A Heart for Art

The first ever piece of art I got was a shirt with a print by Lala Gallardo, one of my favorite local artists. I bought it at Rockwell's Independent Lifestyles section at Analog Soul, a store that sells various graphic designed merchandise. It was a good deal, considering my student budget. For P600, I got to buy art that I both liked and could wear.

First of all, let me just say that the shirt may not be my first, first ever piece of art because I may have other things in my possession that can be considered as art. However, this was the first thing that I got with the conscious intent of buying art. Initially, I had my eye on a ceramic tile being sold at another store with the artist's design, but as with many art pieces, it was way over my budget. When I found out that the artist was doing a collaboration with Analog Soul to design some merchandise, I immediately set a date to visit the store to get one of her things. I settled for the shirt because, as I said, it served a double purpose for me.

Second of all, I cannot tell you how Lala Gallardo became one of my favorite artists, or what attracted me to her art. I simply cannot explain it! I don't know what she wants to put through her art, nor does her art have any particular meaning for me. It's just that, when I look at her art, I get this feeling. What feeling, you may ask? I myself don't know. But when I read the article "Art Smarts" by Gino de la Paz in the latest issue of Real Living magazine, I found my answer. It said:

"Go with your gut. An intuitive reaction to artwork is crucial. But together with a lump in your throat or tears in your eyes, you also need to square off that original feeling with a pleasant image in your mind...Looking at a work of art should only make you happy."

Yep, that's it. It must be that -- looking at her art, or any art that I like for that matter, makes me happy. For others, it may be more complex than simply being happy about a piece of art. Nut for an art beginner like me, happiness is more than enough.

These days, it is true that shopping for art has become a more relaxed and fun experience. I've only recently been exposed to these affordable artworks when I started watching gigs a few summers ago at places like Saguijo and Cubao X, where quaint little shops have sprouted up selling affordable art. I love going to these places because there is beauty almost everywhere I look. Beautiful people, beautiful music, and beautiful art.

As I see more of this kind of art around me made by young people like myself, the more I get the feeling that it is also possible for me to make art, to make people happy like I have been made happy. I don't just want to start an art collection -- I want to make my own, too. For others, it may be painting, sculpture, or graphic design. For me, at least in the future, it will be Interior Design. It will be through Interior Design that I will get to express myself and produce art that fits, art that is a reflection of people.

........

Wouldn't it be just grand if it turned out that I wasn't destined to be an Interior Designer after all? But the truth is, wherever life takes me, I will be there -- Interior Designer or not.

Up Late

It's the tail end of my 2nd term at design school. Yipee!!! Two terms down, six to go! Riiight.

Right now, it's three a.m. and I'm still up finishing a plate that I have to turn in tomorrow. Mechanical Drawing stuff, blech. It's all so...technical! Add to that the fact that I have a newbie for a professor, ergo, does not know how to teach.

But...I enjoyed most of my others. I particularly liked my History of Art and Architecture class. Not only did I learn about the oh-so-important period styles from the Prehistoric era down to the Contemporary, I also got to visit beautiful places like this...



and this...



and this...



You would never think that these beautiful structures could be found in a cemetery, of all places, but they're there! At the La Loma Catholic Cemetery, to be specific. The places is beautiful, in a creepy kind of way. Go visit and get a chance to learn a little bit of art history. I've heard that Carlos Celdran gives good tours of the place, among many others. Anyone want to come with me? It's gonna be fun.

In the meantime, I should get back to the job at hand! I hope I finish soon. My bed is calling!

Death of a Sharpener

My sharpener just died on me today. Can you believe that?! Coz I can't! I was just, as usual, trying so very hard to sharpen my pencil this morning and then suddenly - a crack! The sharpener broke. What a sad, sad day. It's Halloween, too.

It's now time to face the truth that I really do need to buy a new one. I've been putting up with my defective sharpener for four months already because...well, I don't know! I guess I was just hoping that I'd find a way to make it work better, or better yet, that it would miraculously fix itself!

Ok, here's the story. I bought my Staedtler sharpener around July, along with the other materials I needed for design school. When I started using it, it was ok, if a little bit hard to turn. But the more I used it, the more it got harder for me to sharpen my pencil. It felt like the lead on my pencil would break every time I tried to sharpen it. And the lead did break quite a few times, frustratingly. It got so difficult to sharpen my pencil that my hands hurt from gripping the thing so hard and at the same time trying not to break the lead.

Ignorant me, I thought this was all normal. It was my first time to use that sort of contraption, so how would I know, right? Also, I didn't want to believe that such a small thing that I paid so much for would be defective. But I soon got a wake-up call when I left my sharpener at home and so had to borrow from a classmate while doing a seatwork in class. Lo and behold! It was sooo much more easier to sharpen my pencil on my classmate's sharpener which was the same brand and model as mine.

I got kind of depressed when I realized this. That meant I had to buy a new one, or have it fixed or whatever. But I had another idea! Risking high blood pressure, I went to the Staedtler office just near my house to talk to the people there and try to have them replace my sharpener. In the back of my mind though, I was already expecting that they wouldn't since I didn't have the receipt anymore and since this is the Philippines! There is no customer service to speak of in this country!!! What kind of manager would say 'Ay, sorry Miss, hindi ko kasi alam kung paano gamitin 'yan eh'? Apparently, she was that kind of manager. It was so ironic that right at the front of their office was a huge sign that said: Let's talk about quality. Duh! I don't have to tell you that they didn't replace it.

So now we come to today. Today, today, today! I broke my sharpener!!! Haha! Fine, I'm buying a new one. I'm giving up and letting go. Goodbye old sharpener!!! Rest in peace!

An Accomplishment

One thing I love about studying Interior Design and being in a school such as the one I’m attending is that I get to meet a lot of new people. In terms of age, for example, the range is pretty wide with the oldest being around 50 and the youngest being around 17. Even if we’re mostly women and gay guys, pick one out of the bunch and you’d still get a pretty unique person with an interesting story or two to tell.

On the other hand, it’s also very challenging to be around people who are not on the same wavelength as you are. This past week, for example, I’ve been working on a group project that required us to report to the class on different types of flooring. It just so happens that half of my group are all busy Moms who have so much more responsibilities other than academic ones. Funny isn’t it, that me, Misty, the least Mommy-est of all, would be grouped with the Mommies of the class! It was definitely interesting. Being out of school for so long, I could sense that they were not sure where to start and how to go about the presentation. So being the recent college graduate, I tried to act as the ‘steerer of topic’ back to what needed to be done as well as the all-around organizer of the group. Here, my patience was really put into practice, especially when they would show signs of being flustered or bogged down with all the to-do lists. I would often tell them to relax because it wasn’t really that much to do and that we could in fact get things done. Other than that though, they were so much fun to be groupmates with! We spent quite a few hours of our meetings eating cake and chit-chatting about random stuff like living wills and the importance of having a bank account that your husband/partner doesn’t know about. Haha!

Although our presentation this morning wasn’t as seamless as I would have liked it to be, I was in a way satisfied because it was really a learning experience for me. This time, it isn’t about the grade. It’s about getting along with other people and doing it well. I would definitely consider that an accomplishment!

Sosyal

Finally, an update! And finally, my first term at Interior Design school has come to an end. I just came home from a last Color Theory make-up class at my professor’s house. Our professor, who also happens to be the Director of the school, and also a cousin of a very famous showbiz talkative TV host, gave us a short lecture, toured us around his house, and served us food for lunch of which I ate so much of.

My professor is so cute! His house is filled with nude paintings, books with pictures of hard-bodied hunks, and Queer as Folk DVDs. Awww. But what really made me go Wow were all the paintings by prominent artists which filled up almost all of the wall space in all of the rooms of the house! Dami talaga. I also loved his furniture pieces. Very interesting and very eclectic. He even had these two Philippe Starck Louis Ghost chairs which I’ve been seeing in magazines and are now my favorite!



While we were talking over lunch, it has once again been rubbed in my face that Interior Design can be such a sosyal profession. To be in business as an Interior Designer, you have to have connections. Not just any connections, but connections with the moneyed people who can afford to have their homes interiored. Some designers even learn golf or join rotary clubs just to be connected to potential clients. Is there a way to make Interior Design here in the Philippines more masa? Is that even possible?

Hmmm, I’d still have to think about that. I have 2 more years!

What I Dream About

Wouldn’t it be nice if I topped the Interior Design board exams?

Yes, it’s a dream of mine. And yes, this just goes to show how grade-conscious I am,. As much as I hate to admit it, grades matter to me. Never mind that the number three house commandment for Mechanical Drawing class states that THOU SHALT NOT BE GRADE-CONSCIOUS. Never mind that, because I am guilty!

Each time my Elements professor checks my plate, I would anxiously anticipate a perfect score of 100, but would end up disappointedly wondering why he gave me a 96, 97, 98, or 99! Each time my Mech. Draw. professor gives back a checked plate, I look for the plus 5 or plus 10 beside the scored 100. Sigh, this is really bad.

Is being grade-conscious innate or learned? Can someone please do a documentary and research on this? (A little interesting bit of information I gathered from watching too much Deutschewelle-TV: As a determinant of intelligence, the environment factor plays a larger part than the genes factor in the younger years. As a person grows older, however, the importance of environment diminishes, while the importance of genes increases. For an adult, the role of the environment is practically negligible when it comes to intelligence. Intelligence is in the genes!) Anyway, back to what I was saying…I think I learned to be grade-conscious during my stay at that school on Katipunan. Is it just me or are many, if not most, Ateneans grade-conscious? A friend of our family, veterinarian-slash-illustrator extraordinaire Wilford Almoro, came by a few weeks ago and he was telling me how excited he was to be teaching Basic Illustration as Visual Narrative next semester at Ateneo. I took this course under a different professor during my last semester, so he was asking me things like how he should handle the class, what topics to focus on, and what the students were like. I immediately told him that since the course he is going to teach is an elective, students would expect it to be “A-able” or an “easy A” in Atenista lingo. Ford was recounting to me that when he was studying in UP, professors would give the required grade for the student to pass the subject. But I said that in Ateneo, professors would give out the required grade for students to get an A. Apparently, his standards are very high, just as they should be for an extremely talented illustrator. I think he had it in his mind that the average grade that he would be giving his students would be in the C to D range. To a student, especially to an Atenista, that would be a horror! Good luck nalang to those who will be taking Ford’s class next semester. But not minding the Cs or Ds, I’m sure it would be a great learning experience for them. Hehehe!

So yeah, I dream about topping the boards. But if I don’t, I’ll probably just blog about it and arrive at the realization that grades aren’t everything. Haha!

The Wall

Hmm, that’s weird. No classes for the second time in a month! Apparently, it was on the news last night that classes for today are suspended. I don’t know if it’s because of the rain or because of the State of the Nation Address that I think is happening this morning. I’m not sure. I hardly ever watch the news these days.

Anyway, since I don’t have much to write about, I’ll leave you with a picture. I get to see this wall every Monday for my Elements and Principles of Design class. Our professor tacked all our first and second plates on the wall, probably to remind us at the end of the term how ugly our work was. Every Monday, I feel like I’m back in kindergarten art class where all we do is tinker with art paper and scissors and glue and various other art materials. Fun! But it’s getting harder. We have three plates due next Monday, one each for Triangles, Squares and Circles, which I will try to start doing right about…now. Bye!

A Rainy Day

A SPECIAL SCHOOL

Today I woke up to a really dark and stormy morning. On the way to school, I got text messages from various people saying that their respective schools suspended class. I got text messages from my classmates asking if we had classes or not. We were all clueless. And then I got another text from my Mom saying that the street my school was on was flooded. Oh great.

On the first day of school, the welcoming committee consisting of one professor told us what made our school special, or rather, specialized. It's actually the only school here in the Philippines that offers only one course. Cool, huh? Well, this morning, I got to learn just how special our school is. While it was pouring cats and dogs, while the street just outside our school was flooded, and while most other schools have cancelled classes, we still had ours. Wow, how special!

But honestly, I don't mind. I love the learning. And I'm thankful for the fact that I don't have to come all the way from Cavite or somewhere else far away and have to commute every day like my other classmates.

Oh, I just got a text message from a classmate:

Wlang pas0k nati0nwide t0m,
dclred by pgma, prv8 n public in
ol levels. Sure na yn. Confirmd
na. Pls pass.

Hmmm, I wonder.


SUPERSTITIONS

In class this morning, we talked about some superstitions (mostly Filipino and Feng Shui beliefs) that people have about the design and architecture of their homes/buildings. Being mostly a non-believer, it was the first time that I heard of many of the examples.

My favorite superstition came from my seatmate -- Crazy cut tiles in the home will bring bad luck or will result to a broken family.

What are crazy cut tiles anyway? Ah wait, lemme google up an image...Here:



Or something like that. Haha. I don't know, it just sounds funny to me. Crazy cut tiles? Broken family? Really crazy!!!

Here's another interesting story from class which my professor recounted to us:

Because of the Western belief that the number 13 brings bad luck, most buildings do not have a 13th floor. But when Don Ortigas built Emerald Building, he wanted to have a 13th floor. He did not believe in the superstition, but instead thought that the number 13 was lucky and unique. And so he got his way. What do you think happened? Well, the thing was, no one rented out any of the space on the 13th floor! Apparently, no one wanted to start a business, have it fail, and wonder endlessly if being on the 13th floor had anything to do with it. The 13th floor of the Emerald Building remained empty for 10 years! And only after those 10 unproductive years did Don Ortigas finally decide to not have the 13th floor. From a business perspective, he could have earned off of those empty 13th floor spaces if it simply wasn't called the 13th floor. So yep, you guessed it, Don Ortigas ordered that the 13th floor would now be the 14th, the 14th floor would now be the 15th, and so on, and so forth. This was not an easy task, especially for all the businesses that had to update their addresses and send it out to everyone. Hassle!!!

So whether I like it or not, I have to think like I believe in the superstitions that my clients believe in, or else I could end up losing a lot of money and projects!

But you know what? You could help me! Reply with any superstitions that you practice or know of when it comes to your homes, or buildings in general. Please? C'mon guys, let's make this interactive a little bit.

My Messy Room

My room (the real one, here at home) hasn't been this messy EVER. My friends who've been here always remark at how clean and neat my room is. Well, it's not anymore!

But I'm surprised to say -- I don't care and I'm loving it!!! Since I started school, I've had to buy so many things and I'm finding I don't have any place for them in my room. As you can see, all those triangles, scales, pencils, my t-square, drawing board and other various junk are all scattered on my bay window seat, looking all forlorn without their own proper designated storage area. Before, whenever mess would start to accumulate anywhere in my room, I would fix it right away, or whenever I had the time. But now, I don't have that time anymore! I just can't be bothered right now to fix my room with work and school duties which are keeping me on my feet.

Haha, I'm saying I'm loving the Mess, but pretty soon, knowing myself, I'm sure I'll be making a mad dash to the nearest hardware store to buy all those clear plastic containers to house all my stuff.

My Dad just came in right now and told me how messy my room was. I know already!!!

Creative Nametag

My first project at design school was to make a "creative nametag." This was what I came up with:


















There were these three guidelines to follow:

1. It should be readable from a distance. -- Check! It has a big MISTY printed in front, and the dictionary definition of the word on the back.
2. It should use uncommon materials. -- Check! I used a shoebox, sticker paper, used noodle cups, spray paint, ink, and the most uncommon of all, dry ice (and hot water to make smoke)!
3. It should reflect your personality. -- Well, did it? I think so! So, check! Haha. I wanted to make it simple but witty, and that's why I chose the concept of literally interpretting my name and its definition through simple materials.

Homeless to Harvard was showing on Cinemax last night and I was watching it while I was doing my nametag. It was about this girl Liz Murray (great acting by Thora Birch -- I love her!), who literally went from homeless to Harvard! She had drug addict parents who didn't take care of her, and a lot of other crazy things happened to her as well. She was poor and had nowhere to live at 15, but somehow, through her incredible intelligence and sheer perseverance, she managed to get a New York Times scholarship to get her through Harvard. It was an inspiring movie, but not cheesy at all. I love it! Anyway, there was this scene I liked in the movie. It was when Liz got her first written paper back and graded -- she got an A minus. While most people would be more than happy with a grade like that, she wasn't! She went back to the teacher and asked how she could make it an A. She said something like, "I know I'm doing something right, but I might as well learn how to make it ALL right." Don't you feel that way sometimes? When you want everything to be perfect? I know I can be that way sometimes -- like with that 98 I got for my creative nametag...

Haha, nah, I was just kidding. I'm more than happy with a 98!

First Week High

First week down, two and a half more years to go!

These first few days at school have mostly consisted of orientations and introductions. I’ve met my professors and they all seem to be very smart and talented people, as they should be! I’ve also made quite a few friends. It’s interesting to have classmates from different backgrounds -- from high school graduates to working mothers. I’m right in between!

So, how did I find my first week at Interior Design school? I’m happy to say that I’m becoming more convinced that this is right for me. (I should make it right for me -- I’ve enrolled already! Haha!) Remember those questions on my first entry? Well, it looks like I’m getting some answers. You see, studying development economics and all that social justice stuff at that school on Katipunan has taught me to look at things from a less self-centered point of view. There was something that was said by one of my professors that really struck me. He said that Interior Design is pure luxury. It is a necessity to build homes, but having an interior designer come in to decorate your house is not. It is a pure luxury which only rich people can afford. If you want to become rich as an Interior Designer, you will get rich, because you serve the rich. So that was what he said. For someone who wants to get rich, this would be good news.

But, but, but...Interior Design would be my future work. How can it be my life, my passion, and my contribution, if it only serves the whims and wants, not even the needs, of the few fat and rich people in their gated subdivisions? This thought really bothers me!

Good thing my professor came up with something. He followed by saying that Interior Design is indeed pure luxury, but we spread this luxury out to others who are less likely to be able to afford it. By training their students to become the “hirers” and not the “hirees,” interior designers do no small bit by providing jobs to other people who need it, like the draftsmen and carpenters. Yep! Pretty close to a Ms. Universe answer right? But that would have to do, I guess. I hope I would be able to put that into practice in the future, and maybe do something more. Only then could Interior Design truly be my work, my life, my passion, and my contribution. (Yes, sorry for the cheesiness. I’ve been reading too much Karim Rashid already, I know.)

With that said, I’m ready to do the artsy high! Creative Nametag Project, Drafting and Freehand homework, here I come!!!

Welcome to My Room

I don't remember when I decided I wanted to become an Interior Designer. I initially wanted to take up Interior Design right away for college. But due to certain factors (i.e. Mom!), I took up Management Economics instead. After that four-year course though, I still wanted to become an Interior Designer. And so here I am.

If you ask me why I want to become one, I wouldn't have a clear-cut answer for you either. At the time, I guess, it sounded like something I could really get into. Naturally, I would always feel at ease in beautiful surroundings, and I would love to be able to have others experience that. I simply just like the idea of making things beautiful.

When I tell my friends that I'm starting school in a few days, they reply with one or another version of the following words: "Finally! You're about to fulfill one of your dreams. Are you excited?" I usually reply that yes, I am grateful for the opportunity and that yes, I am excited! But what I don't usually answer them with is the line of questioning that seems to find its way into my mind more frequently as Monday approaches, questions such as: Do I really want to be an Interior Designer? Am I even capable of becoming one? Is it the right thing for me? and Is Interior Design truly my passion?

I made this blog in part to help me answer those questions. This blog will contain writings about what I learn and do at school, and my opinions and feelings about it. I would also like to share my experiences with other people who may find it useful or interesting -- my friends, design students, professionals, anyone with a general interest in design.

So, hi. I am Misty, an interior design student in the Philippines. Welcome to my little room on the Internet. Your comments would be appreciated. Make yourself comfortable!