Ang Harana

Earlier this month, I got invited to take part in a show at Gallery Nucleus that opened last night. Entitled "Terra", it is a showcase of artworks inspired by nature. Below is my contribution:

"Ang Harana" (The Serenade)

8 x 10 inches

pen and ink, 2014

I've been wanting to take in their shows and I'm so happy that I finally got the chance. I was able to show this alongside artists whom I'm look up to for inspiration. You can check out all the artworks at Gallery Nucleus.

WIP: Ang Harana

Diwata

So I was trying to make blogging a weekly thing. Unfortunately, I don't think I could ever commit to updating this space regularly. As promised, here's one of my recent pen and ink drawings that a friend asked me to do.

"Diwata"

30 x 15"

pen and ink, 2014

This is not the biggest pen and ink drawing I've done but it sure is the most intricate. I tried counting the lines but I stopped when I reached 1,023. There's no point when I knew I had to deal with over a trillion lines, countless hours and several cups of coffee just to bring my friend's two-year wait to a halt. Thanks to her for being equally patient that I was able to pull this off.

I wish I could put more close-ups of the details but there's just too many. Anyway, below are some early line art I posted over at instagram. You can follow me HERE if you wanna get updated with the things I do aside from pen and ink.

Yes, there is a smaller drawing!:)

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Mai and Ciara

Hi! I'm back to drawing in pen and ink again. I guess I've been too busy making toys that I forgot how fun drawing on paper is! I was surprised at how difficult it was to transition back from painting toys and putting those characters inside this intricate illustrations.

But I'm relieved to know that my wrist has fully recovered from CTS and I'm able to draw again without feeling any pain. Below is a whimsical portrait of a mother and daughter who enjoy both my toys and drawings. This one's for them, a Filipino-Chinese version of Mother and Child.

I'm also working on an exciting new project. Something that I didn't expect given where my focus was the past year. I'm posting some of its WIPs and sneak peeks over at instagram but if it's not your thing, check back next week for my most intricate drawing to date. 

Umihotaru

This artwork was inspired by Sayaka who I met in Japan four years ago. She visited the Philippines the year after and has since then made it a point to spend a few days of her vacations here, at the beach. One of the fond memories I have of her was the night we went swimming when a sea snake crossed our path. I can still remember the shock in her face that was somehow highlighted by a group of glowing umihotarus (sea-firefly) surrounding us. She is indeed a phosphene to behold and a remarkable person, who dances salsa, plays the shamisen and has an insatiable wanderlust and zest for life. She’s also the one who always shouts ganbatte every time I start a new drawing.

I originally intended to post this on Sayaka’s birthday as a gift. But the March 11 earthquake that wreaked havoc in Japan prevented me from doing so to sympathize with them. If you look closely at this artwork, you'll understand what I mean.

As my way of giving back to her, I'm releasing a special Umihotaru print that is now auctioned at Art for Japan until April 24 in an effort to aid the survivors. If you like this, please bid. Not only are you going to have this one-off print, you'll also be helping the affected areas in Japan recover. Gallery Nucleus is also selling my Yuka-chan button below with all proceeds going to Give2Asia.org.

Tears (Art for Japan Button), 1.5" diameter

By the way, my friend Bella is also giving away the Daruma Doll (Japan flag anyone?) art print below. This is a personal favorite because I think it’s clever and is one of the most inspiring artworks created to help Japan. Please head over to her blog to learn how you can get hold of this and the various ways you can help. Thank you so much for reading.:)

PS: Sayaka is Yuka-chan's elder sister.

The Lawyer's Pride: Jeq

Before I even started with her portrait, Rax asked me to draw another for her husband, Jeq. According to her, he is a pretty traditional guy so I thought I wouldn't have any problem relating to him. But still I was quite hesitant to accept this at first because I have not considered drawing a male version of my Phosphenes.

I guess I'm just uncomfortable drawing the male face. Unlike my grade school classmates who were fond of drawing Leonardo, Donatello, Rafael and Michelangelo, I was more into April O'Neil. Oh yes, they were turtles but had they been humans, it's more reason for me not to draw them. Ever wondered why comic heroes wear masks? I guess their artists feel the same way as I towards drawing their faces.hehe

But when I finished this half of the diptych, my view changed. It wasn't that bad after all and having an artist friend to tell me that I came up with a male face that's truly Filipino is uplifting as say... finding the man of my dreams?haha Enjoy the details everyone!

The Lawyer's Pride: Rax

I never expected that my art will pave the way for me and one of my closest friends to see each other again. Two months ago, my dear friend commissioned me to do two artworks that will symbolize her happy married life. Honestly, I was quite apprehensive about accepting it but the privilege of drawing for a friend was too much to forgo. And I can still remember drawing her 20-paged scrapbook and her charcoal portrait back in college.

It had been three years since I last saw Rax but we were both with our own cliques that time, we didn't have the chance to really talk. Last Saturday, we met again and much to my astonishment, she had transformed!hahaha I knew she wasn't that boots-wearing happy-go-lucky girl anymore but I was stunned to see a very well-dressed lawyer(and she still had her swagger!). Thanks to her loving husband Jeq, who she claimed chooses the dresses she wear. We did a lot of catching up and also planned her cub's first birthday invitations that will be happening in three months! No one can deny how much she loves her pride.

Rax and I have been friends for 11 years now but it didn't take long for me to remember everything we've been through. From the countless nights of charades, tong-its, anime, booze, WOTW and Warcraft to the serious conversations, budget meals and death-defying escapades, there was never a dull moment with her. I can write a novel if I go on so I'll let details show you how wonderful and interesting this woman is. Enjoy!

New Phosphene. New Website. New store.

I'm already down to my last four Phosphenes and probably the last pen & ink drawings you'll see around here. With the time spent in each artwork, I could have created three watercolor paintings at least. And I wouldn't have been suffering from this much pain. If you're interested in commissioning me, now is the best time to send your requests. I only have two slots left. Below is a picture of my latest artwork and my not so fashionable wrist brace.

Bjornik.com is already live. I didn't announce it here because I had been contemplating on whether to keep this blog or not. I met a lot of great friends and had fond memories of exciting projects and collaborations because of this blog. It's not easy to throw it all away. And besides, this service is absolutely free.haha When my domain and hosting expire, you know where to find me.;)

Last week, Rob of Artsprojekt offered me a new way of getting my artworks more accessible to everyone. And when I say everyone, that includes artists, skaters, housewives, infants, even dogs. If your pet goldfish wanted a shirt, they'd probably have the perfect size for it. The store sells almost everything but I've limited my options to shirts, shoes and skateboards. I made the prettiest skateboards, I doubt if anyone's gonna ride them. Just check them out at Björnik's Ink well, they go well with this equally gorgeous shoosies.:)

I never had any experience designing shoes. Good thing the colorway is customizable.

Tinkering Utopia

"Tinkering Utopia"

297mm x 420mm

Pen & Ink

I tried to think happy thoughts when I drew this. But it wasn't easy knowing that the person to whom I dedicate this drawing had been away for quite some time now. She's an inspiration to us, her friends so I wish she breaks her silence and comes back home soon. Neverland just wouldn't be the same without her.

Weeping Widow

"Weeping Widow"
297mm x 420mm
Pen & Ink

She looked so beautiful on her wedding day. People from all over the world came to witness the celebration. Her family, her dearest friends shed tears of joy as she walked towards the love of her life who later on shattered their very existence. Only a few emotions escaped her stoic countenance yet she's still overflowing with love. A part of it translated to her music as she deftly tapped the guitar that embraced her fragile frame. Some were wonderfully woven into words with feelings she couldn't contain. And the rest jumped out of her drawings and photographs of fleeting moments masters wished they'd captured. She was a fierce warrior who fought to the bitter end. Armed with a bow and arrow, a rifle and an unrelenting charm, she sucked the life out of the naked bodies left in her wake. She was the same killer who killed her husband and then her self.

This will be part of the opening exhibit of Outerspace, a new gallery in Makati , this February. I will be showing more work with my good friend Mall and other Filipino artists. To my friends living and working in the area who want to see this up close, stay tuned for updates.:)

Phosphene #9

I am back home for two weeks now but I still haven't gone back to the swing of things. I am feeling a bit lazy. I left boxes unopened in the garage, books and magazines sprawling in the living room and large canvases encroaching the kitchen. But I managed to hang some artworks in the bedrooms even though most of the frames were damaged during the move. I wish I have my own room back and a stable internet connection to go with it.

To my friends who received messages from me in Facebook and Yahoo! Messenger, that was not me. It's a virus that had successfully attacked my computer and sent itself through my online accounts, I hope you didn't click those links and I apologize for the inconvenience it may have caused you. And to those who emailed me, I'll answer all of you soon!:)

I'm currently working on this new artwork that may be part of the opening exhibit of a new gallery in Makati, Philippines this February. I'm going to show 2-4 pieces there depending on how fast my wrist recovers but I am not sure if I'm going to show my self since I have not yet recovered from my recent jetlag.hehe Had I known I'm going to be invited then I should have not come home yet. Anyway, hope to see all of my Manila friends soon and may the rest of you find inspiration in this new Phosphene. Take care everyone!:)

Galatea's Gala

"Galatea's Gala"
11 ¾ “ x 16 ½“

When I first saw her, she was kinda pale. We were both pale. I was hesitant to approach her but something in that innocent countenance drew me in. I struck up a conversation and she was very engaging. Next thing I knew, I was already hooked and has been looking forward to her passing by my place. We’ve been friends for quite some time now but I think I’ve known her for a very long time. The pallor from our first meeting was replaced by a very colorful friendship that I never would have imagined possible.

It was during the time I feared I won’t be seeing her again that she commissioned an artwork from me. When we lost touch, I started to do this very special artwork. The whole time feels like she was still around and as I drew each element along, flashes of our conversations started to materialize before my eyes. It was like her taking me to the actual places she’d been to. And I’ve never thought two weeks can pass so quickly.

This is for Galatea, I wish my Afrodite grants me the chance to see her in the flesh. I also would like to thank you for the privilege and pleasure of doing this commission.



Here are some parting pictures of Galatea and I. The commissioned artwork comes with a certificate of authenticity and a few other surprises.



Have a fun weekend everyone!
- Pygmalion

>>Eve's Nest<<

Eve's Nest

You may catch her in the park just across the church on a Sunday morning. After the mass, she usually spends her time making fun of the people passing by, interrogating whoever she finds interesting whether it’s a shoeshine boy, a beggar or a crazy person, or at the least looking after the small sari-sari store owned by her friend for 40 years.

She is no con artist but I must warn you not to believe everything she says. She is very convincing, especially when she claims that the city mayor’s her ex-boyfriend. She may be exaggerating at times and until now I don’t know if she really had 5 boyfriends at a single time. Last year, she was invited by three radio stations to be part of their respective programs. She chose the one which gave her her own show that lasted for two months until she finally called it quits. Until now, they are still courting her to come back and some followers from far flung provinces keep on sending her warm messages.

I can’t blame them; she has a big heart to go with the face that could launch a thousand and one ships. She’s so beautiful, even the blind blink. And that’s not to make fun of her blind friends whom upon hearing her voice look like a kid who just found a wallet and later on finds out its empty. She has a dozen of them, probably more. If you see a beautiful, well dressed woman in stilettos singing beside a blind beggar playing a lute at an overpass bridge or next to a pedestrian lane, that’s her. Don’t be surprised if you see them head to the nearest cinema after.

Did I say she has an exceptional singing voice? If talent shows came earlier then American Idol would have had a night dedicated to her. And I’m not exaggerating. If only she could dance well, then probably she’s Madonna. But her flexibility is just limited to teaching the senior citizens TaI Chi. When she took over the group started by her gay friend 2years ago, there were only about 30 of them. After 2 months, it has grown to 180. I don’t know how she managed that number of old people, all looking up to her, even going to the venue as early as 11pm when the exercise starts at 5:30 the next day. And what’s more intriguing is she has the memory of an elephant. She knows each one of them, not to mention their children, grandchildren and their pets. She listens to them, she cries with them and she loves each one of them.

She has a soft spot for the unfortunate, the old people and young kids. She adopted a half-Japanese girl who today occasionally visits to tell her how happy her life was with us. Not to mention another Japanese boy and four indigent little girls who grew up calling her mommy.

Tomorrow is my mother’s birthday, and I don’t know how many will be there to celebrate it with her. Too bad I can’t make it, she really got me worked up when she said she’s going to wear a gown. I just can’t imagine her looking like a queen amidst a group of beggars, the blind, the senior citizens, old neighbors back at the slum area, her friends and her very big family. I just love my mom!



Happy 50th birthday Liboria McCormick!

Ma Bella Luna

I can't believe that I actually waited for a full moon just to post this! Mushy ayt?haha How else should I unveil an artwork dedicated to the moon then?:P Anyway, I hope that Luna shows her appreciation with a crescent smile. But the real pressure came from making Mimi have a Dreamworks moment. Well you see, my friend here sheds a tear everytime she sees the Dreamworks OBB. This is where a little boy's sitting on a moon, moonlighting as a fisherboy who occasionally got attacked by the hilarious penguins of Madagascar. Just watch any Dreamworks movie and you'll see him in the beginning.:P And don't forget to imagine a little lady crying beside you before the movie has even started.hahaha

I've already talked to Mimi and there have been positive signs of recovery for her cousin. Yehey! To my dear friends and visitors, thank you for your prayers and good wishes. You ought to know that you have strengthened and helped Mimi cope with sadness. In fact she opened her blog again and if you have the time, you can pay her a visit. She's a very funny and talented lady, and don't miss her adorable PIP's and the entertaining addiectnotes/anecdotes of her father Dugong.:) So without further ado... the details.

I'm sorry for the blurry images. I just used my camera and I don't have my own scanner. I will update this with better spot details. And by the way, it may not sound as clever as Clement's but here goes my inspiration for this drawing: "Aim for the moon's reflection and you will never miss!haha" He would surely "Stone" me for this.nyehehe Yes, I can also be corny!:P

Afrodite

During the last post, I wrote about working on my second commission. It was actually an agreement made between my mother and me. And I burst into laughter after seeing how serious she looked when she said: "You draw a special artwork for my 50th birthday and we're quits with my giving birth to you." HAHAHAHAHA! She's the coolest mom ever!:)

"Afrodite"
11 ¾ “ x 16 ½“

I already had the blueprint of the piece laid out in my head to make her grand day golden. Unfortunately, due to some unexpected turn of events and mood swings, I came up with this that's entirely not a golden artwork material for a mother. In other words, I have to make a new one for her and Afrodite is now up for grabs. Enjoy the details everyone!



PS: I can still feel the tenderness of my fingers and back.:(

A Cut Above the Rest

I was not expecting any guest for my birthday except for the 5 persons I invited out to lunch. And an additional mouth meant no meals for me for the next 3 days. But I couldn't stand it thinking about a newcomer eating alone on her first day in work. So I looked inside my wallet, drew out my rosary and prayed for a miracle. It was the best birthday celebration ever. I know from the looks on their satisfied faces, the blissful smiles with meat stuck in between their teeth and by the way their bellies sagged and their feet hugged the way back to the office. The walk was highlighted by a friendly banter that ended up with my friends restraining me from hitting the newcomer!

That was the scene 3years ago and that's my imagination talking in the last sentence.

Gem couldn't stop laughing upon hearing this confession and she recounted that the lunch was not that good either. I knew I should have punched her that time!haha But it's very different now. As time went by I grew fond of her. She blossomed right before my eyes even before I could convince my self to call her my Girl GF. With the emphasis on the word girl for people mistake her for a she-man coz she would seriously maim those that talk to her breast, standing up for all the women and she-men of the world. This is my girl GF, a cut above the rest.

"A Cut Above the Rest"
11 ¾ “ x 16 ½“

My very good friends Gem and DD commissioned me to do this artwork as my stand on women empowerment. I respect women but I honestly think that it was just my Girl GF's excuse for vanity.;) Check out the details, enjoy everyone.

I Didn't MADE It, Yet I'm Still Maningning

I'm just dropping by to inform those who are wondering about Red Threading that it didn't get the special award I was hoping for and I was the most stupidest artist present in the awarding ceremony. I have not been earning enough, still I passed up on the opportunity of selling it to the event's guest of honor. I just stood behind her as she was telling another lady about how much she wanted my artwork. Maybe I was too surprised to see them head directly to my artwork when the exhibit opened. Or maybe it was just a hallucination that I made up. I wish it was the latter. The last thing I heard of their conversation, GOH: "but I really want this artwork" Lady:"maybe there's a reason why he's not selling it." The reason: I'm the most stupidest artist there is.

On more hopeful events, my artwork Phosphenes was selected as one of the 12 semi-finalists in this year's Maningning Miclat Art Competition. It is now on display at Art Circle Gallery, 4th Floor Shangrila Plaza Mall. I just hope GOH drops by the exhibit.


PS. GOH bought the artwork next to mine for 30 grand.:(