Mother Earth and Her Woes

In celebration of Earth Day, I find parallelisms in the issues and challenges every woman is facing today especially those coming from a Third World country like the Philippines. Thus, I offer this painting of mine rendered in pastel to remind us not to lose sight with the pressing problems of Mother Earth in as much as we want to achieve personal growth. Further, it underscores the interdependence and inter-connectivity of our actions.

Emotions

 Title: Stain
Artist: Aying
Medium: Oil Pastel
Size: 8"x11"

It does not define our existence but only makes us stronger and wiser. It's a matter of standing up where we have fallen and facing a new day with a head held up high. For all we know, the norms of today that we hold sacred only demeans and defeats the essence of our existence...in the process, subverting our true self.

Title: Torn
Artist: Aying
Medium: Oil Pastel
Size: 8"x11"

A poem I've memorized by heart which I found in my high school textbook. One thing I realized is that to some extent I was able to actualize a part of the message of this powerful poem. So here it goes:

I've slept and dreamt,

that life was joy;

I've awoke and saw,

                                                                                    that life was duty;

                                                                                    I've acted and behold,

                                                                                    duty was joy!

                                                                                                          -Rabindranath Tagore  

I Thirst

 Title: I Thirst (1)
Artist: Aying
Medium: Oil on Paper
Size: 12"x18"

I woke up one morning envisioning a black and red painting but no concrete concept in mind. Like my previous paintings, I've let my emotions and feelings translate into a concept...So here's the two part series.

Title: I Thirst (2) 
Artist: Aying
Medium: Oil on Paper
Size: 12"x18"

Reminds me of my favorite part in PhilStar Sunday edition's "spot the difference." But honestly, the difference lies on the brush I used...Part 1 was created out  of a worn out and ready to expire brush while Part 2 was courtesy of a newly bought brush I've discovered at NBS.

In Memoriam

 Title: In Memoriam (1)
Artist: Aying
Medium: Oil on Paper
Size: 8" x 11"

In memory of my dear loved ones who left the physical form of their existence in this beautiful world, I offer these paintings to them and to the living as well who continue to LIVE a MEANINGFUL life.

Title: In Memoriam (2)
Artist: Aying
Medium: Oil on Paper
Size: 12"x18"

Title: Eternal Place
Artist: Aying
Medium: Oil on Paper
Size: 12"x18"

When we depart the physicality of our existence, what it would be like out there? For me, it will be a vast expanse of fields in varying colors and shades...such would be a heavenly scene for me...free..liberating and peaceful....

nameless

Title: Nameless
Artist : Aying
Medium: Charcoal and Chalk on Paper
Size: 8"x11"

It was one of those nights that I felt sad and depressed. Left with an option of crying my heart out or drawing to express my feelings. I chose the latter.With no subject in mind, my attention was caught by the cover of Memoirs of Geisha DVD lying on my table. Thus, this artwork was inspired by the face of Ziyi Zang when she portrayed the character of Chiyo in the movie.

Apart from the fact that this was inspired by the movie, the entire finish product was my own rendition. My hand, my feelings and my imagination took its course when I started this out as a pencil sketch in my sketch pad. Later, I took interest of overlaying it with charcoal since I got lazy of rendering it with oil because I still have to look for my linseed oil which I kept in one of those big boxes in my room. By virtue of circumstance, I used my charcoal set which I kept handy near my table. For a week, I devoted my nights drawing this and improving the details (which I like) and creating the final touches by buying a spreader to highlight the tonal values (thanks to a college friend for teaching me how).

Looking at the finished artwork, I can say that it represents something of me. This was not intentional on my part but the feelings and emotions that goes with this painting were mine. As I etched those lines, I was also imparting a part of me to the drawing. It was a fusion. A oneness which I rarely do. That certain moment where I am comfortable with the feeling of vulnerability (which in any other circumstances, I would be anxious about).

So is it me? Partly yes, partly no.