beautiful, and useful.

Even if the customer doesn't buy your painting right now, you have already created that connection with him or her, thus the opportunity of having that person as your loyal patron or customer.

This is the very reason why an artist should transform himself, from a mere creator, to a complete businessman. And to become the latter, the artist must learn the basics about managing your business, how to access to capital, and manage your income to ensure that you and your family would have an abundant and good life in the future.

It is also important to take not of the price of your goods, your most saleable items, and the paintings that are in-demand.

In an article written for Thought Co. by Marion Boddy-Evans last February 2017, she reiterated the need to survey the current market and provide the customers what they need.

Unfortunately, the business side of the arts is not being taught in schools. But this is the thing that should be taught in school for Andy Warhol, a painter himself said, “Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.”

“What are the kinds of paintings that sell the best? There are a few broad subjects for paintings that tend to appeal to a mass audience. While there are never any guarantees that a given painting will sell, if you stick to these specific areas, you'll probably increase your chances of earning a little income from your work. Whether the subjects most popular with the masses are the subjects you want to paint is a question only you as an individual artist can answer. But if your primary motivation for painting is selling the finished products, it's advisable to choose subjects that are tried and true. Here are a few types of paintings that fit that description,” she explained.

The first thing that an artist should learn is to treat his or her creative output as a cultural product, thus it needs to be sold.

You should learn the art of selling Here comes the next important thing: Learn the art of selling.

In learning the art of selling there are some things that you need to keep in mind:

Another important thing to remember in doing your business is to provide your future customer a portfolio of your works and your business card so they would know where to find you.

Firstly, you should know your product very, very well.

This means that you should be able to explain what your painting is all about.

The importance of balance However, it is also important to maintain a balance in your artistic life.

How did you come up with the idea? What are its specifications and what is its important contribution to the world of art? Of course, the latter is all about perspective.

In adding perspective or meaning to your painting, you're also adding value—both aesthetic/cultural and monetary value to it.

While you continue to maintain your artistic freedom, you should also pay close attention to your financial freedom as an artist.

If you want to make painting as your full time work, make sure that you that you will earn more than enough for your capital (these are the money that you need to buy your materials and other things that you need for you to create something), for your personal and family needs, and most importantly for your savings and investments.

At this point, we come to the second important thing that you should do, and that is learning how to engage your customer.

You should learn how to speak to your customers.

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Joseph Clavita 13 Solo Art Show at the GSIS Museum in Pasay City As an active professional painter, he had thirteen solo art exhibits and had participated in more than 150 group art shows.

2002 - Solo art show in Canada here and overseas ( India, Japan, Korea, China, U z b e k i s t a n , Bangladesh, Taiwan, to a name a few). It is no wonder that those of his works could be found in art places like the

Joseph Clavita, in cooperation with GSIS Museum, cordially invites you to the opening of his 13th solo exhibit, on November 9, 2017, Thursday, at 4:00 PM. The show runs until November 23.

His Guests of Honor include Hon .Atty.

Alexander A. Padilla Mr. Francis Arce Hon. Fiscal Christian Bangui Prof.

Romeo Gutierrez Mr. Ben Oliver Matias Miss Mai Ringler Manera Hon. Fiscal Mary Joyce Masangkay – Tresvalles Mr. Christopher Torlao Mr. Angel C. Rabago. The GSIS Museum is at the second level of the GSIS Corporate Centre in Pasay City.

National Museum of the Philippines, Pasig City Museum, Tuguegarao City Museum, and the Art Galleries of Social Security System (SSS), Philam-life and the Philippine Heart Center.

Currently, JClavita is a member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)-Committee on Visual Arts, Tuesday Group, Art Association of the Philippines, Visual Artists Cooperative of the Philippines (VACOOP),Ex Pres. Luntiang Daigdig Artists Group (LUNDA), Vice Pres.

Antipolo Artists Guild ,Ex Vice Pres.

ARTipolo Group artists .and various art associations. His journey in the world of visual arts indeed had gone a long way from his humble beginnings along the dreamy seashores and countryside of Aparri...

Joseph S. Clavita – is a multi-awarded modern contemporary visual artist who started as a realist impressionist during his younger days in coastal Aparri, Cagayan. During those times, the influence of Mother Nature on his work was so intense-the sea and skies, the riverbanks and the sea shells, marine life, the fishes and fishermens, have captured his interest and imagination.

He would lament the noticeably fast destruction of the environment. In most instances, one would feel such emotion his art works.

artists who would one wayor the other influence Clavita's metamorphosis in art. He would then be more serious in refining his skills and also took art lessons at the University of the Philippines. He developed a distinctive art style which is realistic expressionism and which was also more appreciated by the world of visual arts. Patrons would say that they can feel a purpose in his art, somewhat provocative that communicates a connection between past and present, and the importance of

Later in life he would be exposed to visual art personalities like National Artist Jose Joya, Ricarte Purugganan, Ibarra dela Rosa, Romulo Olazo, Antonio Ko jr. And many more visual

environment preservation. Before he knew it, Clavita's series of “Fortune Trees” and Treasures of the Sea” become signature hits among enthusiasts.

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MANNY

BUÑAG Manny Buñag's abstract works are a process of evolution. This form of growth does not limit to him being an individual, but also as an artist ripening into a painter who finally found his true identity. According to the artist, he has been trying his best to stay away from abstraction. At the creation of his realistic images, he purposely leaves them to look like they are unfinished, as his shift to abstraction is further emphasized to the abandonment of limits, as the artist himself is a free man with art, a movement of internal and external freedom. Buñag's new abstract which were shown at One Gallery's inaugural exhibition, are composed of illusory layers of colored images atop a pile of each other. There is a certain fantasy of movement, giving the painting a dynamic, daydream effect. The artist stresses that he is not doing abstracts because he can't compete with realistic paintings. In fact, he is even more calibrated with realism; it's just that he is now discovering this certain beauty of abstraction that is described as the genre itself: indefinable.

Mr. Buñag's art continues to mature with him through his age. He sets on new explorations with an abstracted batch of works with hints of linear outlines in his composition. There is a lyrical play in this batch of works, and despite his experimentation he retains his usual trademark of colors that he had been using.

Like a man aging and constantly in search of truth, Manny exercises his God-given gift in line with the growth of his spiritual and material philosophy.

Lately, the artist's most recent body of work has freed itself from the constraints of his past linear style. The new phase has completely eradicated the black linings that serve as some sort of dark strong outline for his depictions. His new paintings exude a softer, more fluid radiance and a calm atmosphere in itself. The images create an overlap with each color, and it's as if they are almost blending together as one, His command of color and composition is still being practiced, and his understanding of the technique grows as he himself matures as a person and as an artist.

He is very active in mounting exhibitions as of late, and still actively pursuing his dream and living the life of a dedicated, full-time artist by profession. He is currently the Featured Artist of the Month, for the month of October, by the Art Association of Novaliches. Works will be displayed for 1 month at Puno Art Gallery, 5th floor Nova Plaza Mall, Soft opening at 1:30 pm, Oct. 3, 2017.

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Manny’S

WORK

Scented Night Series 3 18in x 24in Acrylic on Canvas

Bird of Paradise 24in x 27in Acrylic on Canvas

Flowering Santan 16in x 12in Acrylic on Canvas 45

Standing L-R Rigor Esguerra, Sandy Canon, Ayelah Deveza, Malen Bueza, Roma Valdez, Percival Canuel, Avie Lafuente Seated L-R Noel p. Bueza, Rhanz Ramiro, Tristan Bamba, Franklin Caña, August Tazon Other members not in the picture are Vladimir Agcaoili Nieto, Neil Resuma Folloso PM, Oliver Rabino and Renato Palad

With the advancement of technology and the advent of social media, it became more possible for people to get linked from one another. This was strongly felt by the different artists of Quezon Province who took advantage of the new communication tool. Soon enough, many are hooked up with one another while establishing better friendship and exchanging about their artistry. As a positive consequence, they formed a group they now hail as Quezon Artists' Guild. ....Call it a blessing that QAG is being led by noted pen-and-ink artist Noel Bueza of Lucban who is also an advocate of heritage. He could better pull his members up to hone their craft having been seasoned in painting here and abroad. With him is a senior artist Frank Caña Valencia of Calauag, another respected painter trained by Malang, a Filipino Master. The two have bent themselves to strengthen the art in the province. Bueza stands as the guild's president while Valencia is the adviser..... With 24 active members from different parts of the province, QAG looks forward to making Quezon popular as another art destination in the

Noel Bueza and Frank Caña ABS Interview during the Exhibit

region. Every member has developed a strong passion to elevate Quezon art on a higher level. Though the guild was just organized a few months back, there is an overflowing enthusiasm to showcase each one's form and style.

Water color, oil, acrylics, mixed media, pen, charcoal, metal, wood and many more are well used by the members.

This delighted the public so well noting that aesthetics are very much reflected on each piece... It was in March when it had its first exhibition of artpieces at the atelier of Bueza in Lucban. Soon after, another show was organized at Galeria 46

Uno in LIC, Lucena City. Last August at the Obien Museum in Tayabas City, its third ezhibition was held. And just last Tuesday, September 5, 2017 its fourth show at the Dining Makiling Gallery in UPLB was opened..... At the moment, QAG has several invitations to hold shows in different art venues. While one is still on-going, new projects are already being drawn. And more artists are expressing interest to join the group. ThIs is again reflective of how far QAG has gone within a short period of time. It only proves one thing, its potentialities to put art stronlgy felt and enjoyed by the people are coming out to bloom.

An interaction piece for donation by the Quezon Artists Guild to UPLB

MONNAR BIDS “ADIEU” ON WAY TO PARIS The Artologist Gallery opens “Preview: Adieu!” on September 2, an advance showing of the forthcoming solo exhibition of recent works by Monnar at the Galerie Menouar in Paris. The French word meaning goodbye or farewell, “adieu” encapsulates all the feelings a The show is a dream come true for Monnar, who like the many painters that comprised the School of Paris, such as Picasso, Miro, Mondrian, and Kandinsky, came from various countries to live and create in the City of Artists. This Filipino artist is no exception, having prepared an intriguing suite of works that delve on a consistently topical theme: the migration of Filipino laborers, commonly known as the OFW or “Overseas Filipino Workers.”

Observant of his countrymen's plight in the face of unemployment in his o w n c o u n t r y, M o n n a r b r i n g s something unique to his theme, aside from the aesthetic sense. Bringing to bear on his theme the insights of a sociologist, psychologist, anthropologist, and philosopher, Monnar reflects on such issues as separation anxiety, homesickness, deracination, culture shock, longdistance relationship, the dysfunctional family left behind, the

Greener Pastures

state of the country's economy, materialism, aspirations for a better life, dreams and fears of the future, and the very realistic lure of temptations borne by loneliness abroad. From such a rich synthesis of sentiments and tribulations emerge a new vision and identity of the OFWs as worthy of being called “Mga Bagong Bayani.”

Monnar invests his works with his own brand of humor and wit, mirth and sense of positivity, capturing the Filipino's emotional resilience and endurance. His works are foregrounded by the Filipino's fabled easy laughter in the face of adversity, overcoming self-pity and despair, despondency and disillusionment.

Composition-wise, Monnar weaves into his paintings interlacing narratives which the viewer is challenged to tease out of the mélange of symbolic and surreal details. The artist ingeniously deploys them in his designs, building up into a seamless continuum with no beginning or end.

These are works with a ceaseless movement, where the various strands 38

of meaning finally converge in the viewer's mind, inducing a heightened appreciation of the pictorial intelligence which Monnar imparts on his introspective reflections on the Filipino overseas worker.

Monnar honed his particular linear style from years of experience as a cartoonist and comic strip illustrator with various national publications, even as he was carving a name for himself as an art and design director. A graduate of the University of the East School of Fine Arts, majoring in advertising, Monnar was destined not only to transcend the lowly origin of his craft but to draw from its potential wealth a visual wellspring of socially astute and sympathetic views of Philippine reality that is now the substance and essence of Monnar's art.

A Long Distance Relationship 3x4 ft

Hopes and Dreams 3x4 ft

- Cid Reyes

The Journey Of Unconditional Love 3x4 ft

Idea Of Success 24�x 36�

The Artologist Gallery is at 81 Xavier St.., Xavier Residences, Unit 203, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.

For inquiries, call tel: 02-6340100. Mobile: 0917-8403585. Email: theartologist@yahoo.com.

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G

ot Heart, a social enterprise geared towards helping local communities become sustainable, has launched Got HeART Gallery last September 3, 2017. The gallery is a quaint art space with the goal of helping promote Philippine art, as well as giving artists an avenue to showcase their talent and bring their vision to life.

For the gallery's premier opening, three local contemporary artists -- Melissa Yeung Yap from Luzon, Sam Penaso from Visayas, and Kublai Millan from Mindanao -- graced the audiences with their art exhibit, "LuzViMin." LuzViMin aims to shed light on a dim chapter in our nation's history by highlighting moments of love, happiness, and peace among our countrymen. The artists wish to convey that despite current divisive issues, we can emerge as one nation still. All three artists have had successful shows in the Philippines and abroad. This is the first time that they will be gathered at one show. Many art enthusiasts look forward to the collaboration of these three promising stars in the Philippine art scene.

A portion of the proceeds from LuzViMin's sales will benefit the children of Marawi, as well as the partner communities of Got Heart Foundation.

Got HeART Gallery is located inside Earth Kitchen, a farmto-table restaurant along White Plains, Quezon City, which promotes healthy, local, and sustainable dining.

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SIKLAB NG SINING

By Mae Aniceto

The Mandaluyong Artists League, in cooperation with Creative Hands Workshop, started the season of giving by sharing their love for the arts to the people of Robinsons Galleria. An explosion of artworks created by 27 artists from both art groups gathered their arms to make this exhibit possible. Artists that were featured in this event are students from Creative Hands Art Workshop varying from ages 5 and up and members of the Mandaluyong Artist League. Led by veterans Ral Arrogante, Oying Madrilejos, and Mary Rose Gisbert, artworks did not fail to impress mall goers and guests.

The exhibit opened September 29th at Robinsons Galleria Level 2. Prestigious guests and art enthusiasts partook in the ribbon cutting ceremony with a “twist� - instead of a ribbon, a metal fish created by Mr. Ral Arrogante himself, symbolized the key to the exhibit's doors. Honored guests untied the fish from the ribbon knot and are for them to keep as a remembrance from the event - indeed a special gift from a master's hand.

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“ Siklab ng Sining” showcased a combination of paintings and found antique items modernized to fit any home. A collection of tables, chairs, and even the memorable Bataka acquired a new life through the hands of the artists that participated.

The artists of The Mandaluyong Artists League spearheaded free workshops during the week of the exhibit teaching kids how to paint, draw, and create beautiful sculptures.

The artists behind this event are: RAL ARROGANTE OYI MADRILEJOS NONILON ALIPIO JOEL TABUENA JET BERNAL JOSH VEVE LOURDES DELGADO MITZ ESGUERRA KATHY GARRIDO CHIQUI LIZADA AUDREY SIN KIMMY ESGUERRA ANTONIO GISBERT, JR. RUDY LUNOD GARI CARREON ANGELA AMOR KARINA YU ANGEL LIM ANDRES KATIGBAK TYLER BORJA RHEA JAI FERNANDEZ MAE ANICETO BEE PATERNO JUDE SAEZ JHOMER AGULAY MARKY DELOS REYES MARYROSE GISBERT

The exhibit will be open until October 6, 2017.

Creative Hands Art Workshop is a studio based in Mandaluyong City - the home base of The Mandaluyong Artists League. They offer art lessons and tutorials for kids and adults of all ages.

Contact their studio at: Creative Hands Art Studio Phone number: (02)532-2746 Email Address: rosariogdomingo@gmail.com Mailing Address: 2nd Floor, Sgt. Bumatay Street, Mandaluyong City 52

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Art Events

by Rafael “ Boy” Gozum Jr.

'' EQUIDISTANT NIGHT '' GROUP SHOW ART EXHIBITS @ PROVENANCE ART GALLERY. September 27, 2017

Handamanay By Lotsu Manes, Daloy By Mel Cabriana, Thomas Daquioag, Archie Ruga @ Eskinita Art Gallery Makati Cinema Square , Pasong Tamo Makati City.

September 30, 2017

NATALYA BRONZOVA A LADY RUSSIAN SOLO ART EXHIBIT '' RUSSIAN DREAMS IN THE PHILIPPINES '' @ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE '' BATASAN QUEZON CITY.

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GALLERY WALL

Title: Orange Fin Betta Fish Size: 40" x 40 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas 2017 by Janddie Castillo Contact: 09282004332

Title: Fire Tree Size: 48" x 72" Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Year: 2017 by Janddie Castillo Contact: 09282004332

Title: Orange Fin Betta Fish Size: 40" x 40 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas 2017 by Lloyd Lusica Contact: 09282004332

Title: Fire Tree Size: 48" x 72" Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Year: 2017 by Lloyd Lusica Contact: 09282004332 58

Playing with Blues # 12 48in x 36in Acrylic on Canvas

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