Project George - November 2009

Due to a sheer lack of time, I got to try out my "modeling skills" for a
Project George artwork! That's genuine emotion right there. Hehe

Sorry I posted this so late! TIME Magazine ran an issue on "The real cost of cheap food" so we thought it would be a good idea to focus on the industrialization of agriculture in countries like the US.

Well...actually, that's just my "formal" way of looking at it. My brother simply called this an artwork on "POISON TOMATOES". Haha! :)

This is also our last Project George artwork for 2009. Being back in school has been terrible in terms of finding time to draw so we decided to take a break for a while. But we're definitely looking forward to doing a few isolated projects during the Christmas vacation. Will post more art soon!

Growing Up with Philippine Art

Finally, children’s books about Philippine art!

Robot monsters, mystery laughter and a path marked with bronze heroes. The Crucible Workshop presents a whole new look at Philippine art with the release of three unique story books for children. Written by members of Kuwentista ng mga Tsikiting (KUTING), the Philippines’ premiere organization of Filipino professional writers for children, the stories show how a work of art can lead to quite a few interesting adventures.

Book Launch Details:
When: November 17, 2009
Where: Filipinas Heritage Library

Time: 3:00-5:00pm

Project George - September 2009

Project George, 2009

We wanted to do an artwork on beach trash but could never seem to make it come together. After a few so-so attempts and a very kind rejection from our editor (he did say "Back to the drawing board?" instead of "FAIL!"), Misha saved us by tweaking our message to be about the extinction of sea turtles instead. Who knew that the plastic we throw away could wipe out an entire species? :P

Goodbye for now

Towards the end of 2008, I found myself in a "gap". I had just left my research position in Singapore and was waiting for my doctorate program to begin. Yet, I didn't have enough time to actually take on a full-time job.

Given that pursuing a PhD has often been likened to entering a convent (and inflicting head damage on yourself), I decided to take a former professor's advice and use my time to do something I've always wanted to do: be a freelance illustrator. As a kid, I've always loved to draw but never felt that I was good enough to make it a career. So, thanks to the internet, encouraging clients, a supportive family, and an extremely loving husband, I was able to draw, draw and draw. And yes, I loved it.

Of course, a number of well-meaning friends have told me to do more "useful" things but I have no regrets about how I spent the last few months of my life. Because as I look ahead at the next five years of academic research, I am glad that I took the time to focus on something other than my work.

Blank Slate, 2009
I can vouch for each one of these methods.
Working on the kitchen table can do wonders for your creativity (...and your waistline, unfortunately).

Unfortunately, as school officially begins, I have to take a break from blogging for a while. But do check back for news! I have a children's book in the works and a few other projects that will be ongoing till the end of the year. In the meantime, I thought that this cartoon for What's Up seemed like an appropriate way to say goodbye...for now :)

If I were a monster

Blank Slate, 2009

This cartoon was inspired by Alex Noriega's hilarious If I was a robot series. And I have to admit - the panel on being at "two places at the same time" was taken from the movie, A Walk to Remember. Although my version is considerably less romantic. Haha!

Illustration Friday - WRAPPED

Blank Slate Cartoon, 2009

Wilson peeped in to find the entire faculty wrapped up in their morning exercises.

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It's been a while since I've sent in something for Illustration Friday. Am not sure if this cartoon really fits the theme but I wanted to submit a drawing before summer ends! :)

Big bite

Project George, 2009

This month's artwork was about animal abuse - and the true cost of our growing demand for food. Apparently, KFC breeds their chickens to be so top-heavy, their legs break :(

Thanks to this month's model for being so game :D