Boxed Poetry

I got excited when I first read that the theme for this year's PBBY Prizes is on poetry. I've always wanted to illustrate a full children's book of poems, though I have illustrated stories in verse form. There are only a few materials locally and new titles could be an interesting addition. So, exhilarated by the theme, I couldn't wait to create my entry for the Alcala Illustrators Prize this year.

My strategy was to make an illustration entirely different from what I have done previously. I thought it was time to level it up by creating three-dimensional works. I got inspiration from amazing sculptural illustrators, including my fellow INKies Liza Flores and Pergylene Acuna who create delightful illustrations with layers of textured papers. Then the concept just fell everything into place: I wanted to make a visual that is encased within a box. There is something nostalgic and a childhood sense of curiosity that draws me in about boxes.

 

Personally, poetry for me is a paradox of precise arrangement of words limited by the syntax of a language and yet can create multiple interpretations in indefinite ways. That is exactly the effect I want to capture in my visual. So I made simple illustrations, stripped down to their essential forms and juxtapose them within a surreal composition to emit endless possible meanings. The figures, color scheme are greatly influenced by Pablo Picasso's theatrical mural composition, Guernica. I was moved by the painter's lyrical visual language and the mural's haunting meaning. Having the illustrations enclosed in a box is a visual metaphor for poetry's literal precision. It's like reading poetry, when you "open" it's meaning, either leave you perplexed or liberated. The meaning is left at the interpreter.

I wanted to introduce that concept of poetry to children, though I admit it was too much for their comprehension.

After seeing all the winners, I have to agree with the judges' pick for the top prize. Aldy Aguirre's winning colorful and whimsical interpretation precisely balanced the rhythmical tones of the poems. The visual elements are fluid and gently moving, as if dancing within the space. It was neither too deep nor too literal to grasp what's going on within the scene. Aldy's illustrations are just perfect to catch a child's interest in getting a head start into the wonderful genre of poetry.

My entry reaped an Honorable Mention at the 2010 PBBY Alcala Prize. I'm also happy that all of the winners are fellow INK members: Rommel Joson and Zeus Bascon's works are also commendable, each have their own unique vision. And I couldn't be happier that the awarding ceremony was filled with nicest friends and acquaintances.

Why I love (an) Araw sa Palengke

Araw sa Palengke cover, story by May Tobias-Papa and illustrated by Isabel Roxas

When I was young, I remember my mother used to take me with her whenever she goes to the palengke (wet market). I knew that she wanted me to go with her because I was the only one who can carry her bayong (shopping bag) since I was the only strongest and most responsible boy yet in the family. I never liked going there, not only because I had to wake up very early but also her bag was so full and too heavy to carry. My hands tremblingly ache after. But I can't complain because we had to carry as much as we can because we are a very big family and buying there saves us a lot of money. As I grow older, she wanted me to come with her so I can be street smart and learn from her. Now, I realized it was more than that: I was grateful that going there has enriched my experience visually. A market is also a harvest place of inspiration: from slices of life to the exotic goods you can see around. I was positively influenced by pop culture.

That wonderful experience is very much captured in one of my favorite books, Araw sa Palengke (A day in the market), written by May Tobias Papa and illustrated by Isabel Roxas. The story is very simple, the illustrations very delightful, and yet that simplicity is what makes the book so lovable. Almost anyone can relate to it.

The literary style of the story can be likened to a Japanese verse: direct, short, and simple words fully describe the wonder of a child going to a market. Even if the main character is a girl, any child can probably relate with her as she's honest, smart, and quirky. This is probably the first local children's book I have read that mainly invests on the importance of...[edited].

This is my favorite expression of the main character in the book.

The story is accompanied by very charming illustrations, just a warning: you won't stop looking at them. More importantly, the styling, patterns, and figures are very Filipino. The color scheme is splendid, the visual elements are coherent. Although it's a sanitized version of what you see in a real local wet market that is loud, cluttered, and shockingly bright, the toned-down renderings of each scene perfectly create an exotic ambiance. The main character's expressions are comical, the illustrator has masterfully achieved humor through their eyes.

The book is one of those few ones that you can't just put down even as an adult, I'm pretty sure a child will also truly love it at first sight. You'll probably read and look at the pages over and over again. It makes you crave for more.

Araw sa Palengke, published by Adarna House, is highly recommended to be part of your child's library. No wonder it is one of the six Best Reads of 2008 and 2009 in the first-ever National Children's Book Awards.

The illustrator has created an engaging image and achieved balance in rendering a supposedly dirty and cluttered place.

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Cute magical bunny in watercolor and acrylic meditation painting

Space cats in watercolor and acrylic meditation painting

Spirit animal in watercolor and acrylic meditation painting

I love July!

July is always an exciting month for me, despite the fact that it is the time when typhoons greet my country with awry. Whatever destructive Basyang or Ondoy devastate the land, the resilient Pinoy manages to recuperate easily. As for me, July is a happy month not only because summer is up on the other side of the globe but also because July is National Children's Book Month!

In line with this, I'm looking forward to celebrate this joyous occasion through series of events:

First up, I'll be at Fully Booked SM North Edsa on July 17, 2010 at around 5:30pm for a book signing of my books from Adarna House. It's actually a whole day of storytelling sessions and book-signing with authors and illustrators. The event is free and open to the public so please bring along your kids. For more information, you may contact Adarna through 3723548 loc 122 or ergoe@adarna.com.ph

Next, my first full children's book with Tahanan Books, "Ay Naku!" written by Reni Roxas, will be finally launched along with other two new titles on July 19, 2010 Monday, 5pm at Mary Grace Cafe in Serendra Fort Bonifacio. I'm very excited about this book because we worked so hard for this and this is my first time to illustrate an almost wordless picture book. And whew! it wasn't that easy :-) Hope to see you for a good chat and book signing as well. RSVP call Fran or Josie at 813-7165 or email fran@tahananbooks.com

Then finally, I will be attending the ceremonies of the 27th National Children's Book Day on July 20, 2010 Tuesday, 9am at the Museo Pambata in Roxas Blvd. I'm happy to attend not only because I will be receiving an honoroble mention certificate for my entry in the PBBY Alcala Prize, but most importantly I will be able to meet again illustrators, writers, publishers, and stakeholders in the most anticipated gathering in children's book publishing. You may download this wonderful poster for free at PBBY, print it and have your own collectible poster. The  poster was created by the awesome Ang INK member Ariel Santillan.

Seven years old

When I was seven years old, the most memorable event was the first People Power EDSA Revolution. Around that age, my mother already taught me to save money. I remember she brought me to a bank and opened me a junior account. That's how I started to learn the value of saving hard earned money and the financial freedom it entails.

I will be part of a group exhibit by Ang INK entitled "When I was Seven" on June 1-15, 2010 at the Gallery 7 Digital Studio, 3rd level Eastwood Mall in Libis.

My work is a digital print series of three, in a limited edition giclee print on textured canvas, size 10" x 10". If you like a copy, please visit Gallery 7, you may also find very interesting works by INK members.

3D is the future

Surprises, surprises everywhere. We sometimes don't know what's going to happen next. But a spark of hope always reminds us that's it's going to be ok.

Since 3d is the coolest thing today, here's another 3D Stereo Pair I made. If you want to know how to make Stereo Pairs, here's how.

It should look like this if you know how to view Stereo Pairs:

I will be posting how to make 3D Stereograms soon, so keep posted!

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Cute magical bunny in watercolor and acrylic meditation painting

Space cats in watercolor and acrylic meditation painting

Spirit animal in watercolor and acrylic meditation painting

Real heroes among ourselves

This is my painting for a very relevant group show, Everyday Filipino Heroes staged by The Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) opening this May 1, 2010 at the Vargas Museum of the University of the Philippines, Diliman, QC, and will run until May 31, 2010.

The original artworks will be exhibited at the Vargas museum, while an outdoor banner printed version will be seen at the scenic UP oval. I hope you can drop by and see all the meaningful works, while reflecting for the upcoming elections. 

"KKK"

Ang pagiging guro ay isang kabayanihan dahil ito ay isang pakipagsasapalaran hindi lamang sa paghubog ng kabutihan, karunungan at katapatan sa musmos na kaisipan kundi ang pagahon din sa mga hamon ng panahon.