Life is a Canvas

These works are for sale. Interested? Just drop me a line.

It’s been a long time since I posted my last article.  In as much as I would like to update this site at least once a week, my toxic sched always prevented me to do so.   This time, however, I’d like to share one of the reasons why I could hardly write something for this site.  Yes, I was busy working on the canvas once again.  And for the first time, I painted this kind of subject-coconuts. These will be exhibited in  August 9-11, at SM Event Center-Davao and SM Megamall in Manila the following week.  The show is one of the events sponsored by the Philippine Coconut Authority in celebration of the 3rd Kaniyugan Festival.

Looking at Rodney’s work is like talking with him in person.  His fascination with nature and the techniques employed as can be seen in most of his paintings, reflect his roots and his imaginative mind.  His masterpieces capture the great Cezanne’s definition of art as harmony parallel to nature’s.

Earlier in his career, Rodney Yap painted subjects that depict the horrors and desolation brought by the insane war.  Done in cubist-surrealist approach, his canvases portray allegorical images, moving cityscapes, and enigmatic human figures.  All of these evoke a poignant dream world.

Today, Yap’s art has evolved into a more personal and profound theme.  The recurring memories of childhood and his love for nature are the main subjects in his huge canvases.  The creative use of asrt elements; swirling lines, dabs of colors, contrasting shapes and forms, and impressive compositions make his work a visual feast.  His psychedelic work is a fusion of different techniques by classical to avant-garde masters.  The calligraphic strokes and the subject matter reflect his lineage of Chinese-Manobo origin.  The ominous light and the playful placement of undersized creatures amidst the gigantic background create an atmosphere of fantasy and mystery.

With the knowledge and skills he acquired from art school coupled with hard work, focus, and discipline, Rodney Yap’s work never go unnoticed.  He won several awards in various art competitions-one of them the Philippine Art Awards where he became a finalists in 2008 and 2009.  He also earned the same commendation in the International Art & Photo Competition in Tokyo Japan last 2004.  He has joined several art exhibits in different galleries around the country.  As a member of Davao’s contemporary art group-the Artisthood, Yap continues to explore various forms of expression and non-traditional style in presenting his Ideas and emotions.

Currently, Rodney Yap is continuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts while giving art workshops and tutorial during his spare times.  His inspiration? He gets strength from his vision and ever supportive wife and family.

Ponder.
To think about carefully over a period of time.
Contemplate.
Muse.
Mull over.
Meditate upon.
Weigh up.

We do this when things go wrong.
When trials attack us.
When we experience the pricks of life.

When we are down, tormented, disturbed, confused or at peace.
It strengthens an exhausted body.
Calms the disturbed mind.
Inspires a lonely soul.
Clears the hazy road of life.
And colors the peaceful heart.

How about you? Do you ponder sometimes?

After two months of being absent from my ordinary routine, I’m glad I’m back to normal again. As expected, I am greeted with backlogs of both personal and work related activities: paper works, unfinished paintings, unanswered emails, and last but not least, upgrading this site which would take extra time and effort. Where have I been?  Since January this year, I was already busy attending to matter I didn’t expect I would be doing again. Politics. No, I didn’t run for any public office last May 10.  I helped in planning and did the political ads of a soon-to-be-governor of our province.  But to be a governor is a big dream for a friend of mine who has a passion for politics.  To reach that goal takes time, effort and huge amount of money.  So, having a seat in a municipal council would be a good starting point.  As days sped by, we were confronted with lots of challenges such as dealing with our coordinators, and people from all walks of life.  These problems were easily solved as my friend and I have had experienced in leadership back in college days.  One thing that really gave us a headache was the insufficient budget we had for the entire campaign period.  We spent thousands a day for the mobilization and organizing of our supporters not to mention of the solicitation letters we got from individuals and various organizations who took advantage of the situation.  Expected funds from trusted friends and supporters did not arrive.  As the campaign manager and advertising and promotions officer, I am bombarded with these problems day after day.  Nevertheless we decided to move on and use our creativity and experience to finish what we have started.  Politics is both art and science.  It’s a game of the generals.   And if you are into it, great pretenders, leeches and other parasites could not be left behind.  I encountered them everyday.  Fortunately, they were not as many as those who believe in us and in a clean and honest election.
After 45 days of campaign period, the most awaited countdown came.  The result gave us mixed emotions.  We were happy that despite the tight budget, limited time and many trials, we got a warm and positive response from those areas where we campaign.  But fell short to those areas we did not reach due to lack of funds.  We may not be as fortunate as those who won in the election but we were satisfied with the result despite the loss.  We did not spend millions like other candidates but we were happy that we outscored many other hopefuls in the total tally.  It’s not true that the winners take it all.  We also got our share- we won some real new friends and widen our experience in the process.  Isn’t it a good reason to celebrate?
Cheers!

SM City-Davao  hosted again Helena Z Benitez School of Fine Arts & Culture of the Philippine Women’s College of Davao’s 13^th Annual Student Art and Design Exhibition (ASADE) last February 21-27 at the Event Center.  Attaché  Case featured modern corporate art & design through the works of sixty nine (69) students who have been grouped in five (5) major creative offices and showrooms featuring interior design, painting, fashion design, advertising arts and industrial design.  A feature presentation  started the day with a runway competition of Fashion Design Program’s Big 3.  Workshops and guided gallery viewing was held daily.   It closed with a whole day CosPlay event  hosted by PWC’s Basic Education Department.

The Annual Student Art & Design Exhibition is coming….what’s out for more details.

It was a warm Sunday morning when my friends and I decided to unwind in nearby town. Our destination: Lake Sebu, a 30-minute drive from Koronadal South Cotabato, where my friend and his family live. This wasn’t really part of the plan as our original target was to visit the white sand beaches of Glan, Sarangani Province. But due to the recklessness of a motorcycle driver, who bumped the back of our car, we decided to change our route and off to the mountains of Lake Sebu we found another alternative place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city-at least for a while.

Lake Sebu is a mountainous and peaceful town noted for its lake and Tilapia (a freshwater fish), seven waterfalls, and its friendly people the T’bolis. It has a lot of attractions to offer to its visitors but I won’t dwell so much on these things right now. Maybe on my next post.

Aside from its mouth-watering Tilapia delicacies, one thing that we enjoyed so much was the setting up of a new attraction for extreme sports enthusiasts- the Zip Line. For only P250, you can have a breathtaking experience of crossing a mountainous landscape. There are two zip lines to enjoy. One has a distance of 700 meters; the other one has 400 meters. With more than 1,000 ft. high, you will see a spectacular view of the people, rivers, trees, and even the waterfalls! It is truly a breathtaking experience! Too bad I forgot to bring a cam, I could have recorded the stunning views while flying like Superman. Nevertheless, I hope these pictures taken by my friend before and during our flight would suffice.

a view before and during take off ….on Left- see the tiny people inside the circle? on Right side-it’s not a bird nor a plane, it’s me and YC!