Gemini Moon 2019

"Gemini Moon"
Mixed Media on Canvas
48"x36"
2019

"Gemini Moon" is one of my newest paintings in 2019. Originally, it was supposed to be a woman, holding a reflection of herself, touching upon the idea of self love and self healing. But the more I progress, I realize that healing self also requires a person to have a healing circle, a group of trusted individuals who are there for you, uplifting you and rooting for your growth and healing.

The connection is signified in the shared braid between the two women. They are also holding both hands, one near their heart and another near their womb. The expanding galaxy is what synchronicity and growth to your cosmic, higher self feels like. The moon, though not seen very well in this picture, has a lavender iridescent glow.

This is one of those pieces where I was completely mesmerized by each time I worked on it. No digital photo could do justice on how the colors vibrated on the canvas. Though I am missing this piece in my home, I am so happy that this piece is in the home of an art collector who works in the field of uplifting women, promoting self love and body positivity.

Gifts from the Heart

I understand the value of investing in the community. Sometimes, if I can't make a monetary donation, I donate art. These were love gifts for a nonprofit organization and were auctioned off.

Waffurusoru: An Art Exhibit of VANS Sneaker Culture

This is a great morning! Came across this campaign for an upcoming show that I am part in with Off the Wall Site at Yojie's in Diamond Bar. This show is about the Vans Sneaker culture and I already know what I want to do for the show.

 

This morning, I saw my offical intro campaign being blasted on the social networks. So cool!

You can go on the site and check out the other artists that are featured.
I really appreciate marketing efforts like this. Makes us artists feel super supported and amped!

It's a great day today in the city. 81degrees. It was wonderful waking up to such beautiful natural light. (Not saying that I don't appreciate rainy days and cloudy days. I love those days too. But today was extra vanilla-y and warm.)

 

And it looks like this guy is going to have to go in and get a summer cut.

 

 

Stay tuned for works of progresses!

Once Upon A Time at the Glasshouse Record Store/Gallery

January closed out the holiday season and it welcomed 2012 with new energies, new friendships and chi being thrown on Santa Monica moonlit waves.

But February came fast and hard with art shows: 1st one- Once Upon a Time... From a Favorite Fairy Tale to Our Own.

Opening reception was February 11, 2012 from 6-9pm.

My piece for the show: My rendition of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid."

"The Little Mermaid" was one of my favorite fairy tales when I was young. I remember watching the anime with my mother one weekend. I couldn't understand why she gave up so much for a person she didn't even know. My mother said it was unconditional love. 


Now looking back, I think it is foolish.


What's so romantic about losing your voice, losing your identity , losing your family and world for a man you barely know only to be dissed at the end? 


I now have a better understanding of what unconditional love is. Real love and not one fabricated through fairy tales and lies only because they can't bare to be lonely.

(Close up detail.)

El Velorio Artshow at the KGB Gallery

El Velorio: Day of the Dead Art Show at the KGB Gallery

The Day of the Dead has nothing to do with the holiday that falls the day before. It has nothing to do with dark forces and hiding from bad spirits and slutty costumes. It is about honoring life and the lives of those who came before you. It is about understanding that the fine line between this world and the afterlife is a thin string made up of flesh and bone. That is the only fabric that separates us.

It's about celebrating life and not taking it for granted.

The Buen Pastor Mural Project Crew teamed up with KGB Gallery and Antonio Pelayo (curator) and Eddie Paz (Public Relations and Marketing) to bring to the public and grand event of art, food, music, live painting, face painting and poetry.

I have the honor of being one of the 94+ artists featured in the show.

Over 1000 people came to the opening, which made the Buen Pastor Mural Project meet it's goal of $15k; that means 15 of my favorite artists will go to Mexico and paint murals at a community center for battered women and children.

I am proud to be part of that movement and can't wait to see the documentary of that trip.

"Lolo and Lola" 

Grandpa and Grandma in Tagalog

Mixed media, glitter on wood

12"x12"

Although I am Filipino, being part of this show felt very natural to me. We celebrate All Souls and All Saints Day on November 1st, which is in the same sentiment as Dia de los Muertos. I was taught never to be afraid of the afterlife or death, per say. At least not the Western ideology of what death is. I was told that spirits walked among us and often times, they are the ancestors that are checking up on us, guiding us, and protecting us.  

The piece above is not only interpretive but it is autobiographical; as a child, I did have a bunny like that and a shirt like that as well. It's what happens when you grow up in Los Angeles and there cultures cross paths.

Here is a video of the night by Oishi Media, just in case you missed the show.

Video by Oishi Media... Music by the Fight Cocks

Photos by me

"If I can't be Beautiful, then I want to be Invisible."

"If I can't be Beautiful, then I want to be Invisible."
Mixed Media on wood
2011
"Choruses & Hidden Guns"
Chuck Palahniuk themed art show

This is a line from the book; I don't really believe this line nor do I think this way but I thought this quote was interesting to illustrate and sums up the mood of the book nicely. Check out "Invisible Monsters" about a fashion model who had an accident and lost her lower jaw. She meets a transexual man and has an unlikely friendship, as she teaches the model to feel fabulous and beautiful again, regardless of the deformity.