Saturday, January 29, 2011

Another Realizationism: GENESIS

   Aristotle mention Self-Realizationism or Self-Actualization that covers a wide area of study that includes ethics, friendship, philos, etc....I am not conversant on the subject so I will not compare my theory on his. This is a separate study and in fact when I discover and applied the term Realizationism into my Art, I have never heard the term before.

BACKGROUND
   Web search lead me to about 3,950 results about Realizationism. Google search list my blog as the first link on the subject. So perhaps, I could give a little Historical footnote on how this term came to my mind.
SELF-SEARCH
   In College where it all started....after the workshop for Visual Arts at CCP I went into self-discovery to find my own style. "You'll eventually discover your style no matter what." they said. Attending art exhibitions (I used to received regular invitations of art launching and all that stuff); visiting galleries; and reading books on art as much as I can.... dabbling into different medium as a wide range of style and theme. During the workshop I've decided already to be a watercolorist but I still explore other methods. I tried to be a genre artist, depicting ordinary contemporary scenes. I also tried abstract especially cubism. Transfer art became one of my favorite, as well as monoprint using leaves...pastels and pencil exercises of portraits. I also have a period I called my "Still-life" era doing unnotice object like broomstick, worn-shoes, or old cans some justice.
LITERAL COLOR
   It was during these search that I accidentally discover what I called as "Tear-out" Style while making the cover for one of my compilations...a method and style that I still carried with me now, it's directly writing on my paintings what I feel at that moment. Creating an illusion of a teared paper with letters on them. Eventually, my collections goes quickly turning an average of 3-5 works a day; these works I compiled into albums with sections and some articles regarding my searches. It was at this point that I called my work GOSPEL ART. That was around 1986 when I begun to write a book about my discovery and idea....researching and gathering sources for this new quest. Within making that book I continue making portfolio of my collections....some titles I could still recall like "Glimpse"; "The Literal Color"; "Snaps" and probably no less than a dozen books I shared with my coleague at Philippine Normal College (now PNU). 
   When I form SAPIN-SAmahan ng PIntor sa Normal (1986) it has become the testing ground for my ideas. Taking notes of various comments and some encouraging words as well. The fertile minds of my peers inspired and triggers me to be creative and the regular moot-point sessions build  some of  my future visions and set up goals. Having met people with varied political views and even different religious background carved some of the early principles of my artistry. 
    But time and circumstances lessen the intensity for making those collections....and also I either destroy or have my other work revised, until I came to a point of surrender. Some devastating incident in my life push my paintings aside.

  It took me another 10 years until I finally saw in clarity what my thesis is all about.* A distinct style and approach to life and not just on my art. The discovery I coined in 1995 as Realizationism Art. The Lord lead me to this enlightenment about why I have this core gift....this is why I am sharing to you this awakening.
   Realizationism is just another terminology, it is not a political stance nor an additional philosophical school. Let us say, this is just a brand name for the style of painting approach, as well as an approach to life in general that magnifies the importance of our core gift.  Let me remind  too that I am first and foremost a Christ-follower and would be practitioners of this art is encourage to read the Bible. If we don't agree in that matter, then stop following my blog or this Art. We will not deviate from the word of God here, most of the idea (macro and micro view) I will presents is generally measured in Christian standards. 
   I encourage my reader to check the word of God, that is the Holy Scripture....if you see error or misinterpretation coming from me, please call my attention and I am willing to accept fault for my own Spiritual growth as well. I am not a theologian and have not attended any advance Bible school, I am just a thinking man who is passionate in listening to the voice of God. That is Realizationism in essence -- the willingness to listen and the willingness to accept.

(*Other detail on the subject may come as the need arises.)

Thursday, January 27, 2011

RENEWAL: Change of Paradigm

   See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
-- Colossians 2:8

   Our common reaction when someone tell us to "change" are expected to be associated with painful process. That is normal for human being, since our early experiences of change as a child usually came from parental figure who employ reprimand with penalty attached. There's nothing wrong in them, and the Bible support and teach such method. “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Proverbs 13:24)
   What I would like to emphasize here is the importance of "change" in connection with discipline. Change will require from us a painful process and a total reversal from the old habit into new perspective, or a brand new outlook in life.  Before we reach the first level of Realizationism, most of our "core" beliefs will have to be re-evaluated. Before we can truly "see" the path of this evolving artform we must make a thorough assessment of where we stand, who we are, and what are the basic beliefs we hold.
   David R. Reid wrote "Whoever heard of being kidnapped through philosophy? We've heard of people being brainwashed or programmed to swallow the doctrines of revolutionary movements, but never through the free study of philosophy! Why, philosophy is the love and pursuit of wisdom and knowledge. How could the pursuit of wisdom ever result in a kidnapping? But the Bible says that it is possible to be kidnapped through philosophy." (Kidnapped Through Philosophy)
   Most of us have been formed, nourished, and reformed with various principle and often the process had been very slow accompanied with struggle and aches. Now here I am , introducing you to another "change" so it is expected to be questioned and may even received hostile remarks.
   Colossians  2:8 points what we should take into consideration...."Hollow and deceptive" philosophy. Therefore, careful discernment is necessary whether Realizationism Art is not misleading. David Reid explain what the verse warns: "What the Bible is saying here, however, is that all philosophy which is not Christ-centered is "hollow and deceptive." Therefore a Christian student should continually be on guard when he or she does study philosophy, because it is usually written or taught from a non-Christian perspective--and here is precisely where the danger lies." (ibid)
   On earlier post, Did The Bible Tell You So? I pointed out very clearly that I adhere to Bible principle and not reforming another ideology to follow but is actually just an amplified version of specific Bible teaching and applying them in my art. Are we on the right track when I mention that we begin using Proverbs 16:3 as the starting point. There are other passages in the Bible that you can hold on to, which the Lord may reveal to you. Pray for it and ask for it.
   Realizationism as a terminology rooted from the word "Realized" or Real; it is 'to realized' and an awakening, a serendipity--or unexpected discovery while searching for something else. Once something is realized, we take action either tackle the process for possible change or let it slip away like nothing happen.

Conscious  Critical Thinker
   Have you heard about the line "intellectual suicide" or "corruption of beliefs"? Most of us are unaware that we had been a poor victim of these unknowingly. In fact, the first human being had made all humankind captives because of these mistakes. Let us recall what happen in the Garden of Eden:  Notice Eve response when the serpent approach her in Genesis Chapter 3....
 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
   Now let us process her answer the "Critical Thinkers" way....Did God really gave those instruction? Let us examine the original commandment (on this scene, I presume Eve was not yet created) he gave to Adam.
16And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
   Eve was clearly not AWARE of the original commandment, she ADDED something God did not say. "and you must not touch it" gave the serpent an opportunity to debunk the ordinance. We can imagine Satan taking the cue and perhaps say something like this "Look at me, I will touch it....what happen I did not die, God is hiding something away from you....He does not want you to have wisdom." From there of course, the rest is history."You will become like God."
   Critical thinking is endorse by man of God, Acts 17:11 mentioned about the people called Bereans, who was not easily swayed by any teaching but confirming what they have heard from Paul and Silas  base on the written record of God's word. Many intelligent people still become prey in the same framework applied by Satan. Even Faithful Christians get deluded and acquire in them the "wisdom" presented by non-biblical philosophy. Most of our school text book, education systems, or traditional views are sad to say base on "Hollow and Deceptive" principles.
   Charles Darwins' idea of evolution is Not being taught the way it should be presented. It is more often presented as Factual and not a Theory. A theory is an explanation that is subject to change when new information comes in. To my point of view, Darwin's model of evolution is still a hypothesis to be considered, since it is still an unproven theory. (We will be discussing more about this deceptive theory in future blog) What I am trying to say here, is that people have already adopted a thinking that is Not yet proven, and in truth, a deception.
   A Critical Thinker, does not necessarily have to be a skeptic in any idea being presented.  It is having an Open Mind on any given situations.     An intensive examination before making a conclusion.
   
  

THOUGHTS INTO IMAGES: Creating A Process

  
Hurdling the conceptual and emotional dialect of a visual manifestation from pain, joy, and beauty; among others proves to be very challenging. How do you express in written language something that exist only from the heart? Transferring these experiences into symbolical images is the first step and the most crucial part. How can I share this "Realization" with concrete PROCESS to follow?
   Admittedly, as a theory still in progress, Realizationism Art is an evolving process. Even if this  Art Experience came from a "divine" revelation one afternoon of 1995 (The search actually begun in 1985) I do not discount  scientific approach to measure, quantify, or evaluate my discovery to share the enlightenment in workable system.
  
Learning or achieving Realizationism on an artwork or any other interest (can be applied also in our daily activities) will require conscious effort from its practitioner. As I have said before  that "it is my lifetime thesis" and may actually require my entire earth existence to fully cover; as it is an evolving artworks that respond to the process of "cause and effect"; "learning and unlearning"; and Bible principle.
   I am a Christian and my faith lead me to this vocation, so every now and then I will refer to The Word of God for references and support. The first verse that I would like you to focus into is Proverbs 16:3 "Commit thy work unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." All else will depend on the teaching of the Bible, the written revelation of God for man. I believe we will never go wrong if we abide in God.
  Now that we have the right foundation, we now can go into detail to help you in discovering realizationism in your life.

Capturing the Essence
  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
    -- Joshua 1:8
   I advise would be practitioner of this Art Experience to "chew life a little slower" so to enable the lesson from daily routine to sink in and benefit from the full potential of realization. Yes, there's always the threat of distraction so we must REMIND ourselves to always set aside a quiet time.  There are many books on meditation that might help you, and you may even have a process of your own, the important factor here is that you focus on the word of God. Probably, you can start humming a song you like, a Christian song that uplifts your spirit, or go directly in praying and asking the Holy Spirit to comes in....and then, which is the MOST important, read the word of God. When we read we dissect the detail of a passage, like to whom it is spoken into, when we can't understand certain passage, do not stress yourself....leave it alone in the meantime. The purpose of meditation is to experience the presence of God and not to confuse you. Seek a right passage that fits what you are experiencing at the moment. So, it is advisable that you have thoroughly read both The New and Old Testament. Mature Christian in faith knows exactly the right verse in any given situation, lets assume that you are just a new born baby and still on the process of growing....so we take in soft food first or milk. Claim a passage and call it your own.
   It has been very helpful for me, most especially during the early stage of my self-searching to daily utter Bible verses. These verses keep me from falling apart. 

   So how do we really capture the essence of a given situation?
   The first value we must acquire and polish within our lives is the ability to "focus". A camera need the right aperture and focus to achieve a clear image. We must learn to see things as they really are and not what they seems to be. The reason why I shared to you about having a quiet time and regularly meditate because Daily Meditation aid us to adopt the habit of Focus. (see also The Critical Thinker)
   Now, that I have pointed out the first step--FOCUS; and the process and exercises to adopt auto-focus in any situations through daily doses of the word of God; we can now begin the exciting process of Realizationism Art.
  






Sunday, January 23, 2011

THE NATURAL ORDER

   Cause and effect are the natural order of the universe. God put all things in order by (intelligent) design. He sets mark and standard following His own nature as The Alpha and The Omega. God will remain faithful to His word even if we are not.  "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully" (2 Cor. 9:6)
   Since all things (that is living and non-living) abide by natural laws, I have realized the Biblical account is not excluded in that sense....miracle and mind-boggling event in the Bible can be explain in intelligent reasoning. Although we can not fully understand God now, I believe in eternity we will have that amazing opportunity to understand. Unbelievers and even believers themselves discount the possibility of anything beyond the normal senses because it is beyond reasoning. But perception is a learned phenomenon, we acquire our beliefs through experiences, since we have not yet reach the level of the spiritual understanding, we have NO right to question something we do not understand. We can assume but its wrong to conclude.
   Why I am discussing Natural order, and go into detail such matter? Cause and effect is a primal ingredients to achieve a state of awareness. We will not experience "Realizationism" if we set aside the basic principle of the universe...which is following the Law of Cause and Effect. Personal evaluation or even general examination requires that basic rule to gather the necessary data for our fullness. 
   When I enter the state of dissecting my visual journalism, I am simply starting from the core....from the blank sheet to the scattered image and attempt to list them in chronological order. Sorting the images one by one....and when a piece doesn't fit at the moment...there will I place my  focus and seek the divine guidance.
    2 Cor. 3:18 "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
   Next time, I will deal with the process of Realizationism.


THE LITERAL COLOR

   Telling stories and experiences that was the driving force of my artistry. 
   The four corners of a painting platform can never contain this artist, there are too many experiences to tell and ideas to share....The desire to write is in equilibrium with my instinct to paint. Most of my early artworks are often accompanied with note and sometimes my own poetry. With that quest to capture interesting images; every encounter with lessons learned; a voice overheard on the road; a wisdom shared by a fool; and every tiny detail that demands our attention....all these and much more is what I am trying to achieved on my visual journal.
   My Visual journals are the outpouring of my heart. It is the truth....the truth as I see it. Like any other journal's that renders spontaneous after-thought. Can an after-thought be spontaneous? Moment can never be alter and there's always the possibility of mood swings; as certain during pauses or immediate matters needed instant actions. At times, I would really push extra effort just to jot something....and yet there are times when I can't stop my brain from producing ideas.
   Although in most cases, this manuscript are done for personal entertainment, as a self-help book to re-inspire me. Creating something out of nothing is an achievement in itself. 

   My artworks are stories, an on-going story of the daily struggle....not merely drifting with the tides, not just speaking of myself, nor fabricating beauty; it is the reflection of Humanity as a whole presented in slices.  

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

TO BE GOOD IS NOT ENOUGH

Texture, Shapes, Color and Lines when all these elements are properly organized was it safe to say a fine art?

A good Art should fall on two basic categories – Technique and Value. Technicality includes style and workmanship while Value presents theme and message. These two must bind together or a piece of work would either fall on Craft and on the other hand a piece of placard or billboard. By that we can hereby separate a masterpiece from craftsmanship.

   A well made shoes can be considered not just an equipment but an Art when style and comfort compliments; when its purpose was served. A beautifully painted portrait must succeed in portraying the character of the subject not just the life-like rendition. Is dancing an art when you’re simply swaying to music in a disco? NO. It must involve coordination, tempo, steps, synchronicity and choreography....
   Art is an expression to communicate. Don’t just put object together and call it “Still-life”; not unless you enjoy what you’re doing. I don’t think it is fulfilling enough to put flowers, vases and fruits together then name your work “untitled”. On my opinion, anyone can learn to paint but not anyone is gifted to be an artist. 
   We must remember a painter is also a performer like all the rest of creative creatures. So if you have decided to call yourself an artist, please challenge your self beyond what you had achieved. Art is a never ending challenge and that’s the best part of being an artist.
   Well, you can act in front of the mirror without an audience, sing in the toilet without disturbing your neighbor, write a poem and hide them under your bed, but if you want to be great then don’t just be good.

Friday, January 7, 2011

ART for the Sake of Whom?

   Interpreting body experience using artistic tools is quite easy if we only let the subconscious (gut-feel) or what laymen call as basic instinct. Letting honesty or personal beliefs and faith freely flow.
   The caution here though is some of our points-of-views can be wrong or misguided principle we've learned within our environment. Therefore, as a Realizationist I religiously censor or filter my outpouring to other people. There are artworks I let other experience and at the same time there are pieces hidden on my closets for personal evaluation or simply to quench a thirst.
   A responsible artisan would restrain his impulses, like a parent setting example for his children. Spiderman tagline goes like this: "Great power comes with great responsibility." In like manner, Multi-media of all the arts combine whether dance performances, pottery making or film showing should measure itself against "Art for Arts Sake". That line was one of Satan's ploy to derail our course.
   The fact that almost all resource book on art suggest Arts and Culture on first person term such word as "I" or "We" and or "They"; or the mirror reflection of an era and generation, we should also take note that it is always the "audience" on the receiving end. This simply mean: Art is the general feel of the world. Well, a singer can always delight in singing inside the bathroom but noises is always never welcome.


Tuesday, January 4, 2011

PREFACE ON THE ARTFORM

Work table with samples of Visual Journals
   Honestly, this Art form is still merely scratching the surface and I have much to learn. This is my lifetime thesis and one of the guiding principle behind Realizationism Art is the process of Learning and Unlearning. 
   Realization as the term connote means to realized or to fully discern, or to dissect experiences. Thus, I rarely have an individual piece, meaning most of my work are not intended for framing. I would rather express my self on my Visual Manuscript, these are journal of my experiences, what I feel at the moment, about life in general, anything and anything.....it is my honest outpouring of my inner self rendered with images that struck my brain. 
   Through this visual deluge as I may say, I can evaluate myself or reflect on matters I have no clear understanding. Some or most of the ideas in them are maybe wrong or they may even be perverted; or some beliefs painted therein I no longer hold now, but this is to simply share that travel into Realization of Life. Realization will evolve (There would be a possibility of mood swings, or I may not finish it altogether...) Oh yes, people change but not GOD (Malachai 3:6) Nothing is permanent on this temporal planet. 




          Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. -- Matthew 24:35

Did The Bible Tell You So?

   Before I elaborate what really is The Art of Realizationism let me first clarify some terminology. I don't want to be accused of preaching another gospel or indoctrinating my reader with new idealism.  Oh God forbid that I am planning to make a new religion. At this stage I want to make it clear because some of you might have bad impression about words with ism in the end, like Paganism, Communism, Darwinism and so on and so forth.  I adhere to Biblical teachings and that will always be the measuring tool for me. 

Dreams of a 10 Moons, 1995 watercolor
   Do we find the word Realizationism then in the Bible? Of course not, but its principle were base on them. Apostle advises Christians to be Critical Thinker , here's some:
   Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character..., for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (v. 12 Therefore many of them believed;) 'Be Like The Bereans'
   Colossians 2:8 said: Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NIV)
   “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16
   Now that I have stated my position as a realizationist artisan I think we can proceed what was really this humdrum is all about.






Monday, January 3, 2011

NUDE PAINTING: Art or Porno

 

   Beauty is in the eye of the beholder....but how do we know if that so-called beauty is within the norm or offensive to others?
   First, a Nude painting can be classified an Artwork if it EXALTS form, texture, color and composition. On the other hand a Pornographic material ABUSE all mentioned qualities. I did not specified beauty here to be exalted since beauty is not only seen on form or texture but of inner values as well (That would be another topic for future blogs). As I've said, Pornography violates and took advantage of another person to satifies cravings or lust; while Art shows respect on the objects such feeling as admiration can be classified within the realm of love.
   A simple test can be applied: Ask yourself "Will I be comfortable watching these with my children or parents?" or rather "Will I be proud if GOD caught me with it?"

   (This is personal view of FherMission and not that of Tagged ArtLover Group, opinions on the subject can be address to the artist or administrator)