MIGUEL & ME: the story of a late bloomer and her violin May 17, 2012

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When I want something, I try to do something about it.

So when I was asked what musical instrument do I want to rock out in my next life, I said the violin.

And so as not to waste time, I got meself one and baptized it Miguel.

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So while teaching some kids from the community in Zambales how to make their own documentary,

these kids were also teaching me how to play the violin.

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JULIAN AT 5 years old
(found this image on the internet, ain’t he a cutie

JULIAN at 12

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Julian Duque was my first teacher. He was actually the one who let me experience how it is to hold a violin. It was during this moment that I felt this connection with the instrument. Naks! He was also the one who gave in to our request for a concerto. He played so well he made our hearts swell, haha rhyme! But really, he is fun to watch and a joy to listen to. This kid has so much to offer… There’s so much inside of him and he’s just bursting with all this energy that is affecting everybody who watches him. This boy is gonna go places, with a gift like his, I want to be just like him in my next life

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This is Miguel, yep he’s got the same name as my violin  He was the one who taught me how to do the musical scales properly. He also taught me the 4th variation of  twinkle, twinkle little star, the first piece that I learned. I asked him when can I do the vibrato, he said anytime Haha, easy for him to say, he started playing the violin at the age of 3!!!

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This is now my regular teacher, Remed, he is actually more strict compared to them. Some say he’s the bad boy of the group, must be the bangs but to me he is an effective teacher. I mean, I can now properly play the violin, aruruteynkyu to him, and I’m actually on my 8th piece already, so he must be doing something right  I told him I prefer faster pieces to play but he told me that I need to go through the musical scales first and that I need to do it correctly. Yes sir-ee!

I just watched his solo performance last weekend at Casa and boy was he a delightful surprise! I didn’t know he was that good! He gave a heart-wrenching performance, everybody in the theater felt his passion and emotion. I am a proud student, bravo teacher Remed!!!

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These kids (kids because I’m much older than them!) all started out in Casa San Miguel and is part of the Pundaquit Virtuosi. They were all trained by no other than the world-renowned violinist, Coke Bolipata. Now, they play alongside him and in fact headed to Europe (Paris-Rome-Venice) this June  for a concerto. Halukatdat!

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I watched them perform at Casa San Miguel’s theater hall and I was just in awe. Every note they played tugged my heartstrings. It was also my first time to watch Sir Coke perform and I just wanted to cry. I hear what he’s been saying about art exponents in music. During a conversation before their performance, he mentioned that we will hear some movements of impressionism & pointillism and I really saw it painted by his violin…

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I feel that it’s never too late to learn something new…

So here I am at 35 trying to learn how to play the violin from these child prodigies.

Hopefully in my next life, I will be as great as them, but for now I will rock out my version of Twinkle, twinkle…

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*** performance video of the virtuosi to follow

http://theartofeveryday.wordpress.com/2012/03/20/what-a-weekend-casa-san-miguel/

A.I.R (artist-in-residence): Dex Fernandez at VERMONT STUDIO CENTER April 24, 2012

 

THE ART OF EVERYDAY started out as a visual journal of my artist residency at Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, and I must say that this experience was truly life-changing. I got to meet different artists from around the globe and I even got to collaborate with some of them. During my residency, I got fascinated by these interesting characters and how they turned their atelier into their temporary homes. (If you are interested to see some of it, just click on open studio and atelier on Categories)

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So now, our first AIR (ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE) feature on the Art of Everyday…

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Artist: DEX FERNANDEZ  http://dexfernandez.blogspot.com/

Residency: VERMONT STUDIO CENTER  http://www.vermontstudiocenter.org/

Date: OCT. 23 – DEC 16, 2011

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What kind of art do you do?

Mixed media on photo.

 

How did you apply for your artist residency?

I applied twice, the first time was a half-grant but the second one was a  full-grant award. I heard about this residency from a friend.

 

How did you prepare for it?

They provided the round-trip ticket, studio accommodation and meals for two-months. No stipend for art materials and no pocket money, but it’s all-good! I borrowed some money from my sister and friend for my personal budget. I brought my own art materials and properly packed photos because I don’t do painting on canvas anymore. And yes I brought a sketchbook so I can draw everywhere and whenever I like.

 

 

What was your initial reaction upon arriving?

At first I felt scared because it was my first time to travel alone outside the country, I’m not familiar with the airport procedure but it was okay, I approached and asked people on what to do, I’m glad no one ignored me. It was a very long trip, I spent 22hours on the plane, but I didn’t feel bored. Good thing I had my laptop with me and watched lots of films.

The moment I reached JFK airport in the US, I was fascinated by everything. I  then went straight to the domestic airport headed to the state of Vermont. When I arrived there, I knew it was going to be good because I know I can work without any distraction.

 

 

How did it feel to have your own atelier?

The next morning, one of the assistant brought me to my working studio, and I said whoa! It was very big and very white, so empty, just one chair, one easel and a table plus good windows where the natural light comes through. I was very excited to start on my work.

 

 

Describe to us your environment there?

It’s in the countryside, very green , nice river, people are steady. It was winter, so we spent most of our time inside our studios. We kept working, we were busy, but during lunch and dinner it’s happy time.  We have this dining hall where everyone gets to meet, from the VSC officers to the artists and the writers. Noisy but in a good way because everyone is talking, exchanging ideas, and getting to know each other. For me, this is my favorite part of my routine, eating with these artsy people.

 

 

Describe to us a regular day during your residency?

7 to 8am is breakfast, most of the artists skip this meal because it’s hard for them to wake up early, but not me because my bodyclock changed here. I always wake up on time maybe because I’m excited to do things as early as I can. Then after breakfast, I work in my studio and do whatever I want. Oh we got free wifi, so sometimes I check my FB first then tune in to online radio for good vibes.

 

 

Then before you know it, it’s time for lunch. It is here that I meet 50+ artists and writers, this is the only time we get to talk randomly. I really miss this part, everyone is a first-timer, so each of us is seeking and looking for a friend. Sometimes I feel like I’m in the “Big Brother” house, the artists edition, but here there are no rules, just good fellowship.

 

more after the jump

Featured Artist: VINCENT MOON April 18, 2012

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PARIS –   I’ve been watching la blogotheque’s take away shows and dreams of not only catching a performance on the streets of Paris or inside private homes but also being part of the crew. So I did what I had to do, I sent them my hopes and dreams, but alas, no news…

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Flash forward to 2012

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MANILA  - The dream of working for La Blogotheque did not push through but the hope of meeting one of the creators did happen! I cannot believe that he is here, breathing the same humid air! French Filmmaker VINCENT MOON is in the Philippines, Halukatdat!!! 

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PARIS TO THE MOON AND BACK!!!

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Tell us what you are doing now.

Riding a bus in Ethiopia

 

How did you discover your true calling? When was the exact moment you realized that this is what you really want to do?

I never thought of it like that. It happened, one day i look back and realize i have been walking on that path.

 

What did you go through to get it?

Complete and crazy desire to know everything.

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What’s your style and what are your themes?

My style is my style, dont know what else to say about it. You are the one who is supposed to develop on this, not me

 

What differentiates your style from the rest?

I have no idea what is the rest.

 

Where do you get your ideas/concepts/inspiration?

Travelling.

 

Do you have a ritual that you do before you start the creation? .

I stretch my legs.

 

Walk us through your regular day – do you work on one film at a time or do you do things simultaneously? Do you work better during day time or night time? Share with us your process..

It changes everyday but its often complete chaos, mixing everything.

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What are your weapons of choice? What kind of camera and microphone do you use to capture the moment? What gadgets do you bring when you shoot?

Often people ask me about how i record, film, create those colors etc… it’s all very simple, and here’s my little recipe. I film mostly those days with the Panasonic 171, on which I use a shotgun mic. I record sounds separately using a 4-track recorder, on which I plug from 1 to 4 standard Sennheiser wireless transmitters, using different laveliers, Sanken or Tram. I also use one or two ambient mics if possible on the 4-track , an omni directionnal and an ultra directional being a perfect deal. I often add to all this another isolated small recorder, the Zoom H4N being really good. I then work on final cut pro all of my edits, and even do the color corrections in it. (petitesplanetes.cc)

 

What is it that you want to say through your art?

Something that I can’t say with words.

 

How has your works evolved into what it is now?

Constant curiosity.

 

What fascinates and inspires you? and how does it influence what you do?

Life in general, any elements. Mostly wind and rivers now.

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Where do you want to bring your Art?

Around the planet in my bag.

 

What dream do you still want to fulfill?

No dreams. Just making things.

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What keeps you going? What keeps you doing what you do?

The possibilities of developing some new ancient ways of being together.

 

What is the art of everyday for you?

Every elements.

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website _ www.vincentmoon.com 

label _ www.petitesplanetes.cc

blog _ www.fiumenights.com 

As of this interview, Vincent Moon is in Ethiopia filming… This feature is created by Jazel Kristin especially for

“The Art of Everyday.“ Colored images from his website, black & white photos shot by JK during Vincent Moon’s talk 

at the UP Film Center last March 12, 2012.

KIMBRA April 2, 2012

I LOVE HER SOUND and I LOVE THE WAY SHE MOVES

THE BURNING GAZE aka makuha ka sa tingin October 31, 2011

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WHAT YOU ARE GAZING AT ARE NOT PHOTOGRAPHS,

BUT ARE ACTUALLY PAINTINGS !!!

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Hyperrealist portraits by Korean artist HYUNG KOO KANG.

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This exhibition focuses on  Kang’s works over the last 10 years,

ranging from his popular personality portraits, spontaneous caricatures and sculptures to his haunting self-portraits.

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His artworks may resemble a photograph, but these are not considered as photorealism.

Kang does not use pre-existing photographs to create the images, but rather primarily depends upon his imagination.

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These larger than life portraits truly commands the viewer to stop, look and really see.

And with their burning gaze I feel them communicating to me.

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HYUNG KOO KANG

The Burning Gaze

14 October – 15 December, 2011

Singapore Art Museum

Free admission every Friday, 6-9 pm

(images shot by JK)

SNIPPETS of INSPIRATION September 12, 2011

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“You have to find your voice…

Sing out loud so you can be heard. “

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Mannix or Emmanuel Santos in the international art scene, was in town and we agreed to meet up in Place de l’Opera. It was sunny and I didn’t mind waiting a bit at the footsteps of the Paris Opera Garnier. I watch the tourists taking photos of the grandiose architecture, some were eating sandwiches while the others were just soaking in the sun.

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“Always think of the big picture… Your works should be eternal.

50 years from now, people should be able to look at your work and think that it is still good.”

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I met Mannix some years back at a friends place in Manila. I didn’t know then that he was a fine art photographer, he asked me what I do and through my friends prodding, I showed Mannix some of my handmade photo collages and hand-colored photos from my very first exhibit entitled tRIP (To Rest In Peace).

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“Exhibiting for the sake of recall is not important, you have to come out with shows that are really good. 

Shows that will echo and resonate throughout.”

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hand painting an edition for his PASSING OF LIGHT exhibition

He said he mixes his own pigments and hand-paints his photographs as well. When I saw his works, I was just floored. Hiya naman ako sa mga gawa ko. I told him I should have just kept my talent hidden, hehehe.

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Flash forward to Paris… Mannix & I are walking around Palais Royal, catching up, sipping coffee at this famous café in Place Colette, exchanging, him sharing and me absorbing…

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“You are lucky to be here, surrounded by all these inspirations.

Go out, learn and discover…”

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“Surround yourself with people who can and who will criticize you,

that’s the only way you will learn, evolve and develop.”

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After we parted ways, I had to be by myself  to collect my thoughts and write down these snippets of inspiration. Found a café near the place where I was supposed to meet A’s dad later for a vernissage. I ordered dessert, I continued writing, slowly chewing everything that he said. . .

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“You are still young, you’ll get there.”

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images shot in Paris

tRIP photo collages & hand-colored photos (¤2005) by JK

images of Emmanuel Santos at his Troika Studio in Melbourne, stolen from his FB page (hope you understand )

the gods must be crazy June 25, 2011

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No one knows who she is.  Or where she has come from.

Or why everyday, she comes to this same spot, in the middle of the road right in front of the Sagada Lemon Pie House, sweeping the already pristine concrete with the leaves of a freshly snapped-off tree branch.

 

 

No one knows all these things except for the old woman herself. Those who know of her have long passed away, buried along with the heritage of a place, and of beings that have first treaded its soil.

 

 

The legend begins with rain, washing down to earth the Sky Gods’ two children named Wigan and Bugan. The siblings were Ifugao’s first dwellers, who populated the province with their offspring. Oh, such familial relations were common in those days. Incest was a thing of the future.

 

 

Wigan was the people’s God of harvest. With his faithful wife Bugan, he fattened the Sky Mountains’ soil, ensuring that their earthen steps teemed with crops. His was the name most uttered by farmers, who strove to please Wigan with sacrifice, chants and prayers.

 

 

But as the years passed, people started to forget—the ancients, their origins, and even their own identity. Wigan and his fellow gods weakened, for their powers relied on the people’s belief. One by one, away they faded.

 

Only Bugan now remained. As to why she survived, she could only hazard this guess: she was meant to look after her husband Wigan— whose remains lay beneath the thick concrete in the middle of the road.

 

 

Everyday while she sweeps and weeps over her husband’s grave, she offers a silent prayer to the Sky Gods to allow her to join her husband, to take her away from this strange place, inhabited by strange people who believe in even stranger gods.

 

 

Onlookers dismiss her as a crazy, old woman.

Still, Bugan is convinced that they are the crazy ones, deigning to conceal the rich soil, covering life itself with cold, hard cement—an offering to yet another one of their modern gods that choke the air and pollute the silence while walking, not on feet, but on wheels.

 

 

Story by AGAY LLANERA - REYES and Sagada Images by JK (Jazel Kristin)

Writer’s Link: http://agayandspanky.blogspot.com/

copyright 2011

 

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I’ve been wanting to collaborate with kindred spirits here on The Art of Everyday and so finally the series of ARTISTIC COLLABORATIONs happened. The Gods Must Be Crazy is a story especially written for this by Agay Llanera-Reyes, a freelance writer for print and video and also a children’s book writer (The Gathering, SOL, Song of the Ifugao & Girl meets Girl included in Bagets, an anthology for young adults).

Agay and I have travelled around the Philippines and abroad together. She has actually celebrated some of my orbital journeys with me from Batanes to China and then Paris and most recently to Sagada.  We saw this old woman, a very interesting character, during our walk. I tried to photograph her without noticing me and Agay wondered aloud what could be her story. Hence the birth of this collaboration…

Agayskee, it’s always great to hang out with you and also aruruteynkyu for always sharing your gift. I always say I write with images but you have this gift with words

 

 

Featured Filipino Artist: ROBERT ALEJANDRO May 26, 2011

 

I used to worry about uncomfortable silences or what I call dead-air (a television term). Like you meet somebody for the first time and you don’t know what you will talk about and then s i l e n c e . . . When I found out I was shooting in Hapao for The Probe Team with Robert, I had to think of possible topics we can talk about when I will meet him for the first time. (Yes, I was weird like that.) That was more than 10 years ago, all I remember now is that there were definitely no uncomfortable silences just instant connection.

I’ve known him as an artist / reporter / backpacker / kindred spirit / kid at heart who sketches anywhere and whoever. ROBERT ALEJANDRO has this way of disarming people and breaking the barrier with his pen and paper…

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China

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TELL US WHAT YOU DO?

I draw. I paint. I design. I create and stuff like that.

DO YOU HAVE A DAY JOB? HOW DO YOU SUPPORT YOUR ART?

Nope. My design / art job is what sustains me - I do a LOT of work to make a living

papemelroti greeting cards

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR TRUE CALLING? WHEN WAS THE EXACT MOMENT YOU REALIZED THAT THIS IS WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO DO?

There wasn’t an “exact moment”. I’ve ALWAYS drawn ever since I can remember – my earliest memory of drawing was scratching drawings on my moms’ furniture!!!! I just “found” myself doing what came naturally to me.

WHAT DID YOU GO THROUGH TO GET IT?

I just kept doing it day in and day out. I guess it helped that we had a family business (papemelroti) which encouraged me to create and draw and paint (to create products to sell – which I still do to this very day).

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Sartorialist Sketches

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WHAT DIFFERENTIATES YOUR ART FROM THE REST?

I honestly don’t know. I guess the answer to that is “me”. I know I do ALL KINDS of art and my styles have a whole range too – which isn’t very good for “marketing” myself (you have to have a specialty) but the truth is, this is what I like to do - I really enjoy doing a LOT of things, a range of things. Does this make me “unmarketable”? – Maybe but more importantly, this is what makes me happy. This is who I really am. I would not want to limit myself to a “particular style / genre” just so that I become more “marketable”.

WHAT’S YOUR STYLE AND WHAT ARE YOUR THEMES?

Oh truth is, you (the viewer of my art) will have to figure that out. I am too busy creating, enjoying, designing to even think about what am i doing! Most people who know me throughout the years “know” what my style is. They can’t really put it into words but they know (this is what they tell me).

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DO YOU HAVE A RITUAL THAT YOU DO BEFORE YOU START THE CREATION? SHARE WITH US YOUR PROCESS?

It involves a lot of THINKING. The thinking is way before I sit to do the actual artwork. I keep thinking. I think EVERYWHERE (MRT / waiting @ clients offices / while eating etc.)! This actually explains why I can wait for someone for 2 or 3 hours – it is because I spend the time THINKING and designing and creating and visualizing in my head. Then I make small doodles. I need to bring a small notebook or a pad & a pen everywhere. In my head, I start organizing how am I going to create this art – this art could be a drawing / painting / sculpture / digital art etc. etc.

And so when I actually sit down (sometimes on a chair / most times on the floor), the creation doesn’t take too long. I know exactly what I would like to do.

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Great wall of China

 

WHY DO YOU TRAVEL?

When I was younger, our family used to travel together (mababa pa dollar nu’n) – these were precious times. I thought when you travelled, you need to have a lot of money (our family would stay in hotels). Recently, I discovered backpacking (Southeast Asia in 2007, Europe in 2010)! I didn’t need a lot of money to travel – this was LIBERATING!!!!!

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Spain

 

WHAT DOES IT DO TO/FOR YOU?

Travel does SO much! It sounds like a cliché but it’s true – it’s LEARNING about SO many things! Learning about yourself (I learned what truly makes me happy (SO important a lesson) – which has nothing to do with money (sometimes I still forget this lesson). What makes me happy? – creating art.

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Holocaust Memorial

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HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOUR ART?

Traveling is learning to fend for yourself, learning to take things as they come, learning to make the right decisions and SO SO much more. I encourage EVERY Filipino to travel and again I say, it doesn’t need a lot of money but more of time and courage. And we should all be courageous!

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teaching Art to kids with Leukemia

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WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT TO SAY THROUGH YOUR ART? 

I guess it depends on which “art” I am creating. Some of my art, I know I want people to enjoy it (I used to design theme parks). Some of my art, I want people to feel good (most of my papemelroti art is this way). Sometimes I just want to create (my drawings during my travel). All sorts of things I guess.

WHAT FASCINATES YOU AND HOW DOES IT INFLUENCE WHAT YOU DO?

ALMOST everything fascinates me! Some people have said that I have not lost my sense of wonder - I guess that isn’t such a bad thing is it? I am a very curious person and I always enjoy learning new things (I love attending workshops). I guess with this “sense of wonder”, I almost never get bored with what I do. I am almost always excited about creating.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE DOING WHAT YOU DO?

There is SO much art to do and create! How can I possibly stop? I think I will be creating and learning till I DIE!

Singapore

Hanoi, Vietnam

 

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BRING YOUR ART?

ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE! But, it’s alright if I just do my little drawings on a street corner – that makes me happy too

WHAT DREAM DO YOU STILL WANT TO FULFILL?

I have too many dreams! What I need to do is focus and simplify. Too many dreams might lead to disappointments  and negativity – that I don’t need.

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WHAT IS THE ART OF EVERYDAY FOR YOU?

That is a tough one.

The art of everyday for me is doing the BEST you can and enjoying that moment.

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LINKS:

http://robertalejandro.lens.ph/

http://raadesign.com/

10a ALABAMA ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR May 11, 2011

 

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ARTISTS

Spend your weekend (May 14 & 15) with us!!!

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Several of my unique edition handmade photo collages and other handmade-with-love goodies

will be ON SALE here

SEE YOU in ALABAMA, New Manila!!!

 

RETURN to NEVERLAND May 1, 2011

 

view from Villa Romana

windows installation by Mark Tandoyog

bridge installation by Rene Aquitania

(l-r) ferdie balanag, kawayan de guia, rene aquitania

bamboo installation by Rishab

Kawayan de Guia's ukay-ukay tent built with the help of Baguio Volunteers

blind weaver

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Baguio is my Neverland

Inhabited by colorful creatures like Tinker Bell and Peter Pan 

Fairy dusts and Happy thoughts all around

A place where I learned how to fly and never land…

 

Fil-Canadian Artist Jen Maramba

spontaneous connection art exhibition initiated by Jen

 

musician Lirio Salvador

I CONSUME THERFORE I AM video & live performance in Baguio

  

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My video “I consume Therefore I am” was also shown first time in the Philippines, during this event.

My deepest gratitude to all the artists and musicians who collaborated and made it all possible…

(Musicians: Mark Zero, Armi Millare of Up Dharma Down, Shant Verdun, Elemento)

 

Images shot during the Axis International Arts Festival & Ipitik festival in Baguio City.