The Art of Realizationism

Dedication, Focus, and a Static Mind

2013-05-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

It's nice to share what you know...there's always that benefit of mutual learning. And after realizing that what I've been teaching to others....are actually those things that I've taken for granted whether consciously or sub-consciously.

Yes I've been teaching dedication and focus but that is something that I truly needed nowadays. Maybe I became complacent which by the way I was reminded once more by Maxwell's "sharpening the saw" principle. So after psyching myself and re-dedicating my heart with the same enthusiasm I had during my self-searching years I came up with all these works included in this article.

It seems I have forgotten the daily bombardment of this tagline "Passion for Excellence" during my employment years. Now that I am self-employed, the more that I should excel effort to achieve more of what I am capable of. You're employer strictly impose QC so why can't I for myself.

Being self-employed doesn't mean I am already exempt with company rules and regulations. It doesn't mean I don't have to be strict in Quality control...nothing change I am still an employee...an employee of my DREAMS. (and ambitions)

There is one good example of my under-focus painting...it seems at first glance that I really took great effort by utilizing many details on it but actually it was hurried and impulsive.

Now, although this is simplified I really took great care on it's visual appeal. I re-summarized symbols and considers balance and aesthetic value. The strokes are also more pronounce....

Speaking of re-dedication and re-focus...my ever static mind was disturb once again...unsatisfied at what I have done or probably now I became aware into a different perspective so I grab all my 12 visual manuscripts and weigh all the consequences. I decided to revise once more "A Whisper to a Scream 6.5" therefore it shall be the 6th revision.

Probably, now you are getting the idea or the processes it must undergo on how a visual journal transform. Probably you are wondering, After learning now the painful process of actually tearing down a beautiful piece to fit a new realization. That is real life, we must go through sometimes with all the bruises. Reality is not a bed of roses.

For now, this will be the art journal in focus, since it is anyway the collection that what first intended for public sharing. The others might undergo the same fate too but we will see since as I've told you, these lifetime theses always revolve dependent on the feeling of the moment.

Who knows maybe tomorrow I'll be refresh with a brand new eye (vision).

Intention Creates A Reality

2013-05-02T07:36:00.001-07:00

Almost done...finally I regain the upward surge in life's hurdle. The painting below re-affirm my life's worth in the area I have chosen to co-exist. These past days I've been experience some unexplained melancholy. Boredom in the monotony of each moment even if I'm busy. Perhaps this is that moment when you are in a state of plateau...nowhere to go but to get down. Then again, probably it's the hot weather. Anyway, in everything there is a season...just don't give up.

I don't need to push myself to fit in...I can just choose to enjoy what I am doing. Am I painting to impress the world or to share my thoughts? Some of my younger visions doesn't seem to come alive after all...in fact I've lost my connections in them. God must have His own purpose for me.... am I fighting against heaven's intention?

There is that realization coming now...that maybe I am building dreams against God's purpose for the whole human race. Why should I be so selfish? So, if therefore our intentions create reality....am I making my reality for the glory of God?

Lord let me not die before I've done for thee,

my earthly works whatever it may be.

Sometimes if I shout, it's not what intended....

I know they don't sound the way

I've planned them to be...

About Each One of Us

2013-04-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

The learning process still continues....you win some you lose some. What have I learn so far was to respect each and every one. You can't judge a person....Period!!! Everyone is special in the eyes of God. Meeting different people with different strokes especially during my face painting stint enable me to realized the differences. Thus, there can never be equality...there is only individualities we must learn to embrace.

Here are some of the images these past days...

Re-learning an almost forgotten painting technique that I used to employ especially for acrylic medium. The Dry-Brush style...

So I Need Focus

2013-04-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

As I've just realized from previous blog that I'm loosing my focus. Of all the thing that an artist can't live without is focus. Without focus you'll never hit the target.

First, I have to seek the expert's advises regarding focus. Okay I guess it would be easy now that we had Google search at our disposal. What I need are some quotes...type: focus + quotes.

“The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear.” -- Brian Tracy

That would be fine but that's not exactly the verse I need at this instance. It is even tiring also to focus on searching the web. Well I can blame the summer heat again and stagnate without doing something. I don't have to be so harsh on myself.... not everyday is artistically productive sometimes you just need to sit back and relax.

“Our thoughts create our reality -- where we put our focus is the direction we tend to go.” -- Peter McWilliams

Then I was reminded from past experience which says..."Be the inspiration!"
So I pick my art materials and started to work on an old painting that I have deciced not to finish.... I had consider the piece a failure so I let it dust...
But then...

A Fleeting Moment....

2013-04-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Being linear doesn't mean that I have to box myself in traditions.I believe I had something to offer...Would it be necessary to have an eternal mindset?

Even if the world will enter it to that phase of great tribulations (are we there yet?) it would be better not to be caught unaware... to still be painting with a positive attitude. I was given those chances before and I still believe that I will be given more opportunities. God will provide!

Yah!!! I said that, or declared that more or less just 5 years ago...after I quit my last employment. Brave enough to step up on my own. To be a full-time artisan. There are times that I do worry how to pay those monthly bills without regular paycheck. But hey I'm surviving...and sometimes tempted to go back...

I praise God that He was always there for me. Sometimes I receive too much...more than I could chew. An in those moment of plenty God reminds me of my past hungers. In those moment of failure God remind me of previous successes.
Should I give up now?
I tried to paint yesternoon....but fail to amaze myself. Although the neighbor thought that it was so bautiful. What's wrong with me? I argue with myself...I complain against the brush and even the paint itself. I have to give up...at the moment perhaps. I need to focus.

Yes that's the word "focus" and inspiration.

Lately, I feel so bad...or was focusing to feel that way. There's so much negative charge in the air. Summer heat must have caught me off guard. So that I will try to illuminate...FOCUS
and that we shall discuss on next blog.

Visual Manuscript 12.3

2013-04-21T21:23:00.001-07:00

cover within a coverpage...from the 2nd Revision

Intentional Moment 12.3 formally started last year which had undergone hopefully its final 3rd revision. This project like that of Whisper to a Scream 6.5; is intented for public viewing. I'm still thinking of the other visual manuscripts if I will have the guts to show. Well, maybe but obviously it would require some revisions.

I'm still not done with most of the twelve art journals...but I am working on them simultaneously. Anyway, you can not hurry a moment of Realizationism--they just came in mysterious ways. The randomness of ideas doesn't always flow as expected. But I always remind myself to be inspired. I can will myself to be inspire...to push myself to create. Even when I'm full to the brim with work loads. I must create at least an artwork a day. Doodling or pasting...it is all part of the process.

So this 12th manuscripts is called Intentional Moment...meaning it had to be intentional or something like that. Intending the moment to happen the way I want it to manipest. Sometimes I also refer to these as wishful thinking (probably that would be a nice goal for a 13th manuscript if ever) to satisfy my craving or make up for my shortcomings.

I guess, after all, everything is intentional ever since I started this way back in 1985 or 86. That I intented the randomness or accidents to happen. Can we therefore ask Serendipity to occur whenever we want?

So what will be the storyline this time?

I think I should concern myself on allowing beautiful moment to pass through. I can try not to linger on heartaches and failures. Extracting my brain once more for some artistic expressions. Perhaps I could re-focus everything I've logged from earlier manuscripts...to summarized those divine messages. The sub-conscious is always intune to the spiritual realm. Maybe I misinterpreted some of the learnings (and unlearning) so I could go back to realign the messages. (To follow...)

I don't usually uses glue to paste them...using paint for

the collage; so it would also qualify in painting category.

Perhaps they'll listen now...

2013-04-18T03:09:00.000-07:00

In spite of the list of projects and events I still need to paint things that my heart dictates. My purpose and calls. I don't have that luxury for now...I need to support my family too.
Sketches just to stay in tune...

and finally it came...

Revising also my 12th Visual Manuscript "Intentional Moment 12.3"

plenty of spare time to think and re-think

Hot Hot Summer

2013-04-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

The other day I heard that it's the Philippine's all time hot weather since 1968. Most of the people around me are either coughing or sneezing. I was at Jar's Resort in Sta. Rosa that day and truly the sun was like an oven burning my dermis. Fortunately I was placed by the party organizer at the veranda overlooking the pool.

I had some schedule that keeps me occupied...even if I'm chilling due to fever... cough and cold...the show must go on as they say. I think I caught this when I was at Santa Rosa Estate...once again on the pool area...2 or 3 kids directly sneeze on my face while doing their temporary tattoo. I was a little bit anxious since most of these kids were foreigner. What if they happen to be in China these past few weeks?

I heard a new strain of Bird Flu virus from China. Which remind me to blog on Wisdom of a Fool.

I even had a job on Elijah's 14th Birthday...

Elijah on his 1st B-day

Some of My Latest Artworks

2013-03-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

In The Art Zone Once More

2013-03-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

Activating my self once more within the art circle...to be seen and to see. Feb 25 I attended the Exhibit of Walo Visual Artist at The Enterprise Center in Makati City. Lost in the jungle of sprouting new facade. Can't believe how quick it is for me to be swallowed by sentimentality...I miss everything after all. I miss the faster pace of life...but I don't miss working 8 hours a day...I now work non-stop!

Perhaps charge by the shimmering creative left-overs, I made a little serious drawing session. And the above pics was done...borrowing the face of my friend Model Sheena Dalida....

Not updating any of my Visual Manuscripts but just browse on this one...the book is called "a whisper to a scream 6.5"

Meeting people...or rather, creative people...

Photo ops with Walo Artist and guest...

Next activity this poster below...

Meeting face to face Facebook friends...Like Vince Roque, Roy Sarmiento, and Jose Tolentino Jimenez who also had a show that day at Mega Mall's ArtWalk dubbed as "Aman" which they told me means 'Faith' in Hebrew language. The Show is an Annual "Kristo" exhibition.

Vince Roque with some of the works...

With Walo Artist once again at Julius Legaspi's 2nd solo this time on Seb Chua's Art Asia....meet once again more and more creative people. Cocktails that reminds me during my CCP days....
I'll be discussing more on next blog...for now I gotta leave...

A Fleeting Moment

2013-02-20T18:27:00.000-08:00

Simply gathering images and experience… let them hang on my head for awhile…until the feeling of the moment lingers. Perhaps a realization would emerge out of this fleeting moment. That’s how we begin a process of illumination…and that’s how I want to express my Artworks. I measure the success of my artwork when you begin to asked “Why”? This artist won’t be there to explain…just let it hang there…the answer usually lies from within.

Behind the Mask...

2013-02-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

I've never been so alive as an artist these past days...although I have not updated this art blog for nearly 7 months yet I have reach some sort of place for myself in the art world. Re-creating my path as well...

Still struggling...to frame my pieces.

Continuing the process of re-introducing an artform--visual manuscripts.

also as a Face Painter...

Still you barely knew me...

Still Moving...

2012-07-15T21:36:00.001-07:00

I'm so thankful to those who still visit this page in spite of the inactivity...was my birthday last July 10 and thought I should drop by and make some updates on all my sites...that's my little mission for the coming days. No face painting show on sched so I think I can squeeze more time with you.

I did some art works that I have not yet shared here...as a blog dedicated to my artistry, I hereby present them...nothing major, most are just sketches and unfinished works:

To catch me more often visit: Wisdom of a Fool

FINDING AN INDIVIDUAL ARTISTIC STYLE

2012-05-31T01:40:00.000-07:00

So you decided to be an artist? You see yourself painting for the rest of your life. But there are things we must consider, and one of this is personal artistic signature…

Artistic style is simply an individual glitch. During the initial stage as a beginner we will discover certain areas that are quite difficult to overcome or execute…this should not be met with frustration but rather with determination. Remember, that is also a phase that will determine who will become an artist and not. Those who continue despite the detour will separate themselves from mere art lover to an actual art maker. It is like this, we all have our innate love for music but after hearing our own voice we decided to just stay as a music lover and discard any idea that we will ever win any amateur singing contest or after discovering that we both have left foot, we gave up dancing.
LOVE, PROFIT, EXPRESSION

Now since we decided to become an artist, we have to choose between three major fields, the amateur, the commercials and the professionals. I’m not saying here that commercial artist are not professionals but for the sake of this discussion, we will categorized those who create art for purposes of clients intent or pure business are called commercial artist while let us call professionals those who compose artwork for creative expressions. We can be both or juggle between the two from time to time. However, there are controversial issues here too, where some professional artist actually paint picture by which the public demand or painting that will commercially click, which is not bad at all…but sometimes creativity and freedom of expressions is actually suppressed on this process.

Also let us properly define the amateurs, this are the art lover who from time to time paint but have more focus on other fields like writing, acting, cooking, businesses etc...It does not mean however, that an amateur create less artistic pieces, they just paint for the sheer pleasure of painting. The word amateur itself rooted from the word "amor" which means in Hispanic speaking countries as Love. Notice that All three artist categories may actually interwove each other...like for instance a professional artist may also say that his art are labor of love and the commercial artist may do the same. The issue,I am pointing here is for you to understand key areas, individual levels, and personal criteria that defines an artist.

For beginners who are still trying to make a name in the art world, like me, we will set aside first those issues and focus on style. Later, we can decide whether we will pursue to be an amateur, professionals, or the commercials artist. For me, I have chosen to separate my art in two areas: the service type and the personal expressions. The services are doing portraits, some projects, and face painting for events. While the personal are those found in my visual manuscripts which I later distilled into an individual piece I called Realizationism.

I think I am not an authority in marketing, so let me just focus on discovering personal style. Actually, style will naturally come; so the proper question would be, “How can I hasten the arrival of my style”?

DISCOVERING THE VISION

As I’ve said, style is actually just a glitch in our artistic genes. Coming up with solutions to solved this limitations becomes our own style. You become masters from your own experiences and You will only put in your best efforts in work that you truly believe in. Aside from Victories and triumph our mistakes, limitations, difficulties, scars, and failures refines our whole character. Whatever is happening from the inside will manifest in your creations.

You wont discover anything unless you explore.

The first lesson should be: Just Start!!!

The surprising thing, after listening to masters (I love reading biographies of Great Masters) the usual advise, although not directly, is that there is no right and wrong way to paint. Art is not an exact science, and you must remember that. Despite, numerous “how to…” books or videos, with step by step procedures and illustrations…the reality is we are not genetically the same. What we simply have to put in mind at all time are the quality of materials and mediums. This is actually what you will learn in formal school, like what are the qualities of each materials and surfaces, the known styles or The basic techniques in applications…and the rest are theoretical and hypothetical.

So, the lesson is to simply begin. No one become masters overnight so keep on dabbling into your art. Explore all the possibilities and try to surpass your limit. Aim for a certain goal, not too extravagant at first but don’t scold yourself too much for not achieving what you envision.

Keep in mind: To pause and reflect !!!

Advise yourself to stop from time to time. Fatigues are sometimes ignored when we are so passionate at what we are doing. But sometimes passions make us blind. We sometimes overdo things when we are electrified with so much desires not unless you are entertained in the rigors of those activities. However, if you allow yourself to step back for awhile, you allow your body to regenerate its consumed artistic energy. When we ignore signs of fatigue, there is a strong possibility of an aftermath frustrations. Instead of elation and satisfactions, we find our project dull and lifeless.

Be able to determine: Your voice quality!!!

In music we have what they call voice range and it is also true in painting, there is what we call brushstroke range. This is determined by how long we can make a straight line without the aid of mechanical material or how much area we can cover in a single stroke.

What happen when you add more black or add more whites? Did the color change after drying time? Did you scrub the canvas to heavy or to light? How did you resolve in drawing geometric patterns? These are some of the external qualities that you have the power to manipulate. How you treat this resources makes your range style. It is not yet your total style, it is just part of your total signature.

Don't get frustrated when you can't paint like Raphael, Amorsolo or Van Gogh, but of course don't ever think that you can't be like them. Although you understand your limitations don't ever hinder yourself from trying to excel.

Accepts Whatever Happened

Critique your own works. Don’t throw away bad work for they will be an important document someday, believe me. Be real honest in what you are seeing. Take special notice to areas that you don't like...and ask yourself, "How can I resolve this mistake or is there a better way to do this?"

Similar questions will lead you to your personal artistic style. This will be the groundwork where you will focus your future attempts. Those glitches will make you an individual among the crowd of artisans someday.

ESCAPING THE INFLUENCES

Don’t even dare to think that it is possible. Never! Your artwork will always exhibit some of the qualities of your masters, mentors, or teachers.

However, no one is an exact copy of anyone. Therefore avoid imitating the works of others because it will only be 2nd best or a bad copy. Influences does not mean you are a copycat but an extensions of an evolving art form.

Your art should be a living expressions and extensions of your self. Being original is hard if that is all your concerns but being yourself will always make you original. Being yourself is your own artistic style.

2012-05-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the inactivity of this blog, I've just directed all my attention to Wisdom of a Fool articles, that is very necessary for the call of the times. Anyways, I'm back...hopefully, really back to creating artworks.

A good day to start, May 1 as we celebrate Labor's Day. I'm yours as laborer on this field.

Pushing isn't necessary because I feel very revitalized and inspired to create...so I gather some pencils and work my way back into actions. I'm not really absent on my art...visiting my art journal every now and then. The usual Multiple Focus juggling from Religious researches to keeping track of headlines.

Now that I'm back, we can continue illuminating on Realizationism Art.

I was thinking of making my 2nd video about Visual Manuscript. Wait a minute, I forgot to post the 1st one, so here it is...

Here are some of the new drawings I've just made today...

Manuscripts Archive 1

2012-03-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

Nearly 3 decades now that I've been honing, exploring, and gathering image on these journals and maybe in the near future I will finally present the final editions one by one for public viewing. Some of the pages actually had been previewed by my online friends...

I'll be keeping updates on my journal every now and then here...so keep in touch and click this page once in a while.

I do a lot of tweaking and re-evaluations with my art journals. Like the the manuscript above I called "A Whisper to a Scream" it has undergone 4 revisions...

Here is my latest baby "Intentional Moment"

My Largest Visual Manuscripts that I hopefully...and finally be able to show in public...Experiential Dictations 10.3

More updates

My Journey as an Artist, recommended for young artist

2012-03-10T03:19:00.000-08:00

"A creative mind doesn’t respect time – it cycles beyond the ordinary path…it wrestles any adversary and even goes beyond the accepted fact."

Testament of an Artist

In 1985 I begun a self-search both personal and artistic. The artistic searching was after the advises of my mentors during our summer workshop in Cultural Center of the Philippines. They said I should look for my own signature, which they've guaranteed I'll naturally discover. The thing is, although it will sprout by mere instinct, you still have to make some effort to look for it...to hone and to prune so to speak.

So, I had my first journey into discovering myself. You can not find your niche if you don't look inside yourself first. Before, asking what I am capable of doing, I have to test my limitations first. So after a month long re-molding from National Artist Lucrecia Kasilag, curator Ray Albano, Jun de Leon, Rodel Pena, and Arnel Agawin; I venture into the unknown...to find my insignia. They are my influences although they advise not to be influence. I think that can not be avoided. By the way, my father illustrate too, so he is my first model in this area... (A little Trivia: I was considered the best pencil sketcher in that workshop but definitely not the best as I am with Fine Arts student then from the best universities.)

As an Education student at PNC (now Philippine Normal University) that was supposed to be pursing a role to mold the minds of children , I focus on a different path, I search the rich library of our campus for artist and artworks, I have that especial interest in artist biographies than style and method. I skip the "how to's..." in drawing and paintings. I tried to fathom the heart of the masters than their creations. I always thought that I can not duplicate their works anyways, so why not learn what inspire them, what are the things going inside those geniuses.

THE COLOR OF WATERS

I did a lot of experiments, mono-prints, transfer arts, pastels, a little of oil and acrylics, crayons, pens, stamping, sculpture, wood-cut, and then I re-discover watercolor...here were I fell in love with the medium. Here's the story of that find...

One day during my gallery visits, this is an important ritual for an artist, to see whats going on in the art world...for any trending and inspirations too. I also received regular invitations and free tickets from CCP for any events. But when they oust my benefactor Madam Imelda Marcos, those invites no longer came. Anyway, so it was this one trip to Sheraton Hotel where I saw the watercolors of a certain artist, his surname Villanueva is all I can remember but his painting in water medium create an impact in me...I literally have to touch my nose on his work to examined the strokes. They were so realistic I can't believed they were done in watercolor.

The next day, I decided to purchase a set of watercolor, but my parent wouldn't allow me of course (The left over free materials from the workshop does not include a set of watercolor) so I secretly withdrew my money from the bank.

That night, I had created my first dull rendition of a "flower in vase" still-life. Afterwards, I tried portrait, as it is my first love...it was so smudgy that the little boy as my subject appeared dirty...so I name it as Batang Yagit (Street Urchin). I still consider the piece a success so I was not frustrated and keep my interest in watercolor.

THE TEAR-OUT STYLE

To solve the growing number of my experimental collections I made a compilations of those works. I include failed pieces there too, as advise by Agawin, that from there I will learn. It was the making of the cover where I discover "collages" or what I called my "Tear-out style" this is not just making collage but actually writing on my works. Writing on my work expresses what I have to tell deep inside, for myself...not necessarily for others. This is my own self-evaluations while painting. Just like making notes on the process and what are bugging my head in that instance.

Failed attempt are stored for latter use as collage...I store them for future use. I just don't paste item sporadically, I contemplate a lot and see to it that there is harmony...but the priority is relevance than design. During the early stage of this experiments I just balance objects with colors and shapes...now, a little more mature I see to it that it was relevant to the portrayal I want to express...it should connive with what I am feeling and wishes to express.

THE PREACHER IN COLOR
My acceptance of Jesus Christ as savior lead me into asking "What is your purpose Lord?" Now, why I have this gift...
Earlier before the visual art workshop I came to know Jesus, and since then I have always sought the heart of God, to know my meaning, how can I serve him with what I have...As I look around, read books and observed the world, I realized that there are too much evil in mass-media, including the arts...as there are satanic music, there are also satanic arts. Arts, as I saw it can be a powerful medium to indoctrinate mankind with whatever is offer under the motto: Art for Arts sake.

Even religion thought it is too remote to be influence by Satan, so they took this area for granted and leave it on us to decide for ourselves. But one can imagine the power of its hold when you look at its influences...they are not even notice or critically examined.
I'll give you an example, when the first renditions of Satan with bat-like wings and snake tails appeared, are there any protest from our church leaders? Anyway, a devil should look that ugly and scary if you will look at his evilness but that was a wrong depictions from a biblical perspective. We can't read anywhere that Satan should look that way...nor the same way, angels are commonly depicted today...actually we don't read child angel they are all adults and men. We don't have that girl angels either. So what happen by that misrepresentations?
In fact, character assassination happened too with Jesus when they gave him an effeminate face with a long hair. They gave Jesus a rebel look uncommon among Ancient Jewish people. So you see, the scope of an artistic misconception can do?
The power of an artist was often over-looked. They can pull the trigger of a gun with dangerous paint of ideas and the casualties can go on for many many years. Just look at the image of Jesus people adore. They varies according to the taste and standards of a god image they desire.
So that is why I aim to change my artistry...to tell stories...to share...and I can just share stories in a single frame. Let others do that...

THE VISUAL BOOK-MAKER
The decision to create books instead of single frames was perhaps one of the hardest that I've made. People around me would expect instant gain on my talent...why would I waste valuable time on something that wont give me financial gain. All visual manuscripts are still on its process, let's face it, I have spend long hours even many years in composing what I called as my lifetime thesis, perhaps it would remain that way...

But they expect me to create, so from time to time, once in a blue moon, I create an individual painting...actually this is to simply summarized, although hard, all that I have fused in my art journals.

Yet, these individual works had the tendency also to be rebutted and be incorporated on my manuscripts too.

I can't focus on a single dimension. I want to do so many things and I have only one life span. My diversities of interest perhaps rooted the quantum leaps of ideas until it incorporate into another perspective.
MOMENT IN TIME
I always consider everything happened because they had to happen. There are no accidents for me...I advocate cause and effect. Where our attention goes, our physical reality follows. If we alter our mind, we alter our destiny as well. That is basically what I am doing in my journal, I do a lot of alterations to match the desired future I see for myself.
Although, it is an honest recording of my feelings, I also try as much as I can to end each page with a positive note. Yet, not all page in our life are positive and recommendable, so they are there on my manuscripts, even moment of anger and failures...
Life is about experiences, so if we see ourselves and others as a mass of personal experiences...we can easily forgive ours and others shortcomings.
Knowledge is not linear, they happen all at once from different sources. Dimensions of experiential events are from various level as well. So, my visual manuscripts served so many purpose for me. It is my diary and laboratory of experiences, and they also served as memoir of events or moment that froze my mind. Thus, my books can become a good coffee table book to start a good conversation...

Critical Thinking

On final note about my art, I know my art work have reach its goal when the person start to ask. When I have successfully challenge another's mind to contemplate.

Multiple Focus

2012-02-18T03:11:00.000-08:00

I've been embracing so many things in my life...perhaps I am very creative that I can't contain myself into a straight line. This is a case where creativity doesn't help much. I want to do various things and focus almost on all things. There is too much going inside my head...

Well anyway, I don't count success on level of achievement that are tangible...I count it one day at a time and they are not usually synonymous with material things. What I call failure are those things that I haven't done. I have plenty of those things hanging on my head...they are still here...and I am not quite sure if they will materialized.

I have so many interest in life that grab my attention. I am so spontaneous and random...somebody said, it was a good trait but not all the time. Well, at least on my case.

When you focus you'll hit the bull's eye. I think to achieve my goal I'll be needing machine gun.A multiple casualties technique, if such exist.

Well if you advise that I should prioritized and pick what was at utmost importance...I can not do that!

Oh I just can't contain myself in a box. I want to surf the ocean of knowledge. I want to paint, to write, to be a journalist, to be a biologist, manage a restaurant, to climb mountains, spelunking, playing video games, establish an artist haven, learn more languages, be the best father of the century...LOL

Look! We can try...can't we?

As of now, let me focus on so many things...

Do You Still Write?

2012-02-02T20:11:00.000-08:00

I still write. That means literally writes on paper using pen and I do it more often than typing my blog or updating status on social network. I made drafts, I take down notes, I scribble a lot... even when it is easier to check spellings using my laptop. Writing the traditional way is not just for mental exercise but for your hand coordination too; plus retaining the correct spelling on your brain and not on your hard-drive.

Last page of my first Visual Manuscripts

Your strokes can reveal moods and feelings so I don't skip this part when writing an article especially those entry that needed clarifications. Because when I re-read what I have written, I discover additional revelations within my self that are vital for growth...was I in a hurry during the composition of this essay? Why did I erase this part anyway? or what is the mood of that moment? Those are the question I make to better understand myself. The handwriting itself became a mirror or snapshots of that instance. That way I can evaluate my own performance in a Movie called "The Life and Times of Fernando Mission Ymas"...

Hitting keyboards when expressing an idea can sometimes make you passive and detached. I believed when you make signature strokes it directly reflect your personalities or what is really flowing from your heart.

Using pens, brushes, or pencils allows the feeling to stay a little longer than hitting keys. And when you delete the post, you don't have the access anymore to review your first thought. For all you know, your original thought is much better than your 2nd thought.

Thoughts are like water vapor and when you write, you crystallized that brain wave into a snow. A snow that can be gathered and sculpted into a beautiful castle...until it hardens into ICE. Little snowflakes that had the potential to be an Iceberg. Wow! Can you imagine how great a simple vapor can become!

Which brings me to another possible scenario...that we can create devastating blizzards with our writing, so when we allow resting time for our thoughts we give ample time to reflect before hitting the "post it" icon. That is why I have tons of drafts that are stacked because I feel they are not worth telling at all. (for now maybe)

People can not see what you have in mind. In fact, you can not see them too...so what do you do to make your thought materialized? You act on it. There are many possible way to make your thoughts happen. One, you can verbalized it! or another, You can Write it down. I think writing is much better because it stays longer. A beautiful thought that remain longer can affect the environment much longer...even forever like the Gospels of Jesus.

The same goes to a bad idea...A Bad Literature can affect a whole generation, for example Charles Darwin's "The Origin of Species"...can you imagine the terror that it had made because of his Evolution Theory? Adolf Hitler made it his bible to spread hate against certain weaker race. The survival of the fittest was just an idea (in fact, just a theory and not a proven fact) but look at the impact. I have to stress this point to emphasized the danger of a not well-thought ideas. Actually survival of the fittest is a lame scientific thought, but there are people who believe it was true. Because even "LIES" can affect reality. Anyway...

MAKE IT HAPPEN BY WRITING WHAT YOU DESIRE!!!

Did you notice that as your personality change, your writing changes too? This is very much visible for artist's and his artworks...the style changes when his belief systems change. Everything that you believe is what you will achieved. If you alter your perceptions, you alter your future.

The first influence we learn from outside force is writing. The capacity to eat, sleep, or even mumble a sound is a natural process...but to write is a force ability. Whether we like it or not we have to follow lines, curves, and spaces...or no one will understand what we are scribbling. Writing is one of the first discipline we have to acquire in order to be included in higher groups. People that can't read or write are deprived of certain opportunities. Those that can speak, read, and write better had more advantage than others.

Since we learned or acquired both good and evil influences, we have to re-evaluate how we write. Do you have the tendency to write sentiment or criticized a lot? Do you like what you are writing in the pages of your journal of life? Then change what you are writing therein.

If you wrote yesterday: The sky is gloomy when I wake up. Then change it today! Write something like: I brighten the gloomy sky when I wake up. You did not lie, there's maybe a typhoon coming as the Weather Bureau said but you created sunshine in your vicinity. SO the rest of the day to you didn't start with a gloomy rhythm...and everything good will follow.

Now, if you can crystallized your thought into clear statement...which is writing (the best medium than speech) there are nothing impossible anymore for you. You can write beautiful poetry, create the future to happen now by writing the thing you want for your future now!

Write love songs like Barry Manilow who said "I write the song that makes the whole world sings". Who doesn't know Mr. Manilow? That is what he stated for himself, that is what he makes us all to accepts...He said again: I AM MUSIC, AND I WRITE THE SONG.

Now as a statement to myself: I AM ART!!! Well, umhhh...I wrote that so it can manifest on the world around me. Better follow what you preach! (grin!!!)

Do you want a Blog that can alter the destiny of your followers? Tweets that will share your passions, and lastly write your farewell message. Which remind me to stop writing for now. Welcome to your Life!!!

A pen is mightier than a sword. -- Anonymous

Applying Some Bright Shades

2012-02-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

It was so easy to give advise to others about many things. Like I've often said "Don't wait for an inspiration...create the inspiration." or something like that...but as for myself...I'm struggling to create a piece...but I wont allow the thought to lay its egg.

Don't be too harsh on yourself Fher, my higher self whispered. There is always a vehicle where I can ride...and so I pick up a pencil and start to illuminate...

It's always easier to gather inspirations and then eventually create when your doing something. The first few dabbling may appear senseless but I just let it flow. Our intentions should go where we want it. So, I try to alter anything that is hindering my beautiful thoughts...or those intent telling me I can't create. I can create...I am created by GOD to be like Him...always making things beautiful.

And when there is an ugliness in the world? You can splash some paint and alter the view. A little twisting and turning of hues and contrast...add or minus brightness...make it just the right amount.

The battle of wills. That is the real battle going on in the spiritual realm. Satan on the other side who said "I will be like the Most-High" and...

Oh the devil must be jealous right now because what he been trying to do since eternal past had been freely given by God to us. God shared His divine power to humans. That was what Satan had been trying to stop...he is trying to keep this secret away from us through deceptions and lies.

The devil is whispering "You are just human, so act like all the rest of the earthly material world."

What people fail to "see" was the enlightenment that Jesus had been telling us since He conquered death more than two thousand years ago. He gave us the privilege to experience the "Kingdom of God".

Maybe I will tackle the subject on coming blogs...as for now...I will do marvel with the power God has given me.

Fher Ymas and his Artistry Video

2012-01-22T17:24:00.001-08:00

I Received More Life Now

2011-10-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Perception as I've said is a learned phenomenon. We perceived things according to what we have learned either base on experiences or someone telling us. We know it's red because they told us it is red. But what if you grew up and the elders telling you red is called blue?
We use our perceptions in recognizing and judging things...it is reality according to us. Our Life. Everything that appears or disappears from our senses must undergo the path towards, inwards, and outwards our perceptions. All is subjected to what we believe. Like TIME.

Longer Times for Children
Time is also subject to perception, and that is the reason it seems to move slower for children and faster for adults. Do you remember how long the summer used to last?

Now does a 24 hours we have per day gradually changed when we grow older? Summer actually does last longer from a child's perspective. Actually awareness enable us to focus on every moment, not just a single moment but every passing moment... the more aware you are, the slower time travels, because each moment contains more life.

As we get older, our attentions are now divided into many things. Our focus are dissected into what to eat, what to wear, where to rest, or what to blog or share on Facebook....

You receive less life, and time moves faster from your perspective and experience. Unknowingly you consume life more faster but cherish very few.

A child receives more of life, because they don't have the worry about tomorrow yet...they live in the moment. And when they expect or look forward to upcoming events or surprises they took it as something that will surely happen and they never look forward to anything negative like there's a coming typhoon or payment for bills. Their mind has not completely taken over their life yet.

The Lost World

What planet is this? Is this the same planet when you were still a young child? Did God deduct 4 or 6 hours to the former clock you used?

The world you saw as a child is still here; you just cannot see it anymore. The world did not change; you changed. You became less aware. Kids still see it.

When you change your perceptions, and focus on the Truth you become more aware again, and you will see life like you did then. Soon you will be able to see life better than a child sees it or any animal has ever seen it.

You will see the real world.

“Know thy self,” Socrates said. Who are you? You are mind, body, and soul. In most cases, adult live their life on the mind-self and body-self mode. Some even live on either one of the two. They have often or ignorantly forget their most important nature...the spiritual self.

"For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." -- John 4:24

Now if God tell us that we should worship in spirit, therefore we are a spiritual being too. Maybe its about time that we focus once again to our spiritual self the way we use to be as a child.

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.--Matthew 18:3

What Jesus means here is that we put on the same qualities we have as a child. Listed below are some of the qualities we must re-acquire according to the Bible, as we stay focus on this renewed perception by daily reading God's word (asking for Spiritual guidance and truly seeking God with love) we will little by little grew up and discover where the Kingdom of God is.

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.--Matthew 18:4

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,--1 Perer 2:2

Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.--1 Cor. 14:20

There will be more discussion on this topic, as part of my Realizationism Art, as I've told you before hand that I can not separate my artworks from my faith in The God of the Bible. So, to learn more, if you feel these does not violate your faith, you can visit my other blog: The Armor of God for more in depth study on the Word of God.

Updating myself

2011-10-08T03:22:00.000-07:00

We have to make clear some latest changes that occurred between my two visual journals that I have inter-changeably misrepresented from previous blogs. These two manuscripts are undergoing a total make over they are Stolen Moment and A Whisper to a scream. In fact, this two books came from many changes they are now called Stolen Moment 7.4 and A Whisper to a Scream 6.4…that means both had undergone 4 editing. These are important since I am finalizing my collections and hopefully won’t make anymore reconstructions or total overhauling. I have very little time left…

Still, the aim of Stolen…is the instant images sprouting from my pulse while Whisper…is more on my literary directions. As I’ve said before, all my manuscripts were actually a constellation of work reflecting my personal experiences and reactions. Thus, it is irrelevant whether certain item actually belong here or there…the important thing is that they are real. Both collections will be further scrutinized for finalizations. The rest of the manuscripts will remain as it is…I hope.

On this note, I would like to announce that I just started another visual manuscript—untitled yet but the aim is for exhibitions or to be distributed. Aside from that being the 9^th I also have another project hanging on my head that I cannot squeal at this time, just in case someone robs the idea.

I will keep you posted in the near future and in the meantime I’m going to be very busy with these entire goals I am setting for myself. I needed this….

Here are the covers…

Ooops I have no cover for A Whisper to a Scream at this time...

By the way some blogs too became almost identical especially with regards to my arts and faith…now maybe I should resolve this issue too for easier life on me.
At this stage...of life...I feel I have to make some clear road maps. I mean most of my visual journals/manuscripts might just end up to where they came...to junk. Nothing is ever too late...and I will have to make some final pasting and wrapped-up some book to be dispatch. They can't just stay on my cabinet and rot...they have to travel the world.
On days to come...err one of this very few days...you'll see at least 2 VM on the scene for exhibitions. I better stop loving my work so much and let go of them...

What happen to After Image 8.2 now?

2011-10-05T04:26:00.000-07:00

where is After Image now?

I think I made that promise to update my readers on this visual manuscripts...well I am but I guess it was not made clear. Since lately I've been making more concise and organized blogging by re-mastering my blogs, I think its about time to put you back on track what has become to this online visual book-making experience.

Let me see, where did I stopped? The latest post with the label After Image was Answered Prayer via Coincidences in August. There are three images on it that you can find on this book...

(pp.9)

Altered Peace (pp.17)

Lost in Translations (pp.14)

If you notice there were skips on the pages, that's how I work sometimes...I let go of a certain work if I feel I have another idea popping on my head. Well, sometimes I have to redirect my thoughts if I feel the work is going nowhere or bound to fail. That does not mean either that I will not continue the piece, it will have to undergo a process all over again, not necessarily on the same direction as the original intent. That is to resolved the mistake or lost mood in finishing the projects.

Sometimes the page will remain untouched for a time until I decide what to do with it...and by the way I also pre-plan on a piece, meaning I add in advance detail I want for that upcoming work.

I do not want to bask on wasted energies nor waste energy so I keep all my work even if they are not satisfactory on my standard...that is the basic motto of Realizationism-- to solve and re-solve an experience.

There are cases too that I have to totally remove a page if I feel it has not serve its purpose or it will be better somewhere else...like this sketch of Heidi Riego below that I decided to pull out for future framing and presentations.

A piece that might go with the same fate like the said portrait, is a work that can be found on page 6 and it is The Naked Truth; which is also followed by an untitled landscape on page 7. Both work seems asking me to be pulled out and frame...Oh this remind me also of a Self-Portrait (at the end of the day) which is out on sale.

Still needing additional item on it's right side is this sketch using a violet color pencil...what right word to share or another image? Time can tell.

Nineteen pages reach at this time (with those pages in-between that was not yet done or decided...) The last one is "Poetic intentions" which I have executed in the manner I use to employ around 10 years ago. I will discuss this style on future blog...

Poetic Intentions (pp.19)

To follow my post regarding the visual manuscript After Image 8.2 use the label keyword After Image

Summon those inspiration

2011-10-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

Applying what I've been discussing on this blog I made these two featured portraits to achieved the state of inspiration....

detail from After Image 8.3 (pp.16)

Like what God experience after He worked for 6 days and made the Sabbath and enjoyed His own creation I also said "It is good." and then I wrote a blog on in on Wisdom of a Fool with this following words:

Since yesterday I've been trying to get inspired...I did not waited but created my inspirations. I pick a color pencil and chose this time the manuscript "Stolen Moment".....to make as an ignition work as usual. Yes, these are what I called ignition pieces or starters...so I can build up a confidence or to be exact summoning enough energy to paint a thematic work. The usual process start with a couple of doodles and then sketch process until images are form...but it does not always appear as I wanted too...there are times when frustrations hit me. But I always, no I mean never discard them totally since they will still provide source for future explorations...Why portrait of women? It's the easiest connection I can do at this moment...but it is not always the case, I also browse and add items on my visual diaries for boost...often simultaneously....

I think in a few hours or day I will have new inspiration coming. A painting worth sharing.