A spontaneous trip to Baguio City led my boyfriend Paolo and I to the studio of renowned sculptor Ben-Hur Villanueva.
We were drawn to the place because of the huge metal figures resting atop the roof of the gallery Arko ni Apo. Upon entering the gallery, a small cafe with newspaper clippings welcomed visitors. At the second floor, intricate metal sculptures were on display. We heard music and smelled incense coming from the balcony so we curiously peeked outside, and there he was... the artist at work! Lucky us! :)
I asked if I could photograph his work area. I was careful not to take too many photos of the artworks because of their "no picture taking" policy. We ended up having coffee with sir Ben-Hur and his cool family, talking about art & life for two hours. I learned so much from that serendipitous meeting, "simplify and maximize" he said. Simplify your life and maximize your talents. We left Arko ni Apo with a bottle of soy coffee and a pocket-full of wisdom. :)
Since I wasn't able to ask Sir Ben-Hur the usual set of questions for Anik-Anik Love, here is a really good video I found online that captures him perfectly. :)
Out of the blue, I got an email inviting me to hang out at a studio that designs rings. I had no idea what kind of jewelry they did until I saw their blog, and instantly fell in love with their kick-ass custom-made rings!
Hot rods, tattoos, leather, and metal... check out the workshop of Dante Dizon and Noli Conrado of 13 Lucky Monkey! :)
I was really lucky enough to catch sculptor Leeroy New preparing for his Opulescence exhibit before he flew off to Singapore! His work is absolutely amazing & definitely progressive... you just can't stop staring at his art pieces. I'm totally lusting after his Sacred Heart wall pieces! Hehe. :)
Check out the space where artist Leeroy New's creations come alive!
Leeroy New (Quezon City, Philippines) Occupation: Artist/Sculptor/Designer
Favorite toy as a child: I didn't really play with toys but instead I had your typical art materials... and I climbed trees a lot.
Favorite toy now: Clays and Polymers Turn-ons: Humor, vision, articulate x substance and extra large toes...?
Turn-offs: No humor, no vision, no substance, short toes What are 5 things that inspire you right now? The latest technologies overlapping with contemporary industrial design, architecture, and fashion. Does that count as one or four?
Top 5 movies: I don't really have a top five, I feel it would be unfair to the other films I like... Top 3 books: The same concern applies to books...
Music you listen to: It really depends on my current empire state of mind 5 Favorite websites: I don't really surf that much to have a top 5
When you're not busy with work, what do you do in your free time? Bum around, eat a lot of really good food, and drink like there's work tomorrow but you just don't care If you were to choose a different job, what would it be? If it were really up to me, I'd be a ninja assassin. The Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon X Naruto kind.
If you can have any super power, what would it be? Jumper! What is the biggest problem of the world right now? The insecure human condition as inhabitants of this infinite universe... and potholes
What do you think is the solution? Threatening alien life forms (as illustrated in Alan Moore's Watchmen) What's the most important life lesson you've learned so far? Most inspiring statement/moment (heard/said/read): I feel these two questions have more or less the same answers for me... "Everyone has to choose/have their own battle to fight", "Excellence in everything you choose to do", & "With vision comes responsibility"
I was lucky enough to capture artist-activist Kiri Dalena's sculpting space (shared with her mother Julie Lluch and sisters Sari & Aba) while she was preparing for their family's first four-woman exhibit "Home Works", shown at the Alliance Francaise de Manille last October. Check it out! :)
Gabriel Krista Lluch Dalena (Kiri) (Quezon City, Philippines) Occupation: Filmmaker and Sculptor
Favorite toy as a child: It was a pink pink plastic doll with eyes painted silver and none of her parts were moveable. My sisters tell me she was creepy but I loved her dearly. I named the doll Waling-Waling, after a flower. Favorite toy now: A gun metal toy and another doll. The gun hangs over my bed. The doll is in my closet. My parents surprised me with the doll on my 6th birthday. I've moved around all these years but I insisted on keeping her even if she has lost her eyes and most of her hair. That birthday is still the best day of my life.
Top 5 movies: Biyaya ng Lupa Red Balloon Forbidden Games I Am Cuba La Strada Top 3 books: Philippine Cross-Section (edited by Maximo Ramos and Florentino B. Valeros Almanac foe Manilenos (Nick Joaquin) Salvaged Poems (Emman Lacaba) Music you listen to: I'm listening to Kundiman now. Nicanor Abelardo. Or rather I tinkle with the piano keys every so often pretending I can play Mutya ng Pasig.
When you're not busy with work, what do you do in your free time? I love to sleep. I also enjoy having coffee near the breakwaters in Manila during sundown. If you were to choose a different job, what would it be? I'll probably enjoy working as a cook. Or an archivist.
If you can have any super power, what would it be? I don't mind having China. What's the most important life lesson you've learned so far? Protect the center
Most inspiring statment/moment (heard/said/read): The Future is Unwritten from Joe Strummer
