cj de silva's blog

Ode to Kisapmata Prints For Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:53:00 +0000

Ode to Kisapmata (2012)

Watercolor and digital

11 X 17 inches

Now available in prints. (Photo paper or Giclee)
Php 1,500.00 for 11 x 17 inches giclee print on archival paper

Please email contact@cjdesilva.com for the price and orders! Thank you!

***

This is my artwork for UP Cineastes’ Haute Auteur. They asked us to do an artwork with the theme Cinema/Philippine Cinema. I’ve been waiting for something like this because I’ve always loved film. (Indescribable passion, I guess. I may never be a film maker but I sure can appreciate good films.) And I found this as a great opportunity to share to everyone my ultimate, favorite film of all time - Mike De Leon’s Kisapmata. Para sa akin, pinanis ng Kisapmata ang film experience ko sa mga hollywood masterpieces, o miski pa ng French New Wave. ;) Personal na opinion ko lang naman. :)

Reflection, Perception

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:40:00 +0000

CLINIQUE, a trusted makeup brand, recently commissioned me (together with Valerie Chua, Jin Joson and Kasey Albano) to create an artwork using their new makeup line with my favorite painting medium. They gave us a theme to work on - “you as a work of art”. And here’s what I came up with!

“Reflection, Perception”

12” x 18” inches

Watercolours, Clinique Chubby Sticks, Clinique Foundation, Clinique Eyeliner, Clinique Lid Smoothie

Beauty is perspective. You are the greatest reflection of your idea of beauty.

More than other people’s perception of you, what you think is beautiful shapes what you project.

When you live your idea of beauty and take care for yourself, mind and body, that’s when it becomes something you can touch and feel.

I enjoyed integrating CLINIQUE’s new makeup line with my artwork because its new colors are vivid (but not flashy), feminine and fun, especially the eyeliners. CLINIQUE’s liners had the classic neutral colors (black, dark blue and army green) but with subtle sparkles.

If you are interested, this artwork is actually for sale. You may send me a private message for the price (because its definitely negotiable).

The Toy Love Story That Will Make You Cry

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:02:00 +0000

What happens when an old toy robot falls in love with a beautiful doll?

A tearjerker.

Like the love team on Facebook

Follow them on Twitter

Share and spread the love! <3

My Christmas Wishlist (Materialistic Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:01:00 +0000

It's the time of year when I revisit the desires I muted all year long. Maybe I will spend a little for myself. But it would be ultra awesome if my friends would see this, contribute and buy me all these. Oh, that's another Christmas wish. Joke lang.

My Christmas Wishlist

Macbook Pro - because I ought to have my personal laptop and retire the iMac to my sibs.
Mac Studio Fix Concealer and Powder Foundation in NC35 - great base = great make-up
Brown Leather Briefcase (with locks!) - because it's a classic, it's pretty and I just love the idea of compartments.
Yamaha Acoustic Guitar - because I need it. I need an alternative creative outlet. And my old guitar is broken.
My own internet server - because I think I should start being mature online, invest on my first online "property". And watch out for a website!
Aldo Orlena Boots - because I NEED new boots. I always NEED new boots.
Keds Classic (black) - because Keds shoes are my new favorite! They're comfortable and they go with anything!

Noir Lighting Attempts

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:46:00 +0000

It took me a while to actually start sketching my new painting. I was obsessing over how I'm going to design the light sources to achieve this effect, without being too unrealistic. In fact, I tried sketching the room's floor plan and tried to figure out all the light sources. I'm so OC it's annoying.

Anyways, I'm quite happy how the painting is turning out. I just had to stop because my hand is already aching. I hate it when this happens.

Detail of my new painting. I can't really tell you the title yet.

First Ever Book Illustration Project

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:12:00 +0000

I just finished the last plate for my first book illustration project. Hopefully we get to launch the book this December.

By the way, this is just a preview. :)

Vancouver

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:49:00 +0000

Wincy and I can stay all day in the Vancouver Public Library.

Gracie and I in Gastown, my favorite part of Downtown, Vancouver.

I just love sitting on the grass, every time!

Hanging out at the Granville Island park.

Michael, the livewire.

About to hop in the ferry in Granville.

I just love the breeze.

Hugging: our favorite hobby.

Next goal: learn how to play the ukelele.

Excited to pass by Opus Media shop!

In Stanley Park, jeez, I just love this place.

At the Capilano Park. These are called Totempoles.
They're carvings that tell a whole story, like a comic book, carved on a tree.

We have the same color scheme.

First try to cross the Capilano suspension bridge.

Me too!

Sense of achievement: no holding on to the railings.

And he's lingering on the suspension bridge.

I'm so lucky I went in Vancouver in Autumn.

All photos are from Wincy Ong's camera, although we don't know who's been taking the photos. It's either me, Wincy, Michael (Wincy's brother) or Gracie (Wincy's sister).

Patience Dear Juggernaut's solo album: Girl The Impaler

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:17:00 +0000

Finally, you’d be able to listen to the songs that I’ve been drawing and doodling!

Get ready for 9 tracks of daydream and heartaches.

STATUS x Keds

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:43:00 +0000

Hey guys! Please grab a copy of Status Magazine now!
I'm featured with Somedaydream, Miki Hahn and Your Evil Twin.
Many many many thanks to Status Mag and Keds. :)

Me in Keds!

STATUS x Keds: Art & Sole from STATUS Magazine on Vimeo.

On Feminism

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:21:00 +0000

“So you’re a Feminist too?!”

No, he wasn’t shocked. I sensed the frustration and worry in the mildly escalated tone of my boyfriend’s quasi-question. There will be a follow up, I’m pretty sure.

“Don’t go rant to me about men objectifying women and playing with women’s feelings to get in their pants! I’ve had that conversation before and I don’t know how to answer your possible issues!”

Two routes. One, I could mentally draw red circles on all sexist and insensitive points of his statement. Or, I can simply conclude that my boyfriend is bewildered and proceed to the more alarming issue: What’s with the violent reaction with Feminism? Why does he seem scarred and traumatized? And who’s that girl who gave him the limited concept of Feminism?

Oh snap. How can you be such a cliche. Objectification of women? There’s more to Feminism than fighting for your right to wear bikinis, plunging necklines and daisy dukes (and upload it) and not get checked out and ugh, objectified, by guys.

“Feminism is taking the burden off men.”

That’s how my English Literature teacher Ms. Quibilan tried to define Feminism and probably the most brilliant lesson I have learned in high school.

I thank my education for opening my mind that the “What you can do, I can do better.” adage is just a mere reflection of one of the many Feminist schools of thought - Kate Millet’s Sexual politics. (Read more about it here.) I learned that it was never about defeating men - it is about freeing ourselves from Patriarchy and sexist dogmas that was brought by century-old social constructs. I fell in love with the insight that being a strong woman is also being sensitive to men’s needs, aspirations, weaknesses and most of all, fears.

Gynocriticism, my favorite, gave me a refreshing insight on the uniqueness of the feminine experience. It was a reaction to Freud’s very popular theories of psychoanalysis - which regarded the female psyche as “other” and established patriarchal (sometimes oppressive) constructs that limit the understanding of the female psyche. It celebrated freedom from the patriarchal and sexist (not necessarily “masculine”) frames of mind.

Learning Feminism (beyond pop-culture driven movies, magazines and songs) from my teachers, I felt that I was gifted with a certain independence and identity. I began to regard my gender and my sexuality as factors that contributes to myself as an individual. I won’t say “rational individual” because I recognize the fact that I have emotions too, so sometimes, I will be an emotional individual.

What I know about Feminism is not enough. I’m not an expert, at all. But I cringe at the thought that some women out there preach Feminism and regard themselves as Feminist, when all they know are just the tip of the icebergs. Yes, Feminism may be about being “empowered”, but what does “empowered” really mean? Who gives it to you? Where and how do you get the power? Oh please, Feminism is beyond Destiny’s Child singing “Independent Women”, or Drew Barrymore or Ellen Page portraying their snarky heroine roles, or Diablo Cody writing another feisty comedy with a perfectly quirky female lead . Its beyond getting all angsty on how the society supposedly fucked you up. Conversely, don’t you think its about how you have contributed to change the fucked up-ness of this society?

At its core, well at least for me, Feminism is about having a choice. History is already telling us the story of how women fought hard for it: from equal rights to in vitro fertilization. I think Feminism is about knowing yourself well, understanding people and situations better and making responsible choices. Feminism is also having a voice. But not merely expressing yourself, but its about putting something sensible and inspiring out there. You have a voice when you have people who listen to you.

Feminism is never about defeating men. Its not just standing up for your girlfriends. Feminism is always making a sensible choice and having the perfect mix of prudence and courage to find a voice so you can fight for it.

P.S. I must admit, this is something that has lingered in my head for quite some time. I was just waiting for the perfect time to write about this. And Teacher’s Day gave me the perfect reason to do so. Because Feminism is one of the few best thing I’ve learned in school. I’ve got my high school teachers to thank that for.

Lola Life Activities: DIY Laptop Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:23:00 +0000

Learned this from my very resourceful office/seat mate George.

I Wonder Where Wincy Aquino Ong Learned This From, Hmm.

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:03:00 +0000

If Richie Tenenbaum was a girl.

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:31:00 +0000

I watched The Royal Tenenbaums this weekend once again. The movie simply gives me a strange comforting.

Memento

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 11:43:00 +0000

Tagaytay with Wincy, around June or July 2011.

Just found this in my external hard drive. Wincy takes so much photographs whenever we’d go out on weekends, but we never get to upload it. Oh, time flies fast.

Globe Postpaid: I Can’t Have It My Way.

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:26:00 +0000

Dear friends, it’s been three days since I’ve changed my Globe Postpaid Plan.Globe deactivated my Caller ID and SMS. I can’t send or receive SMS! I can only receive and make calls. IT’S BEEN THREE DAYS.I’ve been following up everyday and all they say is “I will escalate your concern.” It’s been three days and nothing has changed. Sorry if you texted me and I didn’t reply. It’s Globe Telecom Postpaid Service’s fault.

***

Feel free to reblog. I hope this gets to Globe Telecom.

This Mighty Art Attack

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:40:00 +0000

Coffee stains and flowers. :)

I got featured (together with Rob Cham, Valerie Chua, Christian San Jose, Kasey Alabano and Laurice Plando in The Philippine Star's Young Star article Manila, This Is Art by Carina Santos

Special thanks to Karen Bolilia, Gabby Cantero (for taking the pretty shots), Paulina Ortega and Carina Santos

Think Before You Get Offended

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:16:00 +0000

I was hearing a very angry Ted Failon on the cab’s stereo.

“Artist ka diba? I-drowing mo nga ang Diyos mo. Tapos lalagyan namin ito ng ari ng lalaki. Hindi ka ba mababastos?”

Obviously, Ted Failon was talking about the current national controversy - Filipino artist Mideo Cruz and his artworks Relic and Poon. Seeing the artworks (even just online) left me awestruck. Mideo Cruz is a brave guy, which is a very usual trait for artists. And if he wanted to get the people’s attention and shock them, he was successful.

Then I searched my (trivia teflon) memory of artists and artworks that I’ve seen that had similar themes - juxtaposing Catholic images with sexual symbols, or visual cues relating to commercialism and capitalism. This imagery isn’t new. In fact, you’d see this theme in art school thesis exhibits. Mideo Cruz’s artworks did not shock me. I was shocked by how most Filipinos were offended by them.

Then I realized that this whole controversy is not an issue of whether Cruz’s artworks are offensive or not, this is an issue of how most Filipinos look at art. The country doesn’t lack artists who impart challenging and progressive ideas, the country lacks a refined appreciation for art.

Back in 2007, I was doing my thesis in the UP College of Fine Arts about the MAKABAYAN - the revised elementary curriculum for our public schools. Basically, the curriculum collapsed Music, Art, Physical Education, Sibika at Kultura, Home Economics and Homeroom into just one subject. This just goes to show that the Philippine education does not prioritize art and culture as much as science, math and language. Most of us were taught that art and culture is a peripheral need. But it makes sense for our third world status - would you think about art if you can’t even have a decent meal for the day?

When I went to Barcelona, I realized that as an old civilization, Europe has an evolved value for art. It seems to them that beauty and aesthetics are basic needs. There was no ugly corner in Barcelona. The architecture and urban planning were refined, carefully planned and designed. Even their trash bins match the city’s design!

Now I realize that most of us were made to believe that art is a luxury. Only a few can afford it, yes. But does this mean that if you can’t afford art, you should not appreciate it? And this current issue with Mideo Cruz’s art and the CBCP labeling it as “blasphemous” is a reflection of our culture that has a dearth of sophisticated art appreciation. Is as if we are not a critical audience. We allow ourselves to be offended instantly, without trying to understand what is presented to us. We cast judgments without even asking why.

Art is often defined as the artist’s expression of an idea or an emotion. But personally, I’d like to think that more than an expression, Art is a form of communication. It is a dialogue between the artist and the audience. History would even support me - art movements transpire as a reaction to a precedent action. The Renaissance was a reaction to the Medieval period. Realism was a reaction to Neo-Classicism. I could go on, if you want. Art doesn’t end with the creation (the artwork) - the art should be seen. The audience have to be affected or at least react. That way, art comes full circle - it becomes an experience.

Indeed, a lot of people got affected by Cruz’s art, and they reacted instantly. I understand that looking at an art piece is subjective. My experience of a certain artwork (or a film, or a song) is an entirely different experience from you, or from our neighbor. Our reaction is an amalgam of previous experiences and values system that are uniquely ours. So if you appreciate something or take offense from it, it is because of who you are and what you believe in. I believe that taking offense is an emotional reaction - it’s instinctive and illogical. But Art is not a basic experience (like how our elementary education stressed through the years!), so maybe a reaction to it shouldn’t be basic too! A reaction to art should be critical and well thought of. I wonder now if the people who got offended by Cruz’s piece tried to understand it before they reacted? We often reject what we don’t understand.

On the other hand, I am curious if Cruz took in consideration who will look and experience his art. Or did he simply want to express himself? Did he think whether or not his audience was ready for what he was going to show? Or did he intend to be understood or to simply vomit out his ideas for the sake of putting it out there?

I don’t know.

I can’t answer for anyone but myself. For me, I see this controversy as a challenge to both the Filipino artist and the audience. For the audience, this is a challenge to be critical on looking at art and to give out an educated criticism of it. For the artists, I see this as a challenge to be more sensitive to their audience and to be insightful more than just simply being inspired. I see this whole thing as a disruption of the status quo that art is just an expression. I really find that very selfish. Maybe it’s about time we communicate.

That Slow and Funny Day

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:25:00 +0000

Wincy thought my new glasses were cute so he convinces me to pose for him.

by the awesome Wincy Aquino Ong

Getting used to my glasses.

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 03:42:00 +0000

Last weekend, I realized how passionate I am about film. I’ll never be a film maker. I’m an admirer of films. I’m a fan and I’m proud to be one.

Hapipaks Gig Poster

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:33:00 +0000

I miss watching gigs very very very much.

This is the another variation of my gig poster for Quark Henares’ film Rakenrol.

I’m really excited to watch the movie once again and watch the bands play after. It’s been a while since I’ve gone out and listened to bands live. I miss that.

San Lazaro: 165 Tickets still available

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:12:00 +0000

For everyone who thought that the tickets are already SOLD OUT, there are still 165 seats available! Gawin na talaga nating SOLD OUT guys! ;)

www.sureseats.com

Please share the news and reblog!

The Pinoy Culture’s Coming Of Age

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 06:01:00 +0000

I suggest that before you read this, you read this first: The Unpinoy Filmmaker by Wincy Aquino Ong

***

While driving along Roxas Boulevard, my boyfriend asks me, “What is it that RA Rivera has that I don't?".

Is this another one of our usual stuck-in-traffic conversations? I ask myself. But I had a feeling that if I give my no-fuss, honest reply, this won’t be just a conversation - this will be something stuck in both of our heads. For quite a while.

“He’s probably more Pinoy than you.” Yes, that’s what I said.

I remember my 15 year-old self, suddenly. I was trying to come up with a concept for my entry for Converse’s Chuck Taylor design contest. Then it hit me - people wear shirts with pseudo-stenciled faces of Cuban revolutionary Che Guevarra and Communist Leader Mao Zedong, but I haven’t seen anyone wear the face of Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio or Gabriela Silang. Of course this was around 2001, almost the same time as Team Manila launched its 1997 Swiss design inspired graphic shirts and bags. (Which probably made a significant shift in making Philippine History actually part of the Pinoy pop culture. This is a new, equally interesting topic, baby.) So I painted the faces of the Philippine heroes I knew on a pair of Chuck Taylors. Then on, I felt that I may have a tinge of nationalism in me. Well, maybe.

Then I went to UP Diliman three years later. I felt lucky (and proud) that I can take classes that seemed extra interesting: PanPil 17 (Philippine Pop Culture), PanPil19 (Sexuality in Philippine Literature) and Malikhaing Pagsulat 10. I remember writing this in my index card for Malikhaing Pagsulat 10:

Q: Ano ang layunin mo sa pagkuha ng klaseng ito?

My answer: Higit sa makapagsulat sa Filipino ng maganda, gusto kong makapag-isip sa wikang Filipino. Kapag nag-iisip kasi ako, nasa Ingles. Nakakatawa ‘di ba?

And more that getting the education, I got immersed in the culture. Justifying why I told Wincy, "The UP education does something to your brain. It turns you Pinoy."

I realize, I may be using the term Pinoy too conveniently. What is Pinoy? What makes a film, a song, a TV series Pinoy? If I define it in face-value, I will retort to the flavors Tito, Vic and Joey, Lino Brocka (and Brillante Mendoza?), Mara Clara and The Eraserheads made us taste. But I’d like to believe that the term (and the identity it stands for) is beyond that. Call me optimistic, but yeah, it’s probably more than that.

Because I think that the Pinoy idea is a work-in-progress. It’s the more than a century old dilemma Ibarra and Elias had been arguing about - Are the Filipinos ready? And to make it more specific to what I am talking about, are the Filipinos ready to define themselves in terms of culture - taste and consumption?

We haven’t gone past our coming of age. How are we going to form ourselves and our taste? Definitely, I see the hope in the mavens of our current culture - the high brow and the low brow. We need responsible, tactful and thoughtful influential people to idolize and listen to.

And it’s never wrong to actually love the other cultures we expose ourselves into - through plane, through paper or through our screens (big screen, small screen, LCD screen). In fact, it could contribute into our own cultural growth. I admire Wes Anderson and Truffaut but I look up to Mike De Leon. The Beatles and Blur take my breath away, but Sugarfree and Gorgoro are also on top of my playlists. What I’m trying to say is that appreciation for art, for beauty, knows no nationality. If it is beautiful and impressive, whatever it is, it has every right to be acknowledged and celebrated.

Now I ask myself, why did I say “He’s (RA Rivera) probably more Pinoy than you.”

I said that because I see that the likes of RA Rivera, Ramon Bautista, Lourd De Veyra and Jun Sabayton knows the status quo of the “Filipino” pop culture really really really well. In fact, they know it so well they could draw us a map to its grimiest. I personally think that The Word of The Lourd: How to Make an Indie Film is attempting to make a criticism of what is currently happening. But it makes itself accessible to its target audience. Change can happen if the right people are listening your message, presented in the right way. Again, I go back to one of my principles: know the construct by heart before you deconstruct.

We are in puberty. We’re in our most vulnerable - too old to copy and imitate, but too young to come up with something solely our own. So I would suggest we expose ourselves to everything beautiful (and create, hopefully) - that way we would learn to discern and build our own taste.

Preview: Ikaklit Sa Aming Hardin

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:18:00 +0000

“Ikaklit Sa Aming Hardin” ni Det Neri

Preview of one of the projects that I do during the weekends - my book illustration project with writer Det Neri.

That Coral Matte Lipstick

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Me, blogging about make-up? Rare I guess.

I think this is the first time I will actually post about make-up. Haha. I wasn’t that vocal before, but I like make-up - since high school. Probably because I like painting? :)

Anyhoo, bright lips are quite in now, I overheard my officemates Paulina and Ladytalking. I tried on the bright pink (magenta) lips before and I liked it. Now I’m gonna try the matte coral. ;) Hahaha, writing about this is like an out of body special. Not quite like me, but really, it’s me. :)

San Lazaro: Teaser Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Cj de Silva) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 11:15:00 +0000

Limuel (Bautista) and Sigfried (Ong) hears something that gives them the chills.

One of my favorite scenes from the teaser screen shots Wincy just released the other day. I’m quite excited to see the trailer.

In the meantime, please LIKE the San Lazaro Facebook Page!

***

San Lazaro (2011) directed by Wincy Aquino Ong

Starring Ramon Bautista, Nicco Manalo, Alan Forte, Bianca King, Ely Buendia

Screening Schedule:

16 July/Sat 6:30PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5 (with talks from cast/crew)
18 July/Mon 4:00PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3
22 July/Fri 6:15PM CCP Tang. Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theatre)