Collage and symmetry

We took a look at the cloth weaving of the Maranao people of Mindanao. They have an amazing history of making head cloths called the pis siyabit and wrap-around waist cloths called the patajung. Showing them the patterns woven into them, it was said that each pis was unique, each pattern and design were unique to the whims and creativity of the weaver. It would usually have a central shape and the design would repeat itself on all four sides to represent the cardinal directions. We talked about the colors, and the patterns they created. I even had the guts to wear a malong in place of a patajung just to show off the garment to the students. 

Armed with strips of double-sided tape and colored paper, the kids attacked the project with some hesitation. Some of them wanted to draw the patterns, others spoke out because they were reluctant to use the scissors. By the end of the period, creative mayhem ruled the classroom. There were songs being sung, and paper and tape were being asked from each other. Colored paper covered the table, scissors were lying about, but happily, some got through it.  Others, found an interest in double-sided foam tape. But the hour ended too soon and we had to pack our mess away. They were reluctant to end the class. And deep inside, I was happy. 

Sarimanok-inspired artwork

Looking at the resources I had at home, mom had a large collection of books on Mindanao artwork and icons. I couldn't help it. Here was a whole month's worth of lessons just lying around and I wasn't using them! So, first up, the mythical Sarimanok. Colored paper, white acrylic paint, a bronze figure and legends on the Sarimanok started the course. I introduced Abdul Imao whose artwork on the Sarimanok gave the younger kids a simpler, vibrant picture of what they could make. An hour wasn't enough though. Sure, I had complaints, excitement, uncertainty and hand-holding as we started visually dissecting the Sarimanok, but I liked the challenge it gave them. I could wish for a lot more, more time, more silence. But its a start.

Old school work.

Was organizing the mountain of paper and whatsits at home and found these. An art project from my junior high students and some get-well cards from my elementary students. These junior high students are probably junior university students now, maybe seniors. Still, their work reminded me of days where the misfits were kings in class. Their shy smile from the sincere appreciation I gave their work spoke volumes.

Just for those moments, when I see these kids on Facebook and hear of their current exploits,
reminds me why I do what I do. Regardless of place, management, or circumstance.

Old exhibit photos SY 2009-2010

Didn't realize that I had a treasure trove of photos on my Facebook account. Still, looking at the pictures, I regret not taking more. It was a fun ride, finishing up the grades of more than a hundred students, telling them to submit, submit, submit! And who can forget the simple jokes a 1st grader would share with you and you just have to laugh...yep. Those days were fun.

Silkscreen attempt

Ok, so I didn't create the silk screen itself. I had someone else do it. But it really was a learning experience, trying to manage the process, how to unclog the screen, choosing the colors and what material to print on. In the end, the ugly prints were used at home. Realized the white pillow cases were a bit thin but they look really pretty!

DIY polybox makeover

Illustration bookmarks.

Time passes swiftly when you're busy.

First week of classes and as Teacher A. suggested, I have to have time to update my blog and keep things nice and current.

Twitter isn't really my thing, but my journal has similar entries of mundane things that mean something to me. Something like a bookmark to remember that particular day or event. Recently, so many anecdotes and pockets of laughter spatter my days and my pen has yet to catch up with my life. So I blog, take a few minutes to reorient myself to another task and before I know it, the day has ended.

The Jr. Entrepreneurs strike again!

High five to my Entrep students! Summer's gone, but their projects will hopefully take off this school year. With greeting cards, tumblers and key chains to sell, they have a great opportunity to expand their line of products and earn more money for charity! So, in the pipeline, their website, their logo and their accounting skills. Oy.

Old invites for Hope Art Exhibit '08

I was looking for an old file and stumbled across these invitations I made so long ago. Fun!

Indian-inspired tatoos

Grade 1 classes are generally all about the fundamentals of art. Shapes, lines, color...and for patterns, we tried looking at Indian-henna tattoo patterns and tried to copy and create our own.

Not a lot of kids are finished with their work at present, and crayon etching is tiering business for their young hands, but the awe of etching, how the colors suddenly appear so brilliantly against the black...well, it had them furiously coloring just to have that magic happen in their artwork. I'm deeply satisfied and so are they! So much so that they want to work at home just to finish, so I tell them to start making their own at home. I'll bet they'll have a blast showing off to their parents.

My students from top left to right: Liam Tomas, Ulrich Tadeo, Cheena Chua, Bea Tang, Jillian Villafuerte, Jig Ang, Gavin Lee, and James Lin. Thanks guys for making it fun!!!

Cubist Faces!

My high school students are really proud of their work. And I couldn't be happier for them. A feeling of success shines from their eyes and I realize that these moments are what I live for. Congratulations Juniors!

I'm making monogrammed note cards. Well, soon.

It's an idea that Creative Ad has encouraged me to do. And why not? I tried making a monogram of the letter z, getting inspiration from an art nouveau poster,...but it still doesn't look right. Will work on it!

Sketched, for a coloring competition

We were asked to sketch something for the preschool department of Hope Christian High School. The sketch would be used for a coloring competition for young kids during the school's foundation day. Again, Yang Gagelonia and I collaborated to create the piece. Happy!

For school

With Yang Gagelonia, we painted the chart for our school. Haven't painted in a long time and it was a joy to collab.