Beautiful

The Art and Work of Connie Cabalar

/ Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

Maria Conception Talinao, aka Connie Cabalar is what you call a traditional realist visual artist. Her goal is to be as realistically as she can be on color choices, subject matter, and what type of brush strokes she applies to the canvas. It is her aim to represent the art subject clearly so that viewer would know what they are looking at. Her choice of medium is in charcoal, pastel, acrylic, and oil. Her fave’s are in portraiture, landscape art, figures, still life, and sometimes, she dabbles in abstract.

Here is an introduction to the artist where Connie shares the story of her art journey, artistic voice and lastly, her inspiration:

Connie was born in Makati City on December 8, 1976 but grew up in Sta. Ana, Taguig City. Her art beginnings started for her at an early age.  Born out of poverty, she used art with the intention to divert her mind from hunger and the realities of a hard life.

She would have given anything to get into Fine Arts in college but like most other Filipino youngsters whose families faced financial setbacks; she had to give her dream up and follow a different path. She then enrolled at the Pasig Catholic College and took a course in Business Administration major in computer management. While in college, she had to work to support her studies and slowly forgot about her love of art.

But in 2011, art came creeping back to her— badgering her to give it one more try.  She was one of those people who have always identified themselves as an artist. So no matter how hard they try to go the normal route of what’s life expect them to do, they will always find a way to do what they are passionate about.

Her hardest challenge is not getting the formal training and education in fine arts. However, at the same time; it serves as an inspiration. Every time there’s a new trial for her, she is pushed to excel. Whenever she is faced with another blank canvas, there’s always that dare to come up with something better than her previous work. In the back of her mind, she feels the fulfillment of finishing the painting with a sense of pride which inspires her even more.

Different artists may have different sources of fulfillment in what they do but for her, the greatest reward is when she sees and hears people appreciate her work after hours and effort that she invested in her craft are all worth the time.

Connie is living her dream. However, her ultimate wish is to be recognized for her art and would ultimately like to inspire others to follow their dream.  She said, when she becomes an established artist, she wishes to give back through outreach works and free workshops. Because for her undying service, this will be the greatest accomplishment and that is sharing what God has given to her.

She is the current seating president of Filipino Artist Realist Movement (FA:RM). She has participated in many art group shows since she began her art journey. Last March 2014, she had her first solo exhibit called “PassionArtility” – Art Association of the Philippines-Kanlungan ng Sining.

***A Selection of Connie Cabalar’s Art Masterpieces***

(Please click on each image to view an enlarged version)

Title: Chess Piece Medium: Pastel Size: 18”x12”
Title: Apple or Lime? Medium: Oil Size: 24”x36”
Title: Raising Future Guardians Size: 5ft x 4ft
Title: “Lemony Fresh” Medium: Oil Size: 24”x30”
Title: Agahan Medium: Pastel Size: 16”x11”
Title: Diving 10-1 Medium: Oil on Canvas Size: 24″x30” By: Connie Cabalar
Title: “Pope Francis” Medium: Oil on Canvas Size: 15″ x 20″
Title: Koi Medium: Pastel Size: 16”x11”
Title: “The Unexpected” Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Size: 33″x 48”
Title:” G-Violet ” Medium: Oil on Canvas Size: 18″ x 12”
Title: “Dine-In” Medium: Oil Size: 24”x26”
Title: Raising Future Guardians Size: 5ft x 4ft
Title: “The Unexpected” Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Size: 33″x 48”
Title: Meow Medium: Oil Size: 24”x30”
Title: Untouchable Medium: Oil Size: 30”x24”
POPE JOHN PAUL II
Title: Gandalf Medium: Pastel Size: 24″x 20”
Title: Kingfisher Medium: Oil Size: 20”x24”

Images used with permission.

Lorenzo E. Gabutina: The Late Blooming Filipino Visual Artist

/ Jennifer Bichara / 4 Comments

I recently made contact with Lorenzo E. Gabutina (pseudonym: Legabutina), a digital artist, based in Caloocan, Philippines for a feature article in my blog.   His out-of-the-box artistic style of abstract images that is beautifully surreal and magically pleasing to the eyes.  I was immediately drawn to his work.

Lorenzo E. Gabutina has more than 30 years of professional experience in advertising and marketing management. He learned and sharpened his marketing skills in a multinational company environment with a 15-year stint in Kodak Philippines, as the company’s marketing communications manager. Lorenz’s first and most passionate love is advertising where he had been a copywriter and account executive for many years before assuming senior management positions. He has been involved in all key aspects of the advertising business, from creative to media, production, research and marketing planning.

According to Legabutina, he sees teaching as the culmination of his advertising career where he could share with advertising students the many insights and learning’s he had gained from his long years of working in the ad industry. He is currently, an advertising lecturer at St. Scholastica’s College. 

#LorenzoGabutina: The Late Blooming Accidental #FilipinoArtist #VisualArtist #Art #PopArt #SurrealArt #DigitalArt #Abstract #ArtPH www.jennysserendipity.com

Photos by http://supermantastic.tumblr.com/ (Via Katipunan Weekend Market FB Page)

Legabutina is a regular artist-seller of the monthly Future Market @ Escolta an event organized by 98b in its effort to help revitalized old Manila. He was also invited at the Katipunan Weekend Market last weekend of October. They feature a tightly curated selection of jewelry, handmade items, clothes, arts & crafts, vintage finds, delicious food & live music. If you are in the Escolta area on November 14, go checkout the Future Market. There are no specific dates scheduled for the November and December Katipunan Weekend Market but from time to time, please do check their Facebook page for exact dates.

His first artist solo art show, “The Accidental Artist” was held earlier this year at the Sigwada Art Gallery in San Andres Bukid.

Take a moment to read his artist insight, and take a peek into the mind of this late bloomer.

On his art journey:

My art journey began 5 years ago when I retired from advertising work at age of 60. I didn’t know then that I could make a good art. With so much time on my hands, I started doodling on the computer and posted my works on Facebook. My friends liked it! And that is what started this art journey…..I’m a late bloomer.

Early this year my eyes got so bad that I had an operation. “Wala akong makita sa computer,” I could not see the computer screen. So I started making hand drawn sketches. “Aba, pwede pala akong mag drawing with my hands!” (He said: Wow,  I could draw with my hands). When I started posting them on Facebook, my friends liked it. It was a big revelation for me, to learn that I could really draw with my hands. I have always been used to doing things through the computer. I had my eye operation last April this year and my eyes now are as good as brand new. But I continue to sketch with my hands till today, aside from my digital work.

On his art:

There is nothing profound or philosophical about my art. At least, that’s what I think so. Others will disagree, of course. The thing is, the narrative in my art comes after the work is finished, not before – which art critics will scoff at. There has to be a clear intent or purpose behind what you do, they will say.

My focus is on design, not the story. I want my art to be visually provocative, nothing more. If it touches your five senses and if it resonates with you; then, I am happy. I don’t want my art to be ‘understood’ nor ‘rationalized.’ It’s the least of my intentions. The purpose of my art is to entertain. “Mababaw ba?” (Am I shallow?)

On his art style and influences:

Artists that have had the most impact in me are Dali, Picasso, Boticelli, Miro, Klee, O-keefe, and may others whose names I can’t remember now. I don’t know if their style has influenced my art, maybe subconsciously, yes. I am drawn towards art that have geometric, pop, grotesque, surreal elements.

My art is a mélange of styles. I sometimes wonder if I have a unique style but it’s not a big thing for me. I don’t want to be boxed into a certain style anyway. I want it spontaneous, impromptu and sincere which reflects who I am as a person. What you see is what you get, “kun baga.” (rather)

On being a self-taught artist:

Being a self-taught artist, I pretty much do what I want to do. Not bound by any norm or convention other than good basic aesthetic sense. I don’t put on my thinking that when I work. It’s purely instinctive. I just let things flow. I trust my creative instincts.

On validation:

Every artist needs validation. The feeling that he is doing something right; I get a high when I fellow artist like my work. “Gawa na araw ko pag may isang mabigat na artist na nag like sa work ko,” my day is fulfilled when a big time artist admires his artworks.

The future of his art:

Where do I go from here? I will keep on marking art as long as my five senses are intact. I am happy that art came last in my checkered life. To me, it’s a gift, a blessing from God. I am not a super religious person but much of who I am today and the kind of art I make, I attribute to God. “Nag- iba ang pananaw ko sa buhay,” my life’s vision changed when I rediscovered God.

***A Selection of Legabutina’s Art Masterpieces***

(Please click image to enlarge)

Illustrations

Digital Collage Abstract Art

Images used with permission.

Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo (Adec): Poetess & Visual Artist

/ Jennifer Bichara / 6 Comments

Arlene de Castro-Añonuevo or “Adecastroan” is a poet and thinker who wielded the paintbrush or pencil as passionately as she did the pen.  She is a versatile gifted artist who occupied many creative realms that provided reciprocal sources of inspiration. She can easily shift from one style to another from realism, impressionism, expressionism, surrealism, and abstract. She brings her variety of eclectic style and her attention to the finer details of the painting, the use of allegory, the story and emotion she conveys in each of her work that invites the viewer to explore the depths of her subject and have a glimpse of her soul as an artist. She further augments the countenance of her art by using a broad range of medium from pastel, watercolor, oil, and acrylic on paper and canvas. Then, her words follow her paintings, as a poetess who creates a poem in response to her work of art, her words become a way of seeing—a collaboration within the conversation.

“I have a very creative mind, and often the products of my creative mind manifest first in my dreams,” as quoted in INQUIRER.net.

Art was always part of Adecastroan’s life, her childhood hours spent sketching and drawing instead of playing. Native of the rustic town Iba, Zambales by Carlos Gonzales de Castro, a Zambaleno of Spanish descent and Estela Sy Loria, his Chinese-mestiza wife from Pangasinan. Her patriarchal roots in this place can be traced as far back as the time of revolutionary patriot “Andres de Castro Bonifacio,” whose mother Catalina who hails from barrio Dirita, is her great grand aunt.

Adecastroan, an AB Sociology graduate of the University of the Philippines who only started painting in 2003 after her early retirement from Cathay Pacific Airways as a stewardess, and later from Midtown Hotel which allowed her to enhance her artistic expression furthermore. Although largely a self-taught artist, she did learn the basics from Filipino master artist “Fernando Sena,” and “Arte Pintura” artists specifically, “Addie Cukingnam,” “Azor Pazcoguin” and “Rey Ademis.” In the short period of time, she has developed a unique style of her own inspired by the variation of post-impressionism color theory, combined with a keen sense of observation of the natural world. Indeed, her opulently textured artworks are a visual feast to the eyes.

 “I paint my subject as he gets in touch with his inner self. Whenever one looks at my painting, I want him to answer this question: What does it mean to be a person historically, experientially and personally? The viewer has to go beyond the surface and reflect on what he sees so as to arrive at a deeper understanding of the human psyche. This is the foremost reason why I do not render my subject based on the usual standard of rendering it; symbolism always being an integral part of my work. Philosopher Descartes says “I think therefore I am.” In my paintings, I say “I think and I feel therefore I am.” Painting is not a matter of duplicating an image but capturing my subject’s essence- soul on canvas.”~Adecastroan

She is a highly talented painter, blogger and a poetess who sometimes dabble in modeling for photography. She is currently residing in Quezon City and had her first one-artist show in the Heritage Art and Antiquities Gallery in 2009. She has participated in various group exhibits including “Katha,” which is a monthly art exhibit on different themes expressed through art by different independent artists.  She is an active member of the “Linangan ng Kulturang Pilipino Group.” This sociopolitical organization that tackles issues in society and she is involved with visual and performance arts under poetry. Her artworks are also displayed at “Bahay Nakpil-Bautista“ and joins poetry reading and other Filipino heritage events. Her other interests includes membership in the Screenwriter’s Guild of the Philippines and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). The proceeds of her work support her staunch activism for animal rights and welfare.

***A Selection of Adecastroan’s Art Masterpieces***

(Please click image to enlarge)

Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “Silence,” Oil on Canvas, 2.5×3 ft
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “Madonna and Child of the Blue Butterflies,” Oil on Canvas
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “The Passion of Flowers,” Oil on Canvas
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “One Moment,” Soft Pastel
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “Fire in the Sky,” Oil on Canvas
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “Bird Charmers”, Acrylic on Canvas
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “Suntok Sa Buwan,” Oil on Canvas
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “The Promise of a Hummingbird,” Soft Pastel
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “Wings of Light,” Soft Pastel, 20×25 – My very first gift. Thank you again.
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “Usapang Babae,” Oil on Canvas
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “The Whisper of the Butterflies,” Soft Pastel
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “Urban Jungle,” Oil on Canvas
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “How shall I answer the flattery of your tongue?,” Oil on Canvas
Filipina Artist Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo “Dugo Para Sa Kalayaan”, Soft Pastel, 20″x25,” Isang pagaalala sa nalalapit na kaarawan ni Ka Oryang
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo,”The Flower Offering,” Oil on Canvas, Dr. I. Porter’s collection
Filipina Artist: Arlene de Castro-Anonuevo, “Samsara”, Oil on Canvas, 4ftx5ft

To contact the artist:

Facebook Pages:

Website: www.adecastroan.blogspot.com

Email the artist:

Article Sources:

Margarita Lim: Filipina Painter & Watercolorist

/ Jennifer Bichara / Leave a comment

Watercolor artist “Margarita Lim” was not a Fine Arts graduate; she was actually an accidental artist who attended an art workshop to help her get over the death of her husband.  During her healing process, she prayed and was guided by her art mentors to join the “Kulay sa Tubig” watercolor invitational competition.  She was a runner up on her first try and won 3 times and was awarded top 5 and elevated to the Hall of Fame, last December 2014.

As an artist, one strives to show that the ostensibly delicate medium of watercolor can be bold, rich in color and dramatic in execution.  When she paints, she aims to understand and see its beauty and simplicity within its complexity. Her paintings capture the very core of her subject and the viewer’s find themselves lost in the world she has created. Her watercolor paintings express a unique way to creatively represents illusions, expressions, and bright feelings.

When she paints, it is not about what you see at first glance it is more about the emotional connection she brings out whenever she chooses an art subject. Her form is the language, the content is the voice. As every artist, they are here to share their gifts with others; it is a valuable healing experience for her and the observer and her art is what she is born to do. She also does dabble in acrylic but her main medium of choice is watercolor.

Her mentors influenced her to do watercolors.

“Thanks to you Henry when I saw you painting a watercolor portrait, you challenged me to excel in watercolor. The 3 persons who influenced me to do watercolor are Boy Ventura, Rody Herrera & you (Henry Braulio); wouldn’t be here without you guys,” the artist laments.

A resident of Pasig City, Philippines, Lim garners much of her inspiration from the Lord and her fellow artists at the “Art Association of the Philippines,” where she currently seats as the secretary of the art organization. She was also chosen as one of the “KATORSE Ab Initio” group of Filipina artists carving out a space for themselves, dedicated to the craft of visual arts. In a short given time, they were able to organize a group exhibit at Arte Pintura Gallery at the Address Condominium WackWack Road last June 17, 2015. She is at present holding a show at the “Junkshop” Exhibit at Art Center, SM Megamall from Oct 9th to 20th of 2015.

***Here are a Selection of  Margarita Lim’s Art Masterpieces***

(Please click image to enlarge)

Margarita Lim – Cherries, Fruits & Knots 29×21 Watercolor
Margarita Lim, Flames of Hope, 29×21 Watercolor
Margarita Lim – Red Bangle, Acrylic 24×18
Margarita Lim – Mother and Child Watercolor on Parper 48×36 2010
Margarita Lim – Grandma’s Locket, Watercolor, 29 x 21
Margarita Lim, Shining Through, Watercolor, 29 x 21
Margarita Lim – Summer Glow, 24×18 Watercolor
Margarita Lim – Anticipation, Acrylic, 48 x 36
Margarita Lim – Cherubims 29×21 Watercolor
Margarita Lim, Make Up 24×24,Watercolor
Margarita Lim, Shadow, Watercolor, 24 x24
Margarita Lim – Delicate Balance_20x16 Watercolor
Margarita Lim – Yin Yang 20 x 16, Watercolor
Margarita Lim – Al Fresco, 21×29 Watercolor
Margarita Lim – Easter Eggs, 21×29 Watercolor


All artworks used with permission.