Inside Looking Out, coffee painting

Not For The Proud and Weak

It has been a very long time since I've last written on this Blog...a lot of things had happened on me both as a person and as an artist. Although the thoughts that I'd be sharing to you today is about Art, and therefore should be written on my art blog but I've realized that it would be very important to share here, where greater audience can possibly read. 

This is about the recent realization that Life is about simplicity.... about true understanding of one's self including his Faith and belief. 

Creating Art works had always been my major duty, I believe, why I am here besides serving The Lord GOD. But just recently I've realized that this world...the Art world is full of fakers and vanities...self-righteousness and pride are sometimes the main ingredients if you want to reach your goal....there was a moment that you have to prostitute your soul just to gain recognitions. In the end, Artistry could loosen your faith in God. 

I say, now I believe that Wisdom comes with age....

It was as I've observed and confirmed that even mediocre artist can outshine the talented. It was not just connections but mutual prostitutions. 

And so I've concluded that it was a world not suited for the Proud and Weak. I've heard and felt so many sentiments from fellow artist the unbalance treatment to artist or biases in favor of Haves against the Have-nots. 

Yes there are too many artist in the world but very few are truly creative....Yet, you can just kiss away that Hope that by being exceptional and creative you will be rewarded greatly. That was not true in Art...The sad truth is, they buy the Artist and rarely do they truly care about what you have done. 
So there were people like Van Gogh, who despite their geniuses fail to achieve popularity during their life time....
So as of this very generation, where technology have shorten the distance between the audience and the performer, a new breed of Critics were born...the fool become sages....and an increase of OVERRATED artists. 
The cyber bully were born...

Ranting for The Ranters 
(This was the part that I have chosen to share on Facebook wall)

Listen! The Art world is Not for the Proud and Weak. Period. Don't read any further if you don't want to be criticized....

From the very moment you start showing your artworks your work will undergo scrutiny. Because Art can never be Art unless it stands scrutiny. 

Don't expect also that everybody will be CONSTRUCTIVE or Gentle because Not all who will see your work are Experts or Ally. They will even attack you as a "Person" because this is SHOW business for your informations. 

Don't you ever think that all these "self-proclaimed" critics do is to BELITTLE or DOWNGRADE you, that's a very childish thought. In fact "Constructive Criticism" are always met with HOSTILITY by the Proud and Weak. 

Because YOU yourself as an artist is a critic of things you saw around you, YOU yourself as an artist scrutinized the thoughts of others and translate them into your artworks, YOU yourself as artist is the MOST BOASTFUL critics of BEAUTY. 

"Who gave you the rights to decide what is beautiful anyway?"

It is a stupid PRIDE to expect that everybody will LIKE your work. ART is not about your VAIN or empty imaginations that everybody in this planet will APPRECIATE what you are doing. Don't live in Fantasy because even the Priceless Monalissa was highly Disliked by many.  

If you HATE critics then HIDE your work under your bed or bury them.

You say you are a HOBBYIST and not an artist...then focus your concern in entertaining yourself because once you show them to the world you already start performing like an Artist. 

A hobbyist singer who create NOISES will never be met with praises my friend. 

Start Thinking as an Artist but Don't to forget to wear a Heart of stone. Because once again, take it from your Kuya Fher...the Art world is NEVER meant for the PROUD and WEAK!!!! 

The Bible said, be gentle as dove but be wise a serpent!

To The Critics..the advise will be Few because you will always DISLIKE anything that does not feed your Vanities.

Just Read The Wisdom of Solomon, the wisest man that ever live...who admitted that he is Nothing in the end...

Where Am I?

So I'm not blogging lately...what is happening to me? I want to focus on my artistry..I have already settle myself on the fulfillment of the love itelf. To have a name or even dream of having a One-man show is not any more on my priority list...but I am not closing the door for the possibilities. 

   I would simply create artworks...that is all. To be at peace with my art...to share even for the few.

 Artists never grow up…. Always wondering and always trying new things. They must retain that child-like quality or they’ll end up in an asylum.

   I'll soon be back with regular blogging on this site for now I'll be more active on my Art blog.

See My Latest artworks here: http://realizationism.blogspot.com/


 

Art Journals Parody

The question now is my ability to battle my own self. The competition is not about others and have realized that my greatest  opponent is myself.

So besides all other purposes, sometimes, well, most of the time actually is that my visual manuscripts often echo these fights...or struggle.

   Have I done enough to be really be accepted within the circle? Following mandate, rules, and accepted human facts isn't much of my forte in terms of art. I am too lazy to go linear.

   It should have been more financially liberating if I obey the systems. Only if I painted more instead of unleashing my thoughts and feelings. 

   But my visual manuscripts are life force--a support system that enables me to reflect and breath within. A rest from weariness. Maybe you may not understand but these so called waste of energies are my treasure.

   I have very rare individual piece...which is by the way may be subjected to change too. So those who own my work, they are rare treasure indeed and count yourself lucky. 

   Here I am dictated by choices...I'm still fortunate because most people doesn't have much of the choice.

   I am once again running away from the circle of which I am already in. I can not caste myself in a system...or sets of dimension. I am free...

   

   There is always something good, worthwhile, and beautiful to look forward to in whatever situation.

Pitong Lawa, Pitong Sining (The Experience)

   
I really have to squeeze my schedule when I heard there is an activity for the arts here in the province of Laguna. Luckily I had a window of free time this week. A face painting schedule had been moved and that might have been a sign that I really must go. 

   Sometime ago early in 2000 I've participated in Art Camp2 at Antipolo City...I miss hanging out with people who breath the same passion for the Arts and I can not let an opportunity like this slip away.To be one with the arts once again. 

     This time, it's San Pablo city. 

    So when I saw the Facebook post of Ed Gamo, Jr. about "Pitong Lawa, Pitong Sining" (Seven Lakes, Seven Arts) Cultural event, I immediately contacted him and laid my interest (in fact, enthusiasm) to attend. 
   Edgardo Gamo, Jr. a true child of San Pablo City; also known as Eddie boy is the silent spirit but powerful figure behind the art side of the event. It is my way of thanking him why this article was written. His warm personality and passionate love for arts had made this event a success... 

   After more than 3 hours of travel from Binan City to San Pablo City. I've reach Ultimart Shopping Mall. Instantly, the air was festive. The mood was up beat...There was a stage set up at the central artery of the Mall. The ribbon was cut at 10Am. 

   So what is Pitang Lawa, Pitong Sining? 

   On its 2nd year now, organized by BJAI (Barangay ni Jose Association, Inc.) spearhead by Film Dir. Soxy Topacio. It aims to promote the seven arts and most especially to bring awareness for the conservation of the 7 lakes in San Pablo City. 
   Centerpiece of the event is the Musikatha, a song writing competition that gives tribute to the 7 lakes of San Pablo and to encourage tourism. Believe me, when you hear the qualifying entries, you wouldn't thought they were made by students and amateur.  
   There is a mini bazaar where you can get souvenir items, tattoos, antiques, artworks, and Pinoy foods at affordable prices plus welcoming friendly staff of BJAI. I was being lead to the 2nd and 3rd floor to witness the exhibits of WALO Visual Artist with Kulay ng Pitong Lawa art group. Promising talents of this generations. 

    Various Short films are being shown at the cinema. Lecture on Baybayin, a native  Filipino alphabet older than alibata... Screenwriting seminar, theater acting conducted by no other than Dir. Soxie Topacio. Award winning movie by film master Mario O'Hara "Tatlong Taong Walang Dios" (3 Years without God) starring Superstar Nora Aunor.
    A lecture in Photography by Laguna Shutters...

   Not pre-planned but the next day, I was already face painting in Pitong Lawa booth via Sir Ed's suggestion. Oh by the way, I had a great time sketching with Walo artist using soft-pastel that I have not used for quite sometime.   

    Here I am with Walo Art Group during opening ceremony....

   Barangay ni Jose with Dir. Soxie and Walo Artist...

    My face paint of a chicken for Walo artist Hilda de Jesus which she confides her favorite...

   Try reading Baybayin along the entrance to the theater...

   Ed Gamo's corner...

   I really wish I could finish all the 7 days stretch to show my support but I had other obligations to finish but all in all it was a memorable experience. See you next year. 

   Click here to visit WALO Visual Artist Facebook page.

   

A Picture that Paint a Thousand Words

In most cases I get my inspiration from literary pieces like books, magazines, articles, and poetry...I never thought that the vice versa (or mutual synchronicity) would transpire from my own artwork. To become the source for a poetry to be written was beyond my expectations. It really made my heart override (or expanding within the lung cavity) when one of my favorite romantic poetess Manisha Bathia announce that she was inspired to write a poem from this painting which she call "Behind the Blue Eyes" and thus became the official title of the said work although I intended the same work with another story. To my surprise Manisha captured partially the feelings I weave at that moment...especially the lines: 

"They could never explore, could never touch the core

The wetness confines, tales of sacrifice…" 

  

   

   It just came to me, that whatever we intend in our mind or what's going on deep in our senses will reflect on what ever we do. Perhaps the reflection was there. 

   Telling stories is my foremost goal ever since when I paint, even for  portraits...capturing the feeling, even those fleeting moment into a Monalissa-like masterpiece. 

   To share linguistic abstract-ideas into a single frame are the challenge that I tackle every time I dabble into the medium. Not to sacrifice beauty and balance, yet there should be the necessity of telling the drama...the behind the scene and untold phrases captured in representations of images. Looking for the right brushstroke or shades of various degrees are the main task I dare to encounter. 

   The artist always give special attention to the eyes. In fact, I constantly make a conscious effort to have my selection of models on the basis of "eye" status. The pre-determined appearance of an incoming artwork is already hanging on my brain, then process the available sources to the story rubbing inside my static mind. Resourcefulness will be tested if I can't find the right representations, and sometimes I have to do small tweaking to fit my state of mind. 

   Inspiration, like everything else, is a state of mind, you can either dwell on it or alter its course. We can create inspiration, thus, I am so thankful that out of my work, another inspiration arises. 

   "Behind the blue eyes" is not a portrait, but a symbolic reflection, that anyone can give meaning to. 

   

   Read The full content of the article and poem of Manisha at When I was Lost in Me.  

   

Veil of Deceptions...Explained

Telling stories in a single frame--the concise interpretation of ideas I have been harvesting these past days. This is the directions that I've been trying to build after those portraits...

   I always want a significant work that will express my thoughts...doing faces and human anatomy were just prelude or something I do to re-summon the energy especially during those long absence...I need to replenish my thoughts. 

   Finding the right symbol to express an immaterial idea needs surgical insight inside our mind and heart. The inner self never lies...it is our spirit speaking...the real person you are and not what other thinks of you (or what you think you are). 

   Now if I explain the parable of my art  work, it will preempt the needed understanding or personal growth of my audience...any artwork or images is a mirror reflection of the person looking. You see things according to your perceptions--you'll hold anything you believe and throw anything that violates your value.    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. 

   This is not a common process for me...to give hint on my art works, I don't intend to influence your feelings, values, or desires BUT I think, to clarify or at least give you the basics of interpreting an artwork, which I have learned from my masters and mentors. The same process that I've learned (constant) in deciphering Bible passages...

   The unveiling...There are basic symbols that I put here...(Veil of Deceptions)*  first it will draw your attention to the central figure...a face, specifically a realistic mask...the personality they project in public is just a show...an alter as supported by a 'red' curtain. There is a numerical revelations here of a card (so it is a sort of a game)...their devises, their plans, and they are powerful elite...below are minimal interpretations of a computer keyboard...the meaning are varied here. Then the devil as represented by the snake (we see only the tail...most are unaware of his true identity)...and they appear like angel (the angel fish)...angel that provides joy and comfort. A pencil...this is usually my own role...the role I share...

   The work is still on process...actually, just a signature is needed...but a pause was intended for myself...to contemplate further...to cure the image first and settle on my brain a little longer before I create another artwork...there is another idea now...it formed while doing this particular piece...

   By the way, YES I often represent myself as the pencil in almost all my work. Fher Ymas is a pencil...so sometimes you see it broken, rotten, twisted,  or decaying...a pencil that needed sharpening too.

   Now, that I have explain this piece, something that is unusual for me, actually, I've just given you a starting point...a little aid to your own self-evaluation. 

   A prequel to this piece that I've signed and dated  March 1, 2012 was called Orchestrated Repertoire...maybe we can try a little mental exercise on this...like I've said, follow your inner self.

*The title was suggested by Syed Alfandi

Who Framed The Artist?

Is there a market for a visual journal? I have no idea nor knowledge of any gallery showcasing this kind of interest as of this writing. Then why would I still indulge into something that wont sell?  

   Financial gain definitely is a welcome add-ins if ever. BUT to divert my attention on something that would give me material increase instead of freely allowing my mind to create, will cloud my spirit.

   I have clearly defined and separate my artistic inclinations over artistic services. I do Face painting services and other projects that requires my talent for monetary gain BUT when it comes to my artistry, I do this purely out of LOVE. 

   This is a personal thirst I am quenching and nothing else. A deep sense of calling to share without exchange...I don't even expect some praises. But of course, I'll be a hypocrite to deny that I will not be hurt when somebody dislike my work. Anyway, so far the only non-appreciative remarks I get was when somebody said why I waste my time on visual manuscripts instead of making artwork that are framed and therefore exhibit them. 

   To answer the question: Why I waste time, resources, and effort on these manuscripts? The answer is: "Simply because..."

    When I don't expect any approval from outside forces I can manifest things more honestly, more sincere, and more creative. 

   I only want to enjoy this gift. 

What is a Visual Diary for me?

A Visual Manuscripts is a laboratory of personal experience...gathered on a minute detail randomness using whatever resources available or whatever life throws in front of me. 

Air Supply - Making Love out of Nothing at all

My Favorite Artworks of all time

I wish I still have my father's illustration with me and it would top the list of these collections...his drawings had been my first exposure and inspiration since then. But none of those artwork are with us now...Google search can't help me on this. Anyway, the following images you are about to see are artworks (and artist) that form part of my deep respect for this vocation...

   Top of the list is this piece, thank God the advent of internet able me to have a glimpse of this work again...a childhood memory of a calendar print that I have always admire. Coming from our very own First National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo...I'm also proud that we have the same first name but actually my name was taken from our action king, Fernando Poe, Jr.; who by the way is another National Artist. Well, this painting I can very well remember had been eternally pasted on our wall until we have to move to another house...

   Yes, we also have Da Vinci's Last Suffer, as another calendar favorite print of all time...but I always thought this one from Amorsolo is far more superior. Another favorite from Amorsolo is this next picture...

The most popular and most copied piece of the master. Ah! but still who can rival the way he paints the midday sun? 

   Next on my list is no other than "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh.  

   It was the song first by Don McLean that really got me interested on the above work. Vincent had around a dozen version  of this work but to be exact this is the piece that I really admire, to be exact "Starry Night over the Rhone"--a piece that always gave me a nostalgic feeling...

   Before I became an advocate of symbolism I first delve as a pupil of surrealism...the following images are among the lasting influences this school of thought leave on me...

   First is the jumbled images of Yves Tanguy here...characterized my treatment of items in most of my artwork as well...

   Another excellent surrealist is Hans Kanters....and I liked almost all his works...specially the details...

When you speak of Surrealist of course, the first person that comes to mind is Salvador Dali...

      Obviously if you have seen my earlier works the familiarity of John F. Peto   is an approach that I still retain every now and then...the only still-life artist I know that can tell stories from everyday object...

I so much like all Peto's work I wish I could contain it all here...anyway here's another one that show the style I also ride into...

Another all time favorite is Ephraim Samson...I have a hard time looking for a sample of his watercolors. Can't find anything...

Last but definitely not the least is my mentor Arnel Agawin...

He works on handmade paper...

Here's a link to Agawin's portfolio on Carbonmade>> CLICK HERE

Building Inspiration

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...

   I feel not being able to serve the purpose of my personal existence when I'm not creating an artwork...at least a simple sketch will suffice. So after hurdling some detour that only happens on my brain I made these two item below...

   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.

Synchronized Poetic Rendetions

"Poetic Intentions"
A beacon of hope, a candle that suppose to be speaking
Empty rhetoric of a man with only so little to give.
The shimmering glow has come to exhaustion...

There’s a super typhoon threatening to hit the Philippines. As if intensifying the memory of typhoon Ondoy two years ago, this one Pedring already making an early gnashing…although it was predicted to make landfall by tomorrow. So I wrote a blog and you can hit this link IN MEMORY OF ONDOY. But before the blog, I was charge by an intense desire to paint…

   The idea was formed about a day or two ago, and I had made a rough sketch of it yesterday but there were some art projects that came plus I still have to make Empanada to sell. By the time all errand was finished, I was too tired to face the said artwork therefore I indulge myself on the internet, visiting of course Tagged ArtLover Group…play Iron-Grip Marauders, Edit some of my sites, and browse some article…

   So the said work was re-started this noon. When it’s done I feel satisfied and ready to brag it on cyberspace that I call “Poetic Intensions” although the intent was not really met after it didn’t came out nice on photograph. Well, the usual problem with my camera: the image were blurry and it doesn’t show the beautiful color mixing I had achieved on this piece; especially the central figure which is the candle with mouth—a surreal approach that symbolizes an advocacy that I want to share being the beacon or light for mankind.

   It is quite frustrating after more than a dozen attempts taking shots; twisting, adjusting lights, white-balance and contrast but to no avail. The only consolation is looking at it directly on my work. Now, it’s a great deal to me now to acquire a new camera. That thing wouldn’t be possible at the moment. I’m so broke and there are some necessary debts to finish.

   Sometimes, I was thinking I should go back working and abandon my quest for self-employment. This is a tough season for my entrepreneurship and my other sidelines aren’t that booming too… I must have been wrong in my decisions…

   All is accumulating now after about 3 years since I leave Print Town. It must have been a brave move but not wise at all.       

   Now the beacon is fading…its shimmering glow has come to its exhaustion… 

  

In moments of failure

I will think of past successes.

Deep Thoughts

   I found several articles that I am indulging myself now. Dipping my heads into nourishing insights from both sides of the spectrum. I need to balance all details since many false prophets are claiming to be inspired by God.

   Here are some sites that I have discovered with my surfing...

   christiananswer.net

   The Young Earth Club

     bible.org

   There are still other sites I must explore and at this time needed some thorough reading. I will not be able of course to grasp all these...instantly, therefore, without any conclusion...I'll just take whatever it is now...swallow? Not necessary but just gathering this info at the back of my head, as many as its accumulating capacity. 

   It is good that my computer is functioning well...I mean the transfer to our kitchen makes my networking experience faster. It's going to be a busier neurons than the usual. 

   I've renovated Stolen Moment (V.M.) with all original pieces and the dismantling happen yesterday August 30. I have planned for this many weeks ago and the pieces that will not go to this collections will have to move from my other VM-Visual Manuscripts. 

   I also have a new site called 

Art by FherMission

 http://fherymas.carbonmade.com/