today, yesterday

today, yesterday from Sergio Bumatay III on Vimeo.

Even the simplest things deliver powerful messages.

Today, is the world premiere (via the internet, lol) of my second very short film using time-lapse photography technique. It took me two days to shoot, edit, and upload the almost two-minute time-lapse photography video. Those two days include experimentation. The leaf withers in about eight hours and patience brought me to limits. Now I have more respect for animators and film makers.

Filipino children's book illustration

Pinoy illustration in "shakey" 3D stereogram effect.

I'm writing my views and experiences as a Filipino children's book illustrator despite my struggles with words (I'm still learning). I write about Filipino illustration more because only a few write on this aspect of local children's literature. This blog came about for the following reasons: to practice my writing, reach out to readers, and document my work so that I may contribute any knowledge and help anyone who might be interested in learning more. I myself want to be more knowledgeable in this field and there aren't many local resources online on Filipino children's literature, most especially on contemporary illustration.

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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

Jose Rizal today

This is a glimpse of my work for an upcoming group show for the annual Looking for Juan Outdoor Banner Project in June. I am so excited about this work and for the show. This year the theme focuses on the relevance of our national hero, Jose Rizal, today.

If Rizal were alive today, I wonder what he thinks about the RH bill, facebook, and the issues on child abuse today.

sell out

I unexpectedly met a good old friend and his candid question had me pondering.

"Are books still selling?"

Good thing a passerby interrupted our conversation before I could say something. I'm about to defend my work as a children's book illustrator despite its meager means. But his question instead led me face another personal question I asked myself, "Do I always aim for the money?"

I know that the idea that sometimes money isn't the best motivator is already a cliche. I think that our passion towards the things we love doing best never asks for any material worth in the world.

lenten visual reflections

retablo

center

stars

heavens

crop circles

I hope these images help you reflect this lenten season.

How to make a classic story look postmodern

work in progress for an upcoming book

pig as personification for conquerors, oppressors, irresponsible capitalists

Most of the time, readers are accustomed to seeing pictures that literally correspond to the text or words. If the picture is inconsistent with the words, typically it shakes up their flow of reading and make them look again or perhaps form inquiries about why such mismatches. That is how postmodern picture books work. Some authors or illustrators use this technique to offer and challenge the readers their own interpretation.

So how do you make a modern classic story postmodern (how oxymoronic!)? Make figurative interpretations.