Creative Juice (My Intense Devotion for Art)

I have this innate passion for art. My childhood life revolved around it. Believe it or not, I began to draw people, dresses and mansions when I was seven. I could say I did pretty good sketches and designs compared to the second-rate stick drawings of other children my age. I drew my pieces with intense conviction and eagerness. It was like someone was possessing me whenever I get a hold of my pencil and drawing book. I was too focused on my craft that I really felt my imaginations encapsulating my whole being, and taking me further from reality. My family couldn't even come close to me whenever they see me doing what they think as my hobby. For me, drawing was more than just a hobby, it was my life.

I've already let my heart out. With all those emotions I've poured, maybe now you trust that my adoration for art is not a make believe at all. It was real, and as big as life. I swear, I'm not kidding you (LOL). Did I sound so desperate for approval with that? I'm just trying to goof off to balance drama and comedy. Anyway, let me continue with my testimony on art by talking about what I learned about it two semesters ago.

According to an art historian in the name of Barzon, humanities are man's spiritual creations. Under this discipline are: philosophy, literature, language, religion and ARTS. Studying humanities makes us human, cultured and defined. Humanities believe that man is an individual. It is highly subjective, and it values judgment.

Let me share you this term I learned from our professor, Sir Julius Quiz: Aesthetic Sensibility. In layman's term, it is called taste or preference. Sophisticated term, isn't it? You might want to use it instead. Our aesthetic sensibility has something to do with exposure to the arts. We can not say that something is artistic or unrefined without knowing what is true beauty. You can not grasp something until you don't experience it.

Among the many defined expressions of art, there are four art styles I prefer the most: Renaissance Art, Baroque, Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. Classic Art is the foundation of Western art history. The characteristics of Renaissance (Rebirth of Classicism) Art are rational, objective, simple, restrained and finite. Renaissance Art follows philosophy, ideals and harmony. Its philosophy includes rationalism, humanism and idealism. An art can not be considered art if one of the three is missing. Its ideals include proportion and balance. According to Plato, "Beauty is a simple quality of a thing which is undefinable. For a thing to be beautiful, it must possess order and proportion."

CLASSIC ART: Nike at Samothrace found in the Louvre Museum, France.


RENAISSANCE ART: La Gioconda (Mona Lisa) by Leonardo da Vinci found in the Louvre Museum, France.


RENAISSANCE ART: Venus de Milo found in the Louvre Museum, France.

Another art style I love is Baroque (17th Century). It started with the Reformation of Martin Luther and Calvin. It is expressed with sensuality, dynamism, movement and decorativeness. It is very different from Classic Art which is devoid of any emotions. Baroque artists used their masterpieces to allure back the Protestants to Catholicism. My favorite Baroque artist would have to be Bernini. He is said to be the most famous sculptor of all time. He was actually the official sculptor of Vatican. If you have watched the movies Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, you will see most of his artworks e.g. St. Peter's Basillica, 4 Rivers and The Ecstasy of St. Theresa which is a controversial piece because it's considered as a metaphor of sex. It was the most scandalous sculpture displayed in the Vatican, that's why it was exiled to Chapel de la Victoria (farthest chapel in the Vatican).

BAROQUE ART. The Ecstasy of St. Theresa found in Chapel de la Victoria.

Modern art is a defiance of what is CLASSIC. We will only understand modern art in reference of what is classic. Surrealism is a 20th Century Modern Art. It started in poetry. Surrealists say that they allow their subconscious to manipulate their hands. It was actually influenced by Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis, but we will not delve into that. In this style, unrelated objects were juxtaposed. There is irrational arrangement of figures. Scenes in surreal artworks are dream-like. Surrealists believe in the omnipotence of the subconscious, that is why the works under this expression are free from the constraints of REASON. There are two types of surrealism: veristic and autistic. Subjects are derived mostly from lucid dreams in veristic. It is very representational. Autistic surrealism, on the other hand, is abstract. It is oftentimes confused with Abstract Expressionism.

SURREALISM. Marc Chagall's Love Above Town found in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.


SURREALISM. Marc Chagall's Love, a Hat and a Song found in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.


SURREALISM. Salvador Dali's Persistence of Memory found in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.


SURREALISM. Salvador Dali's Hallucinogenic Torreador found in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Abstract Expressionism is also a Modern Art. Artists of this style claim that the painting is not important, it is the act of painting that matters the most. It is very subjective and non-representational. The painter is the only one who knows the real meaning behind his masterpiece. They show and release their tension through this style. It is highly characterized by the energetic lines and restlessness. One of the famous abstract expressionists is Jackson Pollock. He was the one who painted "No. 5", the most expensive painting in the world which costs approximately $137M.

ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM. Jackson Pollock's No. 5 found in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Learning about different concepts of art is truly one of the best ways you can reward yourself. Being knowledgeable with art can help us boost our ego, because not everyone has the diligence on getting to know the different artists who made a mark on the civilization of our world. Imagine that you're in a museum, in Louvre or Museum of Modern Art for an instance, someone asks you about a certain work of art. Wouldn't it be nice if you say all the interesting things you know about it with confidence? Think about it. Don't ever let go the chance of feeding your brain with anything about art.

To sum up all the things that was taught to us in Arts and Society class, I learned that Art is not nature. It is because art is made or influenced by an individual (there is human intervention), while nature is God-made and/or biological. Art is everywhere. Art is an expression. Art is an experience. Most importantly, art is a form of communication.

All images in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.
All facts courtesy of my AH 5 lecture notebook.

Memories of 2010

I've been acting like a headless chicken for the previous years. I was such a foolish and selfish rogue. I acted on a disorderly way without thinking of where my decisions might lead me and the people around me. I always failed my parents' expectations towards me. Whenever we talked, we ended up arguing. It was like having a conversation with them felt like I was skating on thin ice. I used to think that I'm our family's black sheep, and that I wreaked havoc every single minute.

This year is definitely the best year of my entire life. I could say I've become a better person. There are a lot of wonderful things that happened to me this 2010. I'm very grateful that God gave me a chance to renew my unpleasant life. I'm thankful that my family never gave up on me. I don't have the angst in my heart anymore. I tried so hard to remove it in my system, cause it's the main reason why I've been miserable and insecure before. It inflicted pain to me, and to everyone connected to me.

The year 2010 has opened many doors for me. I apologize if that sounded so trite, but I couldn't think of any better idiom to express what I mean. Anyway, let me talk about the opportunities God gave me this year. They all made me feel secure with myself and everything that I have. Because of those chances, I managed to shrug off anything that makes me feel discontented. I know I don't get those things that I always wanted, but at least I still have some things that can make me stand firm. Here are some memories of 2010 that I will never forget:

My article entitled "How I Learned to Draw" has been published to Sun Star Davao. It's actually a sensitive creative non-fiction essay on how I went through my path to becoming a LADY. It's also published on Dagmay -- the official website of Davao Writers' Guild. Just visit dagmay.kom.ph and search for my full name "Katrina Angela Castro" in the Index of Authors, if you want to read my article. It's my first essay ever published in a broadsheet. Thank you Lord!

We had a field trip to one of the most beautiful summer destinations in the Philippines -- Camiguin Island via Butuan. We were wet all day because we bathed nonstop from one spot to another. We went to Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Soda Swimming Pool, Guiob Church Ruins, Sunken Cemetery, Katibawasan Falls, White Island and the famous Pastel store, Vjandep. That trip was just within one day. After that day, we went to Cagayan de Oro for a breakfast and lunch. We also bought some more pasalubongs at Lim-Ketkai and Robinson's Mall. And then we headed straight to Bukidnon to see how creative Leandro Locsin is with the architecture of the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay. We enjoyed the round trip so much! That was totally one heck of an adventure.







My boyfriend and I also celebrated our third year anniversary last September. We planned a total date to make it really memorable. We had to make it special because our parents already knew about our relationship. My Mom and I got even closer when she knew everything about us. We didn't have to hide what we feel for each other anymore. Sorry for the cheesiness! We went to Eden Nature Park and Resort, and then we had pizza adventure at Calda Pizza and Coco's South Bistro. That was our way of strengthening our romantic bond -- to go on a trip. Here are some photos we had.





Lastly, I got to work and earn money for myself. I became a part-time tutor for five elementary students. The pay was not that big but at least I bought things for myself. It was also enough to go on a food trip with some friends. That job taught me how to work hard and have patience on everything, especially to children. But now I decided to quit the job because I have to concentrate on my studies. I'll be graduating hopefully this October of 2011. I know God will help me play the cards right, because he is my refuge and strength!

PS: Some photos are on my Facebook.

A Delightful Cuisine

Dec 13, 2010 was one heck of an adventure for my tummy. Ate a lot at Cafe Mediterranean with some schoolmates. It's located at Chimes Complex, here in my favorite city and hometown, Davao. We ordered Lamb Kebab Pizza, Yummy Turkey & Cheese Melt, Gourmet Decker Sandwich, Grilled Burger with Mushroom Gravy and Baklava plus Bottomless Iced Tea. We had a blast enough to make our stomach full, but we still want more. We just couldn't get enough of their delish meals. Maybe next time, I'll drop by with my boyfriend to try their Large Plates, Pasta and other Pizzas. Here are some pictures we took. You might want to drool as much as we did.

Baklava

Gourmet Deli Triple Decker Sandwich

Lamb Kebab Pizza

Yummy Turkey and Cheese Melt

Grilled Burger with Mushroom Gravy

Mystic Nymph at Cafe Med

Sumptuous, isn't it? The place is not even appalling. It's cozy and comfortable at the same time. You and your friends can be informal if you want. Just don't do it too much. Other customers might get irritated. Try it there, you will have fun! Total fun, I have to say. Investing in food is really one of the best treats for yourself.