Fay in Reflection

This piece is still in progress, got a long way to go before it's done.  I'd probably adding more elements on the background and more flowers scattered before her. And more definition on the figure itself. Hope I could finish it soon though.

Nightmare (Batibat)

This is a continuation of my previous post entitled "Maligno." In Philippine folklore, this huge ugly creature is known to suffocate her victim during sleep by sitting on their chests. The Batibat as the locals call her live in Bamboo trees and awaits in the shadows for her next poor victim.

Thumbelina

Thumbelina is one of my favorite stories ever and as an artist I tried to illustrate it for my personal satisfaction. I made five pencil drawings last year on a 15" x 20" watercolor paper. And it's only this year that I was able to color the first two drawings. Well both plates are not fully finished yet and it's quite a pretty big piece and I can't wait to get all of them done. I'll try to post the last 3 pencil drawings soon!

Engkanto

This is a rough sketch of a "Maligno", a Filipino term for malignant spirits/elementals. As a Filipino I would like to study my country's local Faeries which I perceive is a more darker and dangerous force. We also have our own version of Elves, Dwarves, Undines and many more. And hopefully if I can pull out a lot of material I can make a book out of it,,,why not? :)

"Unpretty Series" of Faerie

I don't have the time to scan this yet but I just took a quick snap of this new work. She is called Loonie Glock. Big as her eyes may be she's definitely got a poor eyesight. Glocky as some of the naughty goblins call her loves to be left alone and she loves to play with snails even if she gets slimy allover.

Stolen Art

I received an email from my friend informing me that my illustration together with a number of artworks were apparently stolen from the Artinsite Magazine. Those artworks were supposed to be used as front piece art for the magazine's maiden issue. The magazine was launched last January 2009 and I was happy that my work became a part of such collaboration.

Sadly, the artwork would never be used for the magazine because it's gone. The link from artinsite magazine http://www.artinsitemagazine.com/index.php have displayed the scanned copies of the stolen artworks.

I hope who ever did that would choke on all the artworks he has gotten his hands to, not that I'm angry, anyway.



(Above) This was the piece I sent for the magazine, entitled: Toadstool Company.

But come to think of it I'm not really annoyed with what happened. Maybe the thief just fancies toadstools with weird faces on it.

A Fairy Book that Started It All

When I was still a fledgling art student in college, I chanced upon a book entitled "Faeries" brought by a classmate in school. I was struck by the imagery on the cover and I suddenly realized, like in a dream, I was reminded of what I was really looking for. Immediately, I asked him where he got the book, knowing that the local bookstores don't sell these kind of materials, he said it was given to him by his mom as a present and it was brought from the US.

As my heart sunk straight to my knees - realizing that I will never be able to buy that book, I asked his permission if I could borrow it and he was kind enough to lend it to me for a few days. And with trembling hands, I took that precious tome and carefully laid it in my backpack.

For days I was awed and struck by the illustrations staring back at me. Various faeries, pixies, elves, ugly trolls and mischievous goblins gawked at me as I turned each page. I was tremendously inspired with the art as it spoke with clarity and honesty. The illustrations opened new doors for me - showed me a new path which I would love to take.

After college, I took different jobs neglecting my art thinking that it won't help me earn the millions I am wishing for. I struggled and changed job after job, until I found myself flying to a foreign country to find a better one. But still I remained unsatisfied and unhappy with my job.

Then one Ramadan season came, I decided to revisit my drawing tools and remembered the beautiful book that started it all. I started learning to draw again. I started living again and enjoying what I am doing. The one thing that I have neglected and abandoned for so long , thank God, was still with me.

"The Wood Fairy" was the first art I did in Dubai.

It took me almost ten years before I started illustrating again, I was 30 when I realized what I really want to do. It's like the beginning of my life and I'm ready take on that leap which I should have taken a long time ago.

Mr. Froud and Mr. Lee, your art have certainly saved mine from the brink of extinction. I should say your art has helped me find my own path to take. Thank you very much.