Tell us about yourself. What kind of art do you make? Feel free to include your personal story.

I’m a fashion photographer, but I started off as an oil painter when I was a teenager. I’ve had a strong art history background, and my paintings were exhibited across competitions in Manila, as well as sold to art aficionados when I was in college (where I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor in Fine Arts).

Throughout my photography career, I was commissioned by many magazines and personalities, including the House of Dior – where I’ve had my pieces exhibited alongside famous photography personalities. As a fashion photographer, I had the rare opportunity to be in several continents for decades – from North and South America, to Asia and Europe. I was born and raised in the east, but grew up in the west.

How did you become passionate about art? What inspires you?

When I was in college, I obsessed over print magazines. I collected many of them as a teenager, and I remember bringing home issues of Interview Magazine, Details, and Detour (all of which are defunct, and now collectibles). I would  memorize celebrity portraits and fashion magazine cover I had.

Light inspires me, as well as beauty and symmetry – the even-ness of well lit things. I get inspired by even the most mundane things. I believe there’s no such thing as a boring day, boring city, or a boring people. It may feel like being a shark in a fishbowl, but mundane situations challenge me to become more of an artist.

Have you had any significant events through your artistic career? Exhibitions, showcases, etc. Tell us about your accolades.

I’m the first Filipino fashion photographer that shot for L’Officiel Hommes Magazine, Esquire and Lady Dior – all of which were my biggest paychecks too. Although money is a tool, it also serves as validation, especially working in the Luxury Industry.

‘Carnaval de Cores’ was the title of the piece commissioned by Lady Dior. It world-premiered at Instituto Tomie Ohtake, in Sao Paulo in 2013. It was then curated in the next few years across events across Taipei, Art Basel Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Berlin this year. My work was displayed among the works of other top notch photographers, including Peter Lindburgh, Bruce Weber, Nan Goldin, and even David Lynch.

What can you say about the fashion community? What are the good parts and the bad parts (if any)?

The good part of fashion is that I’m surrounded with a ‘fountain of youth’. I was always in the cool company of like-minded and beautiful people. Though, it can be a double edged sword, as there are also many egotistic and vain personalities. Then again, fashion is also about thinking of yourself, otherwise it wouldn’t work.

What are some of the challenges that you face as an artist? How do you get past them?

The most difficult day in the life of a photographer, especially when you work in fashion, is when you are trying to balance message versus sheer aesthetic.

I ask myself, “Am I taking this photograph because I want to be a political activist? A staunch environmentalist? Or am I a photographer because I want to simply appreciate raw unadulterated beauty in all its simplicity?”

“In the end, I believe that the most effective fashion photographs are the ones with a clear fashion voice. Sometimes, you have to choose between beauty and brains, because it can’t always be both unfortunately.”

What’s your message to artists around the world? Especially with a younger generation of artists on the rise.

There are more fashion photographers now more than ever. Social media has exploded, and now there are thousands of hopefuls who dream of being on the cover of Vogue Magazine. Being privileged to have lived and worked worldwide, I’ve experienced many things. My takeout: the good days bring you happiness, and the bad ones give you experience.

Follow Lope on: 

FB – Lope Navo
IG – @lopenavo

Related Articles:

Artist spotlight – Garry Cortez

Ateneo student connects Filipino and Arab Culture through curating Online art exhibit 

The post Artist Spotlight – Lope Navo, International Fashion Photographer appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

I’m Garry Cortez, a 3D artist/Art director based in Dubai. I moved here in 2018 to work for NineSeven1 Creative. Before that, I’ve also worked for different advertising and video production agencies back in the Philippines.

My art is mainly CGI-driven. I combine my skills in sculpture, animation, painting, graphic design, photography, visual effects, and film into one artistic medium. I create illustrations and animation using a 3D software called Cinema 4D. It gives me endless possibilities in creating virtual worlds and characters that I can use in creating advertisements, music videos, and short films.

How did you become passionate about art? What inspires you? What is the philosophy behind it?

My first awareness of 3D animation was by watching the Toy Story movie when I was a kid.

I couldn’t forget how amazed I was when I saw it for the very first time. It’s like a seed sown on me which gradually grew when I took Fine Arts major in Advertising in the University of Santo Tomas. From there, I learned a lot about art — its history, fundamentals, and techniques.

I am inspired when I learn new things and when I am able to integrate it with my current skills set. Sometimes when I encounter an interesting technique, I try my best to reverse engineer it and recreate my own version. With this, I’m like storing fragments in my mind then use it as a part of a bigger picture when needed.

What makes your art unique from the rest? Are there any defining characteristics? Or is there a definitive approach to your work that you’ve made your own?

My style differs from project to project. If there is a constant defining characteristic from my work, I guess that would be the quality. I always make sure that in whatever work I do, the quality is never compromised.

Have you had any significant events through your artistic career? Exhibitions, showcases, etc.

Majority of my work is for advertising and events. I recently had an opportunity through NineSeven1, to create an animation for a collaboration with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Vacheron Constantin which was projected on the Burj Khalifa a few months ago. Seeing your work play on the tallest building and screen in the world was truly amazing.

Other notable works that I’ve collaborated with recently was when I directed and animated a full CGI music video for a recording artist in the Philippines (Astral Bodies by Manic Mundane) which got nominated in Motion Design Awards. I am also the 3D animator for another music video for a local alternative-rock band (Broken Glass by She’s Only Sixteen).

Back when I was still in the Philippines, I’ve also participated in Bloom Arts Festival 2018 as one of the exhibitors and I have also worked on several TV commercials for various brands.

View Garry’s showreel on Vimeo

What can you say about the art community in your country? What are the good parts and the bad parts (if any)? 

The art community in the Philippines is very diverse in a sense that it is not bound to one style or idea. It is ever evolving. Filipino artists are very creative, that is why we excel in our craft wherever we are in the world.

What are some of the challenges that you face as an artist? How do you get past them?

The challenging part of creating CGI is it requires a lot of time to do it. There’s a lot of manual work needed but thanks to the technology we have now, computer softwares and hardwares are constantly improving to help 3D/CGI artists like myself have more efficient and faster workflows.

Do you see any future for artists such as yourself? Is art essential to the development of your community?

 I can definitely envision a positive future for 3D artists like me. I believe that there are more opportunities now than there were 10 years ago. Plus many of the media & movies we consume nowadays are heavily relying on CGI and Visual Effects.

Given that, yes, art is essential to the development of our community. Imagine a world without art, everything will just be plain and boring. 

What’s your message to artists around the world? 

Choose progress over perfection. Perfection can sometimes cripple but progress allows you to get somewhere. It might be quite slow sometimes but it is better than being stuck. Just get out there and create.

View more of his works: 

GARRY CORTEZ – SHOW REEL on Vimeo

#STAYSAFE from NineSeven1 on Vimeo

Manic Mundane – Astral Bodies (Official Music Video) on Vimeo

VIRTUAL FANTASY – SANTOS x CORTEZ on Vimeo

Del Monte Quality – 100% Freshly Squeezed Orange on Vimeo

XS MULTIMEDIA – MANIFESTO on Vimeo

She’s Only Sixteen – Broken Glass (Official Video) – YouTube

AUE 9TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – OPENING SEQUENCE on Vimeo

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Having worked on a range of media over the years, from acrylic and oil to pen & ink and on to digital art and photography, he developed a personal affinity with human connections and emotions and the oftentimes overlooked beauty in reality, which all of this has greatly inspired and reflected in his work.

“My goal is to inspire those who see my work to look more carefully at the world around them, the mundane experiences that bring us joy and to discover that there is beauty in unusual places.”

His recent painting style has also evolved to mimic nature, from strong overlapping contrast of vivid colors to vine-like and continuous lines interconnecting the subject to its environment. “A clear statement that all things in life are connected in one way or another and that every twist and turn of our decisions will lead us into something new. The narrative has always been about humanity, the challenges and triumph, the suffering and success and the belief that all good things will come to those who seek and strive.”

Romeo’s works have been exhibited in World Art Dubai recently. Recounting his experience, he shares “It is definitely a learning experience and a combination of an exhilarating adventure topped with exhaustion. Four months of sleepless nights urned into 4 days of non-stop communication and engagement with other people of different nationalities, from all walks of life.

“At one point I felt like an instructor and a lecturer more than an exhibitor, but the idea that my art has inspired them in so many ways makes it worthwhile. It validates that tick mark on my bucket list, and a reminder to myself that everything is all worth it.”

On uplifting other Filipinos, Romeo emphasizes on seizing the opportunity to make the most out of something. “One thing this pandemic has taught us is that there is really nothing certain in this world. We should always seize the moment and not squander it. Carpe Diem! Don’t wait for things to happen, we make it happen – it is that simple. Procrastination is the enemy of success.”

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Before launching the 70^th Edition of Manila FAMEth is October, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions(CITEM),will showcase some of the most promising brands in the home accessories and furniture industry at the upcoming INDEX Dubai 2019this September 17-19 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates.

INDEX Dubai is reputed as the largest gathering for the design community in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region and is part of the Middle East Design and Hospitality Week (MEDHW) 2019. MEDHW is one of the largest celebrations of all things design and hospitality. Six other design shows are set to take place alongside INDEX Dubai, bringing with them around 1,000 exhibitors and an expected turn out of more than50,000 visitors from all over the world. These visitors include architects, developers, interior designers, procurement professionals and retailers.

The Philippine participation in last year’s INDEX Dubai was a successful return to the show after nine years. CITEM brought a delegation of 10 companies, which generated US$2.766M in export sales, double the initial sales target. In addition, the almost 1,000 buyer inquiries received during the show were more than four times the initial target, indicating a positive turnout and reception of Philippine furniture and accessories design in the Middle East.

According to a study by Ken Research on the UAE’s furniture market outlook through 2022, the highly-competitive furniture industry in the UAE is forecasted to expand in the near future leading up to the launch of the year-long World Expo 2020 to be held in Dubai. One of the largest events in the world, EXPO 2020 will significantly grow the demand for furniture in Dubai as the event is expected to bring a huge influx of tourists that will create a surge in the demand for tourism products and services in the city. Local and international furniture manufacturers will have their hands full as they try to supply the demand generated by the hotel inventory of140,000 rooms and apartments required to meet the number of tourists and expatriates expected to arrive.

“This is the perfect opportunity for our furniture designers and craftsmen to capture the attention of the Middle Eastern market and show the world the level of creativity and sophistication that the Philippines has to offer,” said DTI-CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.“This year’s Philippine participation will focus on innovative and sustainable furniture and home accessories which involve design materials and techniques that showcase the distinct talents and skills of Filipino designers,” she added.

Six exhibitors from the country’s furniture and accessories sectors make up the delegation this year. Most of these companies are first-time exhibitors including Furniture Doctor, James Doran-Webb, Coast Pacific and Kit Silver. Joining them are returning exhibitors Arden Classic and Mele + Marie.

These exhibitors will feature their newest and most innovative designs that highlight how they translate local materials and crafting techniques to create functional and eco-sustainable products that are proudly and truly Filipino.

See the latest from these exhibitors and more at the Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates, this 17-19 September 2019 as they bring their signature designs to the Middle East and further promote uniquely Filipino craftsmanship in the global market.

For more information, visit www.citem.com.ph/index.

Tel: (+632) 831 2201 local 253

Email: rabeledo@citem.com.ph

Website: www.citem.gov.ph

Twitter: @CITEMPh

Facebook: @DTI.CITEM

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  Visual artist Buhay Mendoza considers his art pop surrealist – a genre he loves for its playfulness and how it “signifies freedom and tickles creativity.”  According to him, his chosen specialty also allows his to maximize his strength as an artist.  Over and above that, Buhay says she considers art as his religion which gives him the sanity to appreciate all his blessings and makes him feel closer to God. For him, art is life, the purpose of his existence.  And hence, he advises aspiring artists, “Being an artist is a calling. Do it for the love of it.”     How did you get into art? Actually, I am a late bloomer for a practicing visual artist. I started around 2008 at the age of 35. Everything happened like a walk in the park when I met a group of artists from Antipolo, Rizal during that year. They were the ones who opened the door for me to showcase my first artworks in public, and the rest is history.       What’s your process of creation? I always base concepts on my personal experiences, as well as my childhood days. Currently my style is shyly shifting to a more mature subject that tackles social issues that our country is facing today. I usually have a morning ritual before I do my paintings, but it always starts with a research or eye candy.    After the research I would create a lot of initial sketches. Usually they are doodles. I always keep a sketchpad in my bag wherever I go. If any ideas come about, I jot them down right away and sketch them very quickly.     When done with final studies for my painting, I lay them out on my stretched canvas. I usually worked with oil before but lately, I have just been using whatever medium could be handy for my artwork. I try to experiment and expand my creativity by using raw materials from junk.   Life has always been my inspiration. To spread the greatness of our Creator is one of my inspirations. With this, I become one of His channels to show how blessed mankind is.     How does your work represent you? I just put my heart into each of the pieces I work on. I draw inspiration from other artists as well, but somehow I do still try to work with my own stuff. One is artist Yoko d’Holbachie – I am always amazed by her works.        The true magic of art is seen and felt when you do it passionately. People can feel it from your pieces. What matters most is to deliver the message of your painting effectively to your audience, with them just looking at it.   What have been the highlights in your journey as an artist so far?  I had my first solo show in the HSBC Tower in Ayala Makati, and my third solo show in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam sponsored by An Binh Gallery. I had a successful showcase in these two events and I was even featured in one of the magazines in Vietnam.  One of my paintings was also featured in Art plus Magazine – the November 2014 issue.     What were your most notable recent projects? This year in February, I worked on my fifth solo show for Kanto Gallery. I held a group show for Gallery Big and the Ayala Museum last December. I also have a work in progress in one of the galleries in Glendale California.   What’s your hope and plan for the future? Philippine Art is truly a diamond in the rough. We have so many talented artists who need our government’s support in terms of enhancing their skills and promoting the art that they produce. That’s one of my advocacies as well – that is why I place such importance on what I do as a visual artist. ________________________________________________________________________________ Find more Filipino artists and writers on Illustrado Life. 

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Visual Artist

Contemporary artist Jun Cambel grew up in the heart of the city, Manila. He views art as a tool to raise people’s environmental awareness. He often applies mixtures of paints and industrial materials to create multiple layers with pronounced textures. He sometimes combines found objects and realistic rendering to give the canvas an extra dimension. He worked in CM Ltd and Edipresse Media for fashion and other lifestyle magazines such as Couture, MenMode and Hong Kong Tatler as Art Director from 1993 to 2007.

As global climate change becomes more serious, Jun thinks that he has an obligation to express his views on the issue of environmental protection. Through his art, he lifts the veil of familiarity from commonplace objects and scenes – a leaf, a crumpled newspaper, an overflowing ashtray – and transforms them into potent symbols of our age. Far from harboring didactic intentions, however, Jun says he paints because he enjoys it. His works tend to make us reminisce about yesterday, while he also likes to show current situations and portray possible future scenarios.

He taught Graphic Design and Visual Arts Communication at the Caritas College of Careers HK in 2010-11. He is currently Production and Design Editor at (SCMP) South China Morning Post.
Jun’s talent was evident at an early age and he won several drawing contests as a primary school student. His promise blossomed during his high-school years and he decided to pursue fine arts at Manila’s FEATI University while majoring in advertising. He supported his studies by working at his brother’s graphic design studio (Bal Cambel/Grafik Asia) as a Graphic Artist for movie production companies. He attended classes under Ibarra dela Rosa, a Filipino painter renowned for his pointillism.

After university, Jun joined an advertising agency as a Visualiser, and was later promoted to Associate Art Director and Senior Graphic Designer at a design studio and advertising agency. He came to Hong Kong in 1993.
After years of focusing on graphic design, in May 2005 he decided to participate in the “Contemporary Filipino Artist Exhibition” – a group show at Hong Kong’s City Hall in Central. Inspired by the positive feedback he received about his work, he embarked on his first solo exhibition, “1st Expression”, at Asia Fineart Gallery in November 2005.

Past Exhibitions:

• 2016 – You’re Nothing but an Overrated Trying-hard Hong Kong Art Rat: Group Exhibition, Art Galileia, Serendra, Manila
  • 2015 – Junk Shop: Arte Pintura Group Exhibition, Art Center, Manila
  • 2015 – Metaphor & Parody: Group Exhibition, Baguio Museum
  • 2014 – The Best of the Philippines: Group Exhibition, Marco Polo Prince Hotel
  • 2014 – Meditation & Megrim: Group Exhibition, The Popsy Room
  • 2014 – Pintura Circle charity auction for Tacloban typhoon victims: Group Exhibition, Hong Kong Centre for Visual Arts
  • 2011 – HARAYA 3: Group exhibition, Central Library, Hong Kong
  • 2011 – WHY NOT WHAT’S NOT: Two-man Exhibition, Hong Kong Visual Arts Center
  • 2010 – HARAYA 2: Group exhibition, Main Gallery, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
  • 2009 – Detour 2009 Live Mural Painting: A Haraya group exhibition, Main Gallery, Anchor Site Main Courtyard
  • 2009 – HARAYA (Imagination): A group show by Filipino artists based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Visual Arts Center
  • 2009 – Kulay, Kultura, Kalawili: Group exhibition, Main Gallery, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
  • 2008 – Awakenings: Group exhibition, OC Gallery, Olympian City
  • 2008 – Take Five: A group show by Filipino artists based in Hong Kong, Asia Fineart Gallery, Hong Kong 3rd Philippine Arts Festival
  • 2007 – Estilo, A Group Exhibition of Filipino Artists in Hong Kong: Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong exhibition area, Hong Kong
  • 2007 – Drawings On Square: A group show by Filipino artists based in Hong Kong, Fringe Club, Hong Kong
  • 2006 – A Group Exhibition of Filipino Artists in Hong Kong: Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong exhibition area, Hong Kong
  • 2006 – Unang Sulyap (First Glimpse: A Survey of Philippine Art Works in Hong Kong: A grand exhibition of Filipino artworks. Central Library, Hong KongSeminar/Workshop
  2010 – Mix Media Art and the Fun of Doing It, Hong Kong Museum of Art, presented by LCSD and HKMOA

Association/Membership
Member, HARAYA Group of Hong Kong-based Filipino Artists

Contact:
Tel: (852) 9354 0458
Email: jscambel@artelier.com.hk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jun.cambel?v=wall&ref=profile

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Find more Pinoy Artists at Illustrado Life. 

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Painter

Franklin Caña Valencia who is known for his distinctive style referred to by his colleagues as “Cañaism,” didn’t expect that he would take to painting like a fish to water.  Originally a graphic designer, he was coaxed into the art via his brother, under the providential wing of the esteemed Saturday Group of artists led by the likes of the legendary Mauro “Malang” Santos.  Since then, he has done numerous group shows, as well as solo exhibits and has also shown his work in New York, Arizona, Hong Kong and Singapore.  Caña shares his artistic life with Illustrado, with unabashed candor.

Tell us about your art.

I never really dreamt na maging pintor. In my mind, pang mayaman at sa mga sikat lang yan sa society. But, nalaman ko lang ang joy of painting after two years since I started joining the Saturday Group. Hindi naman pala sya pera-pera lang. The joy started noong may mga feedback na sa mga buyers ko. They say na pang-gising nila and mga pyesa ko, na pe-perk-up daw yong umaga nila. Plus yong mga nireregaluhan ko. In my mind, without much ado nakakapagpaligaya ako ng tao. Habang buhay na nilang kasama ang works ko. Sobrang taba ng puso ko. Not to mention yong mga donations naming mga artists. Ang sarap tumulong na ang puhunan mo lamang ay ilang kahang sinisigarilyo sa pagbuo ng pyesa.

How did you get into it?  

Lumaki ako sa Kamuning. Malapit kami sa sapa or creek. Pag me ekstrang papel ang kuya ko, takbo na ako sa tabing sapa, dinodrowing ko ang mga barung-barong doon. Sa bahay ko na kinukulayan ng mga tirang watercolor ng kuya ko. Di ko pa alam yong monochromaric colors, lately ko na lang na nalaman na noon ko pa pala ginagawa yon.

Please share your creative process with us.

Ang pinaka spring-board ko siguro ay yong pagtingin ko nga sa holen noong maliit pa ako. Actually gumagawa ako ng kwento sa utak ko sa tuwing may mga nakikita akong images sa loob ng holen. Pag inikot mo o ginalaw mo sya, nag-iiba ang colors – nag-iiba rin ang kwento ko. Bale itinahi ko sya sa kaleidoscope. Pag ginalaw o inalog mo kasi sya – ibang kulay, ibang pattern. Parang ganon din ang buhay sa pakiramdam ko. Ika nga history repeats itself. Pero, me pattern. Nothing stays the same. Nag-iiba lang ang style.

What makes your work – your own?  

Maraming kapwa artist ko na nagsasabi, “Mabuti ka nga pre, malayo pa lang kilala na trabaho mo. Mapa-abstract, mixed media, mother and child, kilala agad.” Ito yong sinasabi nila na BIG C sa gitna ng mga paintings ko. Na di ko naman sinasadya. Sa effort ko kasi just to capture yong tagusan ng mga kulay sa holen (bilog) lumabas na sya. Tinuloy-tuloy ko na.

What’s your future plan?

We have a group show this Nov 8 sa Art Asia sa Megamall.  Also, in my dream, 58 kasi ako ngayon, pag 60 na ako, I’ll come-up with a solo show with 60 pieces!  Plano ko rin n asana makapag-pinta ng mga building na gustong malagyan ng kaleidoscope design yong pader nila, something to that effect. The reaction I wish to hear is, “Oy, Cañaism ang motiff!” Ewan ko kung paano, di ko pa rin pa alam. Dasal lang.

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More artist spotlight articles on Illustrado Life’s Artists and Writers section. 

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Ginny Guanco Visual Artist     My Art I believe that each person has a mission in life. Each individual has a calling to do something productive in life and spread that message to the world and even be an agent of change in her own little way. As human beings, many of us tend to just look at the big picture immediately without seeing value in the small things. I value small things a lot. It is through a small seed that a big tree is produced. Nothing happens overnight. It takes time, it takes dedication, it takes commitment for goals to be achieved.       I have always been drawing since childhood. This passion continued throughout my growing up years, and on thru high school, and eventually to college where I took up Fine Arts. After college, I still pursued advanced studies in Watercolor, Drawing and Painting in Washington D.C. This was in the 70’s.   My Process First of all, I think of what subject I want to create. Will it be a still life composition of inanimate objects? Will it be a woman’s face? Will it be an abstract piece? Then I research – especially if it’s intended for a show or if it’s a commissioned work. But if these are just studies to further hone my craft, then I just go directly to my sketchpad. Aside from personal research, I do a lot of observation: people’s expressions, tiny rays of colors that form on a piece of rock, a chunk of driftwood in our backyard, etc. Inspiration is a natural thing for me. I do not have to wait to be inspired. I do not have to wait if I’m in the mood. I just let it flow out of my heart. Love should always be the motivating factor.       My Journey Thus Far After all the education I received in Art, I did get to use it in two teaching jobs, and in our church ministry as a Visual Artist and also in a multi-media outfit. But somewhere along the journey, I got segued into two different careers, one after the after. One was in media, the 2^nd one in PR. So for a hiatus of 15 long years from 1997 – 2012, I totally stopped drawing! In fact I was already beginning to lose confidence in myself and was scared to even hold a brush. It took the passing of one of my pet cats, Simba, to stir up that dormant spirit in me, to wake me up to my artistic senses once more, to allow this sad situation be turned into a fresh, new opportunity. I grabbed the nearest sketchpad and some coloring pencils and started drawing again. I took a shot of it and posted the image in my Facebook timeline. It garnered so many likes that my morale was boosted. Then I did a 2^nd artwork, and a 3^rd one, and I never stopped since. My love for art was restored, refueled by a passion I can’t explain.     I just concluded my first One Woman Show in September of 2016. The theme was, “Boho Chic,” because of my love for bohemian and hippie fashion. With my knowledge and background in both the Fine Arts and Fashion Illustration, I mixed these two entirely different disciplines together and came up with the concept of an all-women collection, with 26 females clad in bohemian fashion, and a style that is a fusion of art and fashion. These 26 females were each named after the elements. Names synonymous to earth, the environment or nature. The titles of the paintings were named after the 26 letters of the alphabet. I had Aura, Blaze, Storm, Tulip, Willow and others.   Moving forward… In my mind, I have many different plans but have not really sat down to study the market yet. In a world where commercialism thrives, art can pose a lot of challenges. But I really want people to be educated. To see the art industry as a vital part of life. That it is not just some person’s “hobby.” That it should be given the recognition it deserves and not just be a poor cousin of some other profession.     My advice to my fellow artists There is no end to learning. There is no limit to fulfilling one’s dreams. No matter how young or old a person is, if he sets his mind and heart in achieving his goals and never give up hoping, he will see his dream come true. So I really want to encourage people who are on the verge of giving up in pursuing their dreams… DON’T!!!   www.artbyginny.net  

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Visual Artist

My Art

I’m into visual arts – Sketching, Drawing & Painting as well as sharing the skill to the younger generation and even to the adults as a hobby or a preparation for their career path in arts or design related course. Since childhood, I was actively involved in the arts as it was part of the subjects and activities in school. At home, I grew up with an environment of architects through my uncles. I have started sketching diagrams and also going with them if they have site visits. But I have decided to divert on Fine Arts rather than in Architecture for a change.

Art can be a therapeutic activity. It makes me more focused. Creating something gives me a sense of immediate accomplishment that people may like or not, I love what I have done. It may be good or bad as it’s part of the creative learning process.

I engaged into it seriously when I went away from home for about a month at the age of 12 wherein I have met professional artists who have their art shops for portraiture drawing, painting, signboards and streamers for ads.

Eventually, I also started my own home based art shop. Work on visual aids for schools, signage, sketches, portraits for gifts and other material.

My Process

From personal portrait commission that I do is based on their preferred photos but I do it with an unfinished effect and catch the emotion and likeness of the person.

With other works, I based them on my ideas, feelings and comments on such daily events which seems ordinary but contributes to the meaning and purpose of life. I do sketch studies and take photos of places and people they go through the photos and find something interesting to design and compose an artwork. On commissioned works it’s a balance between the artist’s and client’s preference. But mostly, client’s just let me do what I think would be best.

My Journey Thus Far

Art has played a major part on my personal development. It gives me a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Doing art is self-satisfactory but teaching art goes beyond a social concern. For me, I consider teaching or mentoring as a social service. It may be a career preparation for others, the youth or just a fulfillment of a childhood dream to become an artist.

I have participated in various competitions in the Philippines but as I work here abroad in the Middle East just keeps my radar on competitions and events that I can participate in. After further studies and international art exposure, I wish to start up my own Classical Atelier in the Philippines to advocate on the revival of Classical Art Movement and equip the younger generations with skills and methods that can be applied on their art related pursuits.

My advice to my fellow artists

Have a long term plan on what one desires to achieve and break it down into action steps. Plan ahead and have a daily, weekly and monthly schedule. Start with the end in mind and evaluate one’s action if is it moving towards the end in mind or not. Team-up, build a team. Success can never be achieved alone. Train oneself not just as a skillful artist but also as a resourceful and innovative entrepreneur.

Website : www.artcircleexchange.wixsite.com/ronnie-pascual

www.artcircleexchange.wordpress.com

IG: @artdaily365

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More Artists and Writers on Illustrado Life here. 

Related articles: 

Artist Spotlight: Kevin Sabino.

Artist Spotlight: Victorino Bautista.

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Illustrator

My Art

I’m a graphic designer and a children’s book illustrator. But I can say that my most recognizable work is my cover art and classical painting mash-up series.

I’m fond of homage, similarities, and references in movies, music, and other art forms. I compare Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud with Marvin Gaye’s Lets Get it on. I love spotting movie scenes that were inspired by classical artworks (e.g. House By The Railroad by Edward Hopper and Hitchcock’s Psycho, Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World and Terrence Malick’s Days of Heaven, Escher and Inception, etc).

Like my collage series, I just felt that magazine and album covers (like other contemporary artforms) were inspired directly (and/or indirectly) by classical paintings. The similarities and references can be observed. I just really wanted to compare and contrast modern and classical aesthetics.

In 2009, I created my first “Mag+Art” for FHM Philippines as fan art. Surprisingly, they featured my works in the “Incoming Art” section of their anniversary issue. In 2014, I was revisiting my works to get inspiration for a new online project, and I saw what I did for FHM. I tried to do the Mag+Art concept again, this time, using international magazine covers. After posting them online, the work became viral. I did follow up projects such as: Logo+Art (corporate logos), Criterion+Art (Criterion DVD covers), and Album+Art (album covers).

My Process

I’m a pop culture (celebrity, movie, music) fan, so more or less I’m exposed to a lot of magazine and album covers. So most of the time, I identify the covers first. Also, I love classical paintings, so I’m familiar with lots of artworks. So, I do a mental matching of the album covers and the paintings. However, when I do actual implementation in Photoshop, it is like I’m assembling a jigsaw puzzle. It’s trial and error. Sometimes, my instinct/mental matching is correct. But when they don’t fit, I need to do a lot of research online to look for a matching artwork. Most of the time, the pieces posted in my Instagram are just product of beautiful accidents. All of them are unplanned and I’m always surprised with the output. It is really a fun activity. It tests my knowledge of the classical arts (visual, literature) and popular culture (music, showbiz/celebrities).

I can say that I’m the first digital artist to combine cover arts (magazine, dvd, album) and classical paintings. It became viral because the idea of the collage is very simple. It is very easy (but finding the perfect match, visually and conceptually, is challenging. Anyone can do it, but no one thought of it.

My Journey Thus Far

My collage series was featured in more than 1,000 online articles in more than 30 countries. Featured in fashion and lifestyle magazine websites such as Andy Warhol’s Interview Germany, GQ Italia, Madame Germany, Cosmopolitan US and France, Paper, Grazia, Rollingstone Italia and Brazil, and Complex. Also reported in news, arts and entertainment websites like Yahoo!, DailyMail UK, The Telegraph, HuffingtonPost, Buzzfeed, MTV, Art Nouveau, Mic, ChinaDaily, Elite Daily, Distractify, DesignTaxi, BoredPanda, My Modern Met, and Visual News. The project became viral in various social media sites such as Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Featured in international magazines such as Beaux Arts Magazine October 2014 and June 2015, Inked Magazine Art Issue 2014, Gym Class Magazine Issue 12, Playboy US January/February 2015, Playboy South Africa March 2015, Le Magazine Cineplex March/April 2015, Soura Magazine Dubai Issue 38, Blush Magazine anniversary issue 2015, and in WIJET’s in-flight magazine Singularity Issue No. 3 and Ukraine International Airlines’ Panorama Magazine Art Voyage issue February 2017.

One of myMag+Art collages (Taylor Swift’s Time Magazine November 2014 cover and Guido Reni’s The Rape of Europa painting) is included in Phaidon’s latest edition of A Smile in the Mind – Witty Thinking in Graphic Design. The book features the work of the most prominent designers from across the globe.

Exhibited at the Sining Makiling Gallery, University of the Philippines Los Baños and at the KultKolector, an art gallery and bar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.In 2016, some of my Mag+Art and Album+Art collages became part of the permanent display in RistoranteAranda in Madrid, Spain.

My Album+Artinstagram account is nominated in The Webby Awards (Social – Music Category). The recognition is given by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

My Advice To Fellow Artists

I don’t have formal training as an artist, I don’t have a degree in fine arts. But I think I’m part of the digital era where people can freely express themselves using different art forms. The social media make it easier for someone like me to be noticed. We all know that the art world is an elite arena. But the social media/internet democratized it and made it more accessible for everyone.So, don’t be afraid to share your work online!

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Behance: eisenbernard

Instagram: @albumplusart

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