Categories
Studies at the Learning Connexion

Experimental Drawing – Life Drawing

As mentioned in the last blog, I did life drawing this week…

…And it’s not what I thought it out to be. I honestly thought I’d be incessantly gigling in one corner and wouldn’t be able to concentrate at all but it wasn’t the case.

I have always found drawing people so intimidating and I was a bit anxious about doing this exercise because it feels like I do not have enough skills to actually deliver.

The whole exercise was very helpful as I have learned a lot about the human form and how I can express its beauty on paper.

Life Drawing – Lines

The first task was to create line impressions from quick 10/15 second poses. I liked the effect when I had to layer the lines simply because I ran out of space. It’s amazing how you can express movement in such simple lines.

Life Drawing – Shape Blocking

The next task was to block shapes to express forms. Pardon the crappy photo quality but if you are able to see it, the strokes helped a lot in expressing movement and form for this exercise. I enjoyed using the yellow pastel. I liked this part because it looked like the shapes were dancing on the page.

Life Drawing – Detailed

This last part was my most favourite. We had enough time to draw details, focusing on highlights and shadows. I am pretty proud of the drawing on the top right part of the photo.

I definitely still have a lot of improving to do but these exercises gave me enough confidence that I do have the capacity to draw the human form.

Looking forward to more exciting challenges in the coming weeks!

Categories
Studies at the Learning Connexion

Experimental Drawing Classes – Dan Wilkinson

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am currently studying at The Learning Connexion. I am a Distance Delivery student but I signed up to one of the Main Classes – Experimental Drawing by Dan Wilkinson

We have had two classes so far and I have already been learning a lot of things. Our exercises are so freeing – it allows us to explore more and follow the flow of our drawings more. Below are some of the output I have had from our exercises.

Still Life – Warm-up Exercise
Still Life – White Pastels on Black Paper

I liked this one the most from our still life session. The effect of white pastels on black paper is quite unique.

Surrealist Still Life

I found the process of creating this surrealist still life drawing enjoyable. I drew the driftwood first then I had the impression that it looked much like a cave so I decided to be playful and drew some cavemen in it, playing with the scale of the driftwood.

I am excited to learn more through these classes. The class itself is interesting enough but getting the chance to interact with other artists makes it so much more insightful. I get to see the process and insights of those doing the same class with me.

We will be doing a life drawing session next week – should be interesting!

Categories
Studies at the Learning Connexion

The Learning Connexion – New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4)

I have always dreamed of studying again and so when an opportunity to study again arose, I took my chances. I am currently enrolled at The Learning Connexion, studying New Zealand Certificate in Creativity Level 4.

Join me as I navigate the fun and exciting world of arts school!

For my first month, I did several exercises involving several mediums. Some of the exercises I did, I wouldn’t dare do on a normal day. Here are some of the interesting exercise I did:

Blind Drawing
Working on Features
Abstract Portrait
Stamping with Soap
Collage – Future

I am currently awaiting for my discussion with my mentor about my progress so I will be back very soon!

Categories
Musings

On Lockdown/ Self-Isolation? What activities did we do in the 90s?

Self-isolation here in New Zealand is imposed on international travellers arriving on our shores. Residents have not been required to self-isolate yet – business as usual for a lot of people here.

It is however, unfortunate, that I have had a tummy bug and flu the same time the first case of Covid-19 was announced here in Wellington. I had to absent myself from work this week for fear that I may compromise my workmates or the visitors I may come across with as my workplace is in the tourism industry.

It is a different story in my home country, though. Luzon, Philippines is already on lockdown and people are required to stay home. There is, of course, a wide continuum of responses to this, which I won’t go into.

This news of my home country and my own sickness led me to thinking of the things I did when I was younger, when there were most people had no mobile phones and no internet.

Was I unproductive then? Did I feel constrained in some way? Was my life limited during that time? Was life boring?

No. Most of the things I did then formed the foundation of the skills I have now. So I did a trip down memory lane and made a list of activities that I and the other 90s kids did then that can probably prompt some ideas relevant to people on self-isolation:


1. Read

There is one quote from George R. R. Martin that captures my personal experience of reading: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”

In reading, I learned. In reading, I have explored a thousand places with my imagination and have met interesting and amazing characters that I would not have met in my lifetime. My world widens when I read and I hope everyone who has time on their hands now give it a try.

Reading can give you a lot of different perspectives about your life and the world in general. Distancing from all the toxic and negative messages out there at the moment is also definitely a bonus!

2. Draw/ Paint/ Do Arts

This is one of the mindless activities one can engage in. There are definitely technical rules in drawing and painting but art does not judge!

Art is one way of expressing your inner realities onto your outer world! Draw, paint, play with colours and the materials that you have!

Though it’s definitely not a bad idea to learn the technical aspects of art if you are keen! Heaps of resources are easily accessible – Youtube (which has free art tutorials most of the time), online libraries, Skillshare (this one is paid but you may use my link to try it for 2 months for free: https://skl.sh/2xNHaXz), and many more! With the access to the internet, you can learn practically anything these days.

3. Learn Musical Instruments

You may have purchased a guitar or a keyboard or a ukelele but have never gotten the time to actually sit down and practice. Now is never a better time to do it!

This was one of the things that took a majority of my time when I was younger. I studied piano for almost 6 years and I was able to use that skill as a side hustle during the time that I did not have a corporate job. It is a relaxing hobby that engages your mind and your coordination skills.

4. Sew/ Cross stitch/ Crochet/ Knit

I did several crossstich pieces as a child but learned crochet just now. This activity is almost therapeutic and at the same time, useful in so many practical ways!

I get to make pieces that I can display at home and I also get to craft useful home items from it. I recently made some soap savers and am now working on a reusable market bag using crochet. You can practically make a range of very handy items using these skills. Go ahead and give it a try!

5. Do Paper Crafts/ Journal/ Scrapbook

If you are someone who loves keeping memories from receipts, movie tickets, plane tickets, candy wrappers, anything you can lay your hands on during a memorable event, now is a great time to properly “document” those moments! Start a journal or a scrapbook.

You may also choose write letters for an old-fashioned, more romantic way of communicating with your friends and loved ones!

Write – write your favourite quotes, Bible verses, your emotions, what’s happening around you. Write anything that is on your mind. It is quite surprising how these idle moments can bring the deepest revelations to you, if only you pay attention to it.

6. Cook/ Learn to Cook

One of the most memorable times I had with my sister as a child was experimenting with food. When bored, we would often scavenge through our cupboard and look for items we can mix and cook.

I was never afraid of the kitchen because of these experiments we had then. As an adult, it helped me become more resourceful and adventurous in learning new dishes that I can serve at home.

And it was fun because not only did we learn to make something we can actually eat, but we built these memories we can still go back to even as adults!

7. Connect with Our Family Members

My deepest conversations with my family members happened during lull times – times when you don’t really have a choice but to talk to each other. Being confined in a space with your family gives you time to ask, to give your opinion on things, to express your emotions and thoughts as home is a safe space.

And wherever your family members may be at this point, the internet has allowed us to be connected. Message them today and shower them with kind and loving words – just what the whole world needs now!

8. Exercise – even at home!

This was one of the things I failed to do as a child but I am slowly learning these days. Nothing can stop you from exercising! There are several places on the internet and apps you can use for home workout ideas. These days, the best you can do for your body is to make it strong and exercise does that for you. Go and get off that seat now and exercise!

9. Pray and Read the Bible

In these trying times when everything may fail you, the one true God who holds your life will not.

Our earthly bodies may fail but one thing that is sure? Eternal life. That is longer than anything this world can offer. Prepare for that life. Get to know God in this life. Ask Him where he needs you at this time. Ask Him what He wants you to do these days.

Reading the Bible can also put your views in perspective. It can console you. It can fortify you.

I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From whence shall come my help? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip; or your guardian to sleep. Behold, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.

The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. By day the sun will not strike you, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will guard you from all evil; he will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your coming and going both now and forever.

Psalm 121:1-8

This too shall pass, friends! Keep safe and healthy!

Categories
Musings

2020 Updates

I have not accomplished a lot since the accident in 2018. It may have been PTSD or depression, or maybe both, but I found it very difficult to continue with life in general after that. My health had the biggest hit since – I had to deal with my blood sugar, my weight, my infertility, PCOS, on top of the trauma and the depression.

I started to learn and do new things which helped me with my healing process and I can stay I am close to being fully functional now, almost 2 years after the accident.

I have been praying, serving, painting, swimming, crocheting, drawing, focusing on my work and online shop during my quiet months. These things and the support of my husband has allowed me to bounce back. It is in these brief moments of clarity that I am able to write and tell my story so join me in my journey! I will be posting more in the next weeks, months, etc. 🙂

Categories
Work

Trade a Book for a Look at Staglands!

Trade your pre-loved children’s books for a half-priced child’s entry to Staglands.

Staglands is celebrating Conservation Week by giving children the opportunity to learn how they can help nature in their own unique way. The pre-loved children’s books that will be collected will be given to the children that the Salvation Army – Upper Hutt is caring for.

This offer is available for kids aged 4 to 16 from 14th September to 13th October 2019. One half-priced child’s entry ticket per book received on the day of visit.  Not valid with any other offer, including Entertainment Book.

Visit www.staglands.co.nz for more information.

Categories
Work

Go Mad for Marshmallows these School Holidays!

Staglands yummy winter marshmallows are back and for a limited period only, during the July School Holidays, they will be given away FREE to all visitors!

Toast your own on the cosy Barn campfire and enjoy some wild cooking in the great outdoors.

www.staglands.co.nz 

Categories
Musings

About a Boy

Let me tell you about a boy.

He is talented. He plays guitar, drums, bass guitar, and piano.

He is active. He plays ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and basketball.

He prays. He trusts that there is a Sovereign God taking care of us at all times.

He is a lot of things to me.

I break things and I sometimes feel like I waste a lot of time and money, yet he generously gives, still.

I break down, get irritated, and change moods in a heartbeat, yet he never tires of standing by me.

I’m a mess in the most literal sense but he never tires of cleaning up after my own messes.

I work, but I feel not as hard as how this boy works to provide for me.

And it’s not just me.

I will always be grateful that this boy stayed.

I see this boy stretch himself, over and over, for the people he comes across with – his family, his work mates, and all the other people he serves.

Happy birthday, my handsome, talented, kind, generous boy! I met you as a boy and I am proud to tell the world that this boy has grown into a wonderful, wonderful man! I love you, Howell! Now, we celebrate!!!

Categories
S K-Beauty NZ Settling in NZ Uncategorized

Startups and the Entrepreneurial Spirit

I have always been fascinated with starting things up and building on it. This is one of the reasons why I love getting into new business ventures.

In the past, I ventured into events management, consulting, and even real estate. I also dipped my toes a little onto tutoring piano with kids and adults. The most successful venture I have had so far was events management but I had to pull the plug when we migrated to New Zealand.

Two years in our new home country, my brain and my hands were already itching to get into a new venture. Given that we are in a totally foreign country, I will have to build everything from the ground up. My planning stage consisted of learning the culture of the people here (which I still have not fully figured out), their purchasing patterns and behaviour (online shopping is popular here since there are a limited number of shops, which meant a limited number of products as well), and what item or service I can provide to fulfill a need.

I did not look far. I looked into my own needs. I got hooked with Korean beauty products in 2016. I found their products effective yet inexpensive. I made sure I was fully stocked when we moved here but I soon found myself needing to restock my items and purchasing from the online shops here meant I do not always have my go-to items available. I would purchase from different sites so I will get the best price for the product that I preferred but it was not sustainable for me.

And so my idea for a new business began. I looked for wholesale suppliers who can provide for the products I needed. After several attempts to contact an efficient supplier with the best price, I eventually found one.

The Website

Having found a supplier, I knew I was ready to start my own online shop (as a physical shop will take more effort and capital which I do not have). I purchased a domain and a subscription for an online shop and I thought it will already get easier form there.

Nope. It did not. I had to learn a lot of other items I did not know I needed. I needed to learn about online security, payment options, etc., etc. The list was incredibly wrong. Being the perfectionist that I am, fear started creeping in because my online shop may not be “good enough” until two years in, I already had to renew all my subscriptions, without ever having sold any item because of the things I feared.

The Movers

Fortunately, I am surrounded by Movers. My boss (at my day job), who is ever-supportive of all my crazy ideas, suggested that I can sell on TradeMe first. TradeMe is an online shop/ auction where you can list the items you want to sell. Given that they already have an established customer base, you are bound to sell no matter how long. I started selling in November. My sales were not astoundingly successful but my products are nevertheless moving.

My second mover is no less than my dear husband. Howell has been assuring me that no matter the turnout, what matters is that I did what I wanted to do, which is an achievement in itself already. I did not need to prove anything to anyone, so I do not have to pressure myself into succeeding with this business. I have the products, anyway and I can always just use them if they are not sold. With this encouragement from him, I launched my website on 1st April this year – indeed a good date to launch a business venture!

The Aftermath

Was my launch successful? Far from it. Yet, I am building myself up everyday. I am learning more about the field I chose to be in (Marketing). I am learning more about managing my own website, managing inventories, managing customer expectations, and more importantly, the culture of the people I interact with daily. I call it the aftermath but I am definitely not done yet. There are still a lot of things to do and learn. I still fear but I shall keep on moving!

The Online Shop| S K-Beauty NZ

So then let me introduce you to my online shop! It’s called S K-Beauty NZ. Given the previous issue I had with ordering K-Beauty items, I designed my products and services to fill the need that most similar shops do not provide here in New Zealand.

Store Pick-Up: Residents in Wellington can pick up the items they purchased. This means no waiting time for delivery for those who need their beauty quick fix!

Product Requests: As limited variation of products is an issue here (merchants here do not really have that much of an option as importation expenses are expensive, mainly because we are literally at the edge of the earth), there is an option for customers to request for products which they wish to purchase for me to include it in my next batch of orders. They can just shoot me an email at info@skbeauty.co.nz or use my website’s contact me form. Easy as!

Best-Priced Beauty Products: Last and the most important bit, whether it be a skin care or makeup product, our prices are competitive, and I dare say, the best-priced items there are. That’s a sure win!

With that, I hope anyone who is interested may find their time to visit my online shop and check out the wonderful offerings we do have!

Categories
Daily Painting Musings

Daily Painting – Living Waters

I’ve been reading this book called Daily Painting by Carol Marine. The main message is to encourage artists to paint daily for their art to improve. I’ve only read a few pages but I am all in with the idea.

For my first painting, I painted a stream that flows into a river. As most of my paintings/ artworks/ writings reflect my inner thoughts, I wanted to share why I chose to paint this piece.

The past weeks have not been the best of times for me and Howell. I’ve been thinking a lot about life in general. One thing that keeps coming to mind is how I want to live my life. What do I want it to look like?

One gets a good perspective of how insignificant our issues can be if we look at the long-term consequences of the things we do on an everyday basis. It gives perspective on the things we consider “huge” and on the things we consider “petty/ trivial”. As Howell and I are at an age where we have all the resources we need at our disposal, it would be such a waste to live life as if it were just ours alone to live.

What are the good things we have for, if we choose to keep it to ourselves?

I thought of an imagery of a stream. The stream trickles down water from various sources and flows it to rivers. I want my life to be life-giving, not because I produce life on my own but that because I am connected to a source that never dries up. I want my words, my actions, my decisions, to reflect the purest of waters my source gives.

If there was just one thing that I want people to remember me by, it would be how gracious I have been, in whatever situation I were in. I want to be proud not of my achievements or my stature, or of my possessions I have acquired in my lifetime.

Instead, I want to be proud of the times I chose to forgive in spite of the pain. I want to be proud of giving even when I feel like there is no more left to give. I want to be proud of the fact that I have tried to reach out to those who are in pain, alone, and helpless. I want to be proud of living a life where I was able to give my all, especially to those who need it. I want to live a life that seeks to give, expecting nothing in return.

I hope my daily words, thoughts, and actions will help me achieve that – to be a life-giving stream, no matter the situation.