"Re-con-Figured Intentions"

"Re-con-Figured Intentions"

Fher Mission Ymas

18" X 12"

Oil on Paper

2016

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By simply using the power of FOCUS you will discover that this is the Secret of Creating out of Nothing...

It is natural for thoughts to attract more thoughts...when you understand the flow of The Creative universe....it'll become your Nature...your Thoughts are co-Creator as we are form in the image of God....and intentions, when in the Flow of universal Law...will never fail.

♫There were no violins...There were no soft guitars

Hot summer love under the city stars

I was Mister Dynamite..and you were my only girl.... ♪ 

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Violin on my Head

12" X 9"

Coffee on paper

2016

 

  

All About in Progress...

As I've written down on my bio-data, that I habitually jump from one project into another...the result was dozens of unfinished projects....well any way, this was a shift somehow from my usual course where the intent was to make series of work intended for my visual diaries, this time I actually focus on hanging them for private collector or galleries. 

Intention Creates A Reality

Almost done...finally I regain the upward surge in life's hurdle. The painting below re-affirm my life's worth in the area I have chosen to co-exist. These past days I've been experience some unexplained melancholy. Boredom in the monotony of each moment even if I'm busy.  Perhaps this is that moment when you are in a state of plateau...nowhere to go but to get down. Then again, probably it's the hot weather. Anyway, in everything there is a season...just don't give up. 

    I don't need to push myself to fit in...I can just choose to enjoy what I am doing. Am I painting to impress the world or to share my thoughts? Some of my younger visions doesn't seem to come alive after all...in fact I've lost my connections in them. God must have His own purpose for me.... am I fighting against heaven's intention?

    There is that realization coming now...that maybe I am building dreams against God's purpose for the whole human race. Why should I be so selfish? So, if therefore our intentions create reality....am I making my reality for the glory of God?

    Lord let me not die before I've done for thee, 

my earthly works whatever it may be. 

Sometimes if I shout, it's not what intended....

I know they don't sound the way

I've planned them to be...

In spite of the list of projects and events I still need to paint things that my heart  dictates. My purpose and calls. I don't have that luxury for now...I need to support my family too. 
   Sketches just to stay in tune...

and finally it came...

Revising also my 12th Visual Manuscript "Intentional Moment 12.3"

plenty of spare time to think and re-think

My Journey as an Artist, recommended for young artist

"A creative mind doesn’t respect time – it cycles beyond the ordinary path…it wrestles any adversary and even goes beyond the accepted fact." 

 Testament of an Artist  

In 1985 I begun a self-search both personal and artistic. The artistic searching was after the advises of my mentors during our summer workshop in Cultural Center of the Philippines. They said I should look for my own signature, which they've guaranteed I'll naturally discover. The thing is, although it will sprout by mere instinct, you still have to make some effort to look for it...to hone and to prune so to speak. 

   So, I had my first journey into discovering myself. You can not find your niche if you don't look inside yourself first. Before, asking what I am capable of doing, I have to test my limitations first. So after a month long re-molding from National Artist Lucrecia Kasilag, curator Ray Albano, Jun de Leon, Rodel Pena, and Arnel Agawin; I venture into the unknown...to find my insignia. They are my influences although they advise not to be influence. I think that can not be avoided. By the way, my father illustrate too, so he is my first model in this area... (A little Trivia: I was considered the best pencil sketcher  in that workshop but definitely not the best as I am with Fine Arts student then from the best universities.)

   As an Education student at PNC (now Philippine Normal University) that was supposed to be pursing a role to mold the minds of children , I focus on a different path, I search the rich library of our campus for artist and artworks, I have that especial interest in artist biographies than style and method. I skip the "how to's..." in drawing and paintings. I tried to fathom the heart of the masters than their creations. I always thought that I can not duplicate their works anyways, so why not learn what inspire them, what are the things going inside those geniuses.

THE COLOR OF WATERS

   I did a lot of experiments, mono-prints, transfer arts, pastels, a little of oil and acrylics, crayons, pens, stamping, sculpture, wood-cut, and then I re-discover watercolor...here were I fell in love with the medium. Here's the story of that find...

   One day during my gallery visits, this is an important ritual for an artist, to see whats going on in the art world...for any trending and inspirations too. I also received regular invitations and free tickets from CCP for any events. But when they oust my benefactor Madam Imelda Marcos, those invites no longer came. Anyway, so it was this one trip to Sheraton Hotel where I saw the watercolors of a certain artist, his surname Villanueva is all I can remember but his painting in water medium create an impact in me...I literally have to touch my nose on his work to examined the strokes. They were so realistic I can't believed they were done in watercolor. 

   The next day, I decided to purchase a set of watercolor, but my parent wouldn't allow me of course (The left over free materials from the workshop does not include a set of watercolor) so I secretly withdrew my money from the bank.

   That night, I had created my first dull rendition of a "flower in vase" still-life. Afterwards, I tried portrait, as it is my first love...it was so smudgy that the little boy as my subject appeared dirty...so I name it as Batang Yagit (Street Urchin). I still consider the piece a success so I was not frustrated and keep my interest in watercolor. 

 THE TEAR-OUT STYLE

   To solve the growing number of my experimental collections I made a compilations of those works. I include failed pieces there too, as advise by Agawin, that from there I will learn. It was the making of the cover where I discover "collages" or what I called my "Tear-out style" this is not just making collage but actually writing on my works. Writing on my work expresses what I have to tell deep inside, for myself...not necessarily for others. This is my own self-evaluations while painting. Just like making notes on the process and what are bugging my head in that instance. 

   Failed attempt are stored for latter use as collage...I store them for future use. I just don't paste item sporadically, I contemplate a lot and see to it that there is harmony...but the priority is relevance than design. During the early stage of this experiments I just balance objects with colors and shapes...now, a little more mature I see to it that it was relevant to the portrayal I want to express...it should connive with what I am feeling and wishes to express. 


THE PREACHER IN COLOR
   My acceptance of Jesus Christ as savior lead me into asking "What is your purpose Lord?" Now, why I have this gift...
   Earlier before the visual art workshop I came to know Jesus, and since then I have always sought the heart of God, to know my meaning, how can I serve him with what I have...As I look around, read books and observed the world, I realized that there are too much evil in mass-media, including the arts...as there are satanic music, there are also satanic arts. Arts, as I saw it can be a powerful medium to indoctrinate mankind with whatever is offer under the motto: Art for Arts sake. 

   Even religion thought it is too remote to be influence by Satan, so they took this area for granted and leave it on us to decide for ourselves. But one can imagine the power of its hold when you look at its influences...they are not even notice or critically examined. 
   I'll give you an example, when the first renditions of Satan with bat-like wings and snake tails appeared, are there any protest from our church leaders? Anyway, a devil should look that ugly and scary if you will look at his evilness but that was a wrong depictions from a biblical perspective. We can't read anywhere that Satan should look that way...nor the same way, angels are commonly depicted today...actually we don't read child angel they are all adults and men. We don't have that girl angels either. So what happen by that misrepresentations? 
   In fact, character assassination happened too with Jesus when they gave him an effeminate face with a long hair. They gave Jesus a rebel look uncommon among Ancient Jewish people. So you see, the scope of an artistic misconception can do? 
  The power of an artist was often over-looked. They can pull the trigger of a gun with dangerous paint of ideas and the casualties can go on for many many years. Just look at the image of Jesus people adore. They varies according to the taste and standards of a god image they desire. 
   So that is why I aim to change my artistry...to tell stories...to share...and I can just share stories in a single frame. Let others do that...


THE VISUAL BOOK-MAKER
   The decision to create books instead of single frames was perhaps one of the hardest that I've made. People around me would expect instant gain on my talent...why would I waste valuable time on something that wont give me financial gain. All visual manuscripts are still on its process, let's face it, I have spend long hours even many years in composing what I called as my lifetime thesis, perhaps it would remain that way...

   But they expect me to create, so from time to time, once in a blue moon, I create an individual painting...actually this is to simply summarized, although hard, all that I have fused in my art journals. 
   

Yet, these individual works had the tendency also to be rebutted and be incorporated on my manuscripts too. 

  
   I can't focus on a single dimension. I want to do so many things and I have only one life span. My diversities of interest perhaps rooted the quantum leaps of ideas until it incorporate into another perspective.
MOMENT IN TIME 
   I always consider everything happened because they had to happen. There are no accidents for me...I advocate cause and effect. Where our attention goes, our physical reality follows. If we alter our mind, we alter our destiny as well. That is basically what I am doing in my journal, I do a lot of alterations to match the desired future I see for myself. 
   Although, it is an honest recording of my feelings, I also try as much as I can to end each page with a positive note. Yet, not all page in our life are positive and recommendable, so they are there on my manuscripts, even moment of anger and failures...
   Life is about experiences, so if we see ourselves and others as a mass of personal experiences...we can easily forgive ours and others shortcomings. 
   Knowledge is not linear, they happen all at once from different sources. Dimensions of experiential events are from various level as well. So, my visual manuscripts served so many purpose for me. It is my diary and laboratory of experiences, and they also served as memoir of events or moment that froze my mind. Thus, my books can become a good coffee table book to start a good conversation...

Critical Thinking

   On final note about my art,  I know my art work have reach its goal when the person start to ask. When I have successfully challenge another's mind to contemplate.

Connecting to Divine Source

   Previous blogs have discussed about the importance of coincidences or divine guidance in order to reach Realizationism. The process of spiritual awakening taking shape on a steady phase is now bringing us closer to Realizationism.

   Once we have recognized an enlightenment taking place we can proceed to its unraveling in our life and benefit more abundantly. Some enlightenment may happen in a shorter period of time as in my case it took many years to take shape or until I finally give in…yet during the process I’m already enjoying its benefits and seeing patterns that are nearly magical but real. I also have this little theory that I need to be confirm base on experience and perhaps I can will the answer to come to me...by the way the theory is, once we lost contact by deliberately  seeking material gain above spiritual growth we will degenerate and needed the process to start all over again--this means we will lost appreciation of real beauty and will lost communication with the divine source. Although I believe on the consistency of enlightenment...some process are halted because of secular pitfalls. 
   Now let us return to our destiny unfolding. Newly born in Spirit we will need nourishment from Spiritual milk in order to grow. I have pointed out the importance of meditation...on the word of God and so once again I advise 

   More often our career path is the first touch-point of these manifestations. This because we have already molded a mindset that is always relative to material gain or subconscious therefore interpret spiritual blessing in terms of our priorities…as we mature spiritually this guidance, will eventually be leading us to the very purpose of why we are created.  The more we became aware of this reality the faster it will take effect in our life.
   I've also mentioned that literally passing through fire is almost unavoidable to align our preoccupied mind to this eye-opener. Smoldering, pounding, twisting, and even humiliation is necessary to evolve from becoming just a mere flesh and bone but a living soul as well (Genesis 2:7). Returning to the original fabric we are created.

⁷ Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

   You can also read Why there are sufferings? 

TRAUMA AND CRISIS POINT

   Although most of us may resent the process by which God teaches us valuable lessons, we must also acknowledge that this is done to refine our character. You have to put to mind how a diamond was being created from a chunk of coal.

   Because during the times of our distress; God inject some of the greatest lessons in our life.

   Which do you prefer a diamond or a coal?

   Once we settle down after some numbing experience and seek our inner self we can evaluate our positions from where we stand. Focusing MORE on the outward appearance of circumstances will lead us to frustrations. Searching for answers from places we have no direct influences can be frustrating But if we stay connected with our spiritual nature we are more likely to received spiritual answer. My method on this process is creating Visual Manuscripts, if you feel you can't express yourself in words, you can do what I do...doodle images and even employing collage to retain the energy of the object that affect me during self-searching.
   I feel there is a need to reiterate the importance of "coincidences" to fully enjoy The Art of Realizationism.

   More on: Answered Prayer via Coincidences

Scientific Approaches for Artist

Most people think that science tries to disfigure religion, and that scientific discoveries disproved the existence of God. But the more I study science the more I came to know God. When I look at nature I saw even the humor of our creator. The ant for instance, very small but was given enormous strength.  Just by simply looking around we will discover that God is continually revealing  Himself and that science has no other options but to affirm His existence.

   As artist practicing for more than 30 years...I can say I had my share and say too when it comes to Art even if I'm mostly self-taught. The short stint for a month long experience as a workshopper at Cultural Center of the Philippines  enables me to take a closer look into the general over-view of arts as I continue my self-search. As far as science is concern I think I have enough doses already of good scientific inquiry by watching National Geographic on TV. I read lots of book on science and in fact it is my childhood ambition to be a scientist, particularly a marine biologist or an archaeologist digging fossils or raiding tomb. 

   Well, after all had been said about my two fold interest I think I can go on and expound a tip or two about scientific approaches in creating artworks. Before I forgot as a Christian since early 80's  I think I can co-relate also this findings with my artistry. Yet I will focus greatly on arts and sciences for this blog...

   Psychology as a branch of science is also very vital in creating a good masterpiece. The great importance of this discipline is the inter and intra personal expression of the artist. We will not paint something that does not affect our emotions or dreams. The social perspective of an individual can greatly affect the art work.

  Physics and Chemistry work towards the craftsmanship and understanding the necessary elements in creating an art. Which I believe is a constant process or the artisan will be left-out in the ever evolving world.

  Technology is also a requirement to understand since we are handling materials that upgrades  from time to time. A good example of relating technology to an artist is the camera. Understanding the functions of a camera can be translated within our own eyes. Like shutter speed or aperture. 

   Biology does not only mean we take nude sessions and try understanding curves and forms. But allowing our mind to realize the functions of each bone structure and how human flesh covers this muscle tissue to be achieve in form and substance. Same goes to flora and all living creatures which will lead us also to Pathology or the study of diseases and we may even go deeper as to study cadaver like most Renaissance artist do from the 14th to 15th century.

   We may not want to go to all the above process like dissecting dead animals but we can take note of these importance to painting especially Anatomy by reading and using the internet for sources.  Science have many other branches that I may not be able to cover all, the same goes to sciences which is too young to understand the infinite God.   

   Science is basically observation.... discovering what will not work and what will. When we reach conclusions in can be assumed as theory or laws. Painting is like performing experiments...and when you experiment you take down notes. This is either via mental memorization or actual notes. Keeping your experimental pieces is vital so never disregard this works, so I advise that you make a portfolio of this collections even if you consider it a failure. Remember a Photocopying Machine (Xerox) was just an accidental discovery. 

The Importance of Observations
    The Secret Art of Looking, in that particular blog I sited some instances where we take for granted our ability to see and how our personal beliefs affects our perceptions.   Awareness and the conscious effort to look into the heart of the matter will greatly help our ability. Like gravity for instance, we know it is there, it is constantly present in our surroundings but we tend to put it aside since we have no practical application of it, let us say, about our relationship to another human being...or is it? Do we intentionally put perfume to attract the opposite sex or it was just a form of habit? Either way, some daily activities became too mechanical that we rarely take the time to focus into it, and that should be the case or we became too busy on tiny details and forget to see the bigger picture. 
   When to look and when to skip the process? As the need arises...or let me suggest that at least give a couple of minute for our brain to rest and play on this matter at least once a day. As we move on to our search for Realizationism, our brain will be skillful enough and alert us when it is time to focus on trivial details. 
   Observation must have a definite goal...the guidelines would be the universal questions: What, Who, When, Why, and Where. Some answers may be ridiculous or insignificant at the moment but trust me...everything had a reason. and Some of the most silly questions and silly reply are now awarded with Nobel Price.  



EXPERIMENTATION

   The actual process of research are done using experimentation or data gatherings. I have mentioned before that my visual manuscripts are my laboratories of experiences. I therefore, suggest that you start your own journal...it doesn't have to follow any standards, just be yourself. The most honest assessment you can make of yourself or what you think you are must be reflected on these pages.
   Here, is where we take down notes of the real feeling we had at the moment...if lacking of words then pictures. Express everything you think worth telling or what others think of you...according of course to what you believed they are saying behind your back. Let it be an outpouring of your soul...
   The Actual Experiencing of Painting

   It is very important to have a good foundation when you paint and this foundations are drawings or sketches. I saw experienced artist who paint directly on canvass without outlining what is on his mind but goes directly into painting. Well, if it works well with you and the result fine, you can do the same...BUT on my case I always go into the process of sketching and planning. Reading, travel, playing, and chatting with friends are also good foundation for your future art works.  Observing the works of others is also very important...like gallery visits or  browsing art related sites. Remember the you and I will never stop learning...once we decided that we know already it will guarantee stagnation and decay of your arts. 
   Don't overlooked The sketch process...I will discuss far more detailed tips on this area on future blogs. In the meantime I like to suggest that you take extra effort on your sketches than the actual painting. To me the pigment applying should be enjoyable and easy flowing than the more refine and stricter discipline of drawing. I always believe in good foundation...paint are there for aesthetic values, craftsmanship, and finishing touches or highlights of designs. Well executed painting can attract an audience...but it all boils to the lines and ideas behind it.
   Again, as I have said I will give you more easy step on drawings base on my experiences and shared ideas from people that I have met...that shall be on future blogs.
   Don't be afraid to paint....This is the part where most gifted artist fail because of fear. Maybe it has something to do with our childhood. Most parents will allow us to draw but wont let us play with paints. Another is some good drawings must end as it is...and we are so afraid it might get ruin once we apply colors from our inexperience hands. 
     Always remember that Art is an evolving process...so it has no particular rule to follow. All I'm saying here are base on my personal experience and may not be applicable to everyone. You are free to go out of the box. But I think, what I am saying here are general rule for artist.
   No matter what medium it is different colors have different qualities. Most blue had the tendency to change color after just a few minute of application, and also different surfaces requires specific approach. 

   Our eyes see and interpret colors at different time of the day...plus the factor of locations like outdoor or indoor paintings. 
   Don't be afraid to show your work. I said be prepared for ridicule and bad comments.
   Don't let your passion takes hold. When we are so absorb with our works we have the tendencies to keep on going...we loose tract of time and even became disoriented with our original purpose and at times don't know when to stop. I suggest that you stop from time to time, or even allow hours to pass by before you continue with what you are doing...this is especially important if you feel you are lost in the middle of something. This will also allow the pigment to cure because most colors tend to change after application. 
   So at this point I would like to give you some time to reflect....


    

   Don't you ever think your idea as insignificant or too ridiculous. Some of those once silly ideas are now awarded with a Nobel Price.