Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Departure
Rest In Peace, Nujabes.
I was never a fan of Michael Jackson, DJ AM, or even James Brown. I don't doubt their legacies, their contribution to music or to their respective cultures, however I simply was never a fan of theirs. Jun Seba, aka Nujabes, was a man I was indeed a fan of. A producer of some of the finest hip-hop inspired instrumentals, most often I found his beats so beautiful that to lace them with lyrics would seem to be an injustice.
Often times as I toil away on the computer on graphic design or Baybayin works, it would usually be the soulful sounds of Nujabes that would keep both my mind and spirit awake and inspired. A native of Japan, his music transcended cultural and language barriers... he was indeed an inspiration.
So, to pay tribute to this man's great works, I wanted to do a couple of renders of my favorite albums of his. The first would be Modal Soul. In this piece, I kept the general color scheme and look of the actual CD album art, and wrote his name, Nujabes, in the center of the piece in Baybayin (Nu-Di-A-Be-S). Click for full size
Modal Soul was quite dear to me because it was the first album of his I got my hands on. But it was the second album, Departure, that ultimately became my favorite. Nordenx's Baybayin Modern Block font used in this piece to spell out his name. Click for full size
And the side-by-side comparisons:
I'm not looking to print these out to sell for a buck. Click on them for full resolution and print em out if you're compelled to do so. Just be sure to look up his music if you haven't done so already. Rest In Paradise, Nujabes. Jun Seba is now among the stars he once counted.
~cyph
I was never a fan of Michael Jackson, DJ AM, or even James Brown. I don't doubt their legacies, their contribution to music or to their respective cultures, however I simply was never a fan of theirs. Jun Seba, aka Nujabes, was a man I was indeed a fan of. A producer of some of the finest hip-hop inspired instrumentals, most often I found his beats so beautiful that to lace them with lyrics would seem to be an injustice.
Often times as I toil away on the computer on graphic design or Baybayin works, it would usually be the soulful sounds of Nujabes that would keep both my mind and spirit awake and inspired. A native of Japan, his music transcended cultural and language barriers... he was indeed an inspiration.
So, to pay tribute to this man's great works, I wanted to do a couple of renders of my favorite albums of his. The first would be Modal Soul. In this piece, I kept the general color scheme and look of the actual CD album art, and wrote his name, Nujabes, in the center of the piece in Baybayin (Nu-Di-A-Be-S). Click for full size
Modal Soul was quite dear to me because it was the first album of his I got my hands on. But it was the second album, Departure, that ultimately became my favorite. Nordenx's Baybayin Modern Block font used in this piece to spell out his name. Click for full size
And the side-by-side comparisons:
I'm not looking to print these out to sell for a buck. Click on them for full resolution and print em out if you're compelled to do so. Just be sure to look up his music if you haven't done so already. Rest In Paradise, Nujabes. Jun Seba is now among the stars he once counted.
~cyph
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Mama said knock you out
Before Manny Pacquiao became a national treasure of the Philippines, another Pilipino pugilist sensationalized the flyweight boxing division all across America. Before the Pac Man’s rise through the weight class championships, there was one undisputed boxer who was known as the greatest fighter of all time that heralded from the Philippines; his name was Francisco “Pancho Villa” Guilledo.
These days, many Filipinos are proud to feel that they’re being represented by such world class fighters outside of the esoteric Filipino martial arts. Our people are honored as Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, Brian Viloria and Brandon Vera enter the ring/octagon, proudly representing their Philippine heritage. However, many new-comers to subscribe to the fighting sport may never have heard of Francisco Guilledo, much like how many Filipinos may never have heard of Baybayin writing either. Francisco Guilledo, born in 1901, blazed the boxing world all across Asia before travelling to the states to compete and dominate. Having died at the age of 23, he left an incredible record of 109 fights, winning 92, and 24 of them by K.O. This short lived star resonates throughout boxing history and is a name highly regarded by boxing aficionados. I wanted to pay tribute to this Filipino fighter for this month’s Mixed Martial Arts theme to not only remember Francisco Guilledo, but to also echo my own sentiments about Baybayin; the Philippine culture is rich in history, and though some may have forgotten certain aspects of it, it’s never too late to look back and find strength through our own culture.
This piece is featured at the Baybayin Online Art Gallery, so be sure to check out the other pieces featured this month. 8x10 prints are available for $40 with frame. Email Bathala1@gmail.com to inquire.
Stay up,
Cyph
These days, many Filipinos are proud to feel that they’re being represented by such world class fighters outside of the esoteric Filipino martial arts. Our people are honored as Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, Brian Viloria and Brandon Vera enter the ring/octagon, proudly representing their Philippine heritage. However, many new-comers to subscribe to the fighting sport may never have heard of Francisco Guilledo, much like how many Filipinos may never have heard of Baybayin writing either. Francisco Guilledo, born in 1901, blazed the boxing world all across Asia before travelling to the states to compete and dominate. Having died at the age of 23, he left an incredible record of 109 fights, winning 92, and 24 of them by K.O. This short lived star resonates throughout boxing history and is a name highly regarded by boxing aficionados. I wanted to pay tribute to this Filipino fighter for this month’s Mixed Martial Arts theme to not only remember Francisco Guilledo, but to also echo my own sentiments about Baybayin; the Philippine culture is rich in history, and though some may have forgotten certain aspects of it, it’s never too late to look back and find strength through our own culture.
This piece is featured at the Baybayin Online Art Gallery, so be sure to check out the other pieces featured this month. 8x10 prints are available for $40 with frame. Email Bathala1@gmail.com to inquire.
Stay up,
Cyph
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
In case you ever wondered...
Picture = 1000 Words (estimated)
Monday, March 1, 2010
One second...
Friday, February 26, 2010
Still Alive!
Been RIDICULOUSLY busy this month! Haven't even had the time to post up the pics from SCPASA yet, and in a couple of hours I'll be flying out to Indiana for the MAFA conference! But I PROMISE you all, I'll have some sweet eye candy and that Baybayin stylin' you all know and love for you all soon.
Stay up!
cyph
Friday, February 19, 2010
Futura Friday
Finally finished a draft version of my first Baybayin font last night/early morning. I'm quite excited to reveal it to you all soon, after I get some critique and polish it up a bit! Here's a sneak peak:
The font was modeled to compliment the capital characters of the font, Futura Book, following the angles, line weights, and counter spacing. The FIRST people to see this will be all workshop attendees at tomorrow's (Saturday) SCPASA workshop! I'll be facilitating a Baybayin workshop/lecture sessions 2 and 3 at USC. Click on the flyer for full details:
Stay up!
Cyph
The font was modeled to compliment the capital characters of the font, Futura Book, following the angles, line weights, and counter spacing. The FIRST people to see this will be all workshop attendees at tomorrow's (Saturday) SCPASA workshop! I'll be facilitating a Baybayin workshop/lecture sessions 2 and 3 at USC. Click on the flyer for full details:
Stay up!
Cyph
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Westside Writings
Apologies for not having updated in a while; this month has been RIDICULOUSLY busy, and unfortunately I can't even tell you some of the reasons why... yet... but just know that everything is moving.
Now for the main point. IF YOU'RE IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA or plan to be this weekend, you can catch me live at the SCPASA conference at USC, facilitating my classic Baybayin Writer's workshop! Click here for more info
Stay up,
Cyph
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
On freedom and such things...
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. day! A year or two back, the illest hiphop vlogger on the planet, JSmooth the Illdoctrine, chimed in on a couple of MLK's knowledge droppings. Check:
Stay up,
~cyph
Stay up,
~cyph
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Translation "Tuesday": 2010
A late Translation Tuesday due to Youtube hating on a brotha... but anyways, happy new year! In this week's special first-of-the-year episode, I bring to you another translation and art-making episode! Today we translate "2010", which in Tagalog reads, "Dalawang Libo't Sampu"; the word "Taon" (Years) is added after to denote years. The reason why 2010 gets translated is because Christian Cabuay, who runs many of the google-popular Baybayin websites, opened the first Baybayin online art gallery, featuring many of your favorite Baybayin artists that you know and love:
As you can see from the flyer, the theme for the very first online gallery is "2010"; how one interprets 2010, and what one expects of it. So, taking a step back from design-communication, I thought I'd take a crack at fine art interpretation...
Essentially, I've experienced a rapid growth of the Baybayin community within the last year; Baybayin writers coming together, acknowledging each other, collaborating, and the word is spreading quickly. Sure, it's still (for lack of a better term) "underground" for now, but we're quickly expanding. I think that in this new decade, the Baybayin community will only grow faster, and essentially begin to blossom:
The Baybayin characters, which spell out "2010" (Dalawang Libo't Sampu) are spread out like roots and vines; extensions are drawn out of them, like leaves and branches extending and reaching out. I illustrated Sampaguita flowers (the national flower of the Philippines) to express my idea of the Baybayin community "blossoming" all about. Also, I wanted this printed piece to resemble a vintage print poster. I'm thinking, a Victorian-era retro Asian poster print. The reason why is because I always thought of Baybayin art as immediately becoming anachronistic once someone brings it into any time frame context outside of it's own, since it is an ancient writing system. Asia has been of the early adapters of poster printing, and I wanted to resonate that look in it's modern-day message; a play on the times, a decade's blossom.
Stay up,
Cyph
P.S. As seen in the end of the video, this piece was made for print. 11x14 prints WILL BE AVAILABLE only at the upcoming Baybayin Art gallery exhibition in February...
As you can see from the flyer, the theme for the very first online gallery is "2010"; how one interprets 2010, and what one expects of it. So, taking a step back from design-communication, I thought I'd take a crack at fine art interpretation...
Essentially, I've experienced a rapid growth of the Baybayin community within the last year; Baybayin writers coming together, acknowledging each other, collaborating, and the word is spreading quickly. Sure, it's still (for lack of a better term) "underground" for now, but we're quickly expanding. I think that in this new decade, the Baybayin community will only grow faster, and essentially begin to blossom:
The Baybayin characters, which spell out "2010" (Dalawang Libo't Sampu) are spread out like roots and vines; extensions are drawn out of them, like leaves and branches extending and reaching out. I illustrated Sampaguita flowers (the national flower of the Philippines) to express my idea of the Baybayin community "blossoming" all about. Also, I wanted this printed piece to resemble a vintage print poster. I'm thinking, a Victorian-era retro Asian poster print. The reason why is because I always thought of Baybayin art as immediately becoming anachronistic once someone brings it into any time frame context outside of it's own, since it is an ancient writing system. Asia has been of the early adapters of poster printing, and I wanted to resonate that look in it's modern-day message; a play on the times, a decade's blossom.
Stay up,
Cyph
P.S. As seen in the end of the video, this piece was made for print. 11x14 prints WILL BE AVAILABLE only at the upcoming Baybayin Art gallery exhibition in February...
Monday, January 4, 2010
That new-new (Part 2)
Late last year I redesigned my logo to the circular-form:
The idea was to resonate a familiar geometry, the circle, to complement the mostly-unfamiliar Baybayin script. However, as I further self-criticized the logo, I came up with the following faults:
1. The circular form heavily distorts the characters
2. The line weights weren't heavy enough to compliment a more even negative-space to line ratio
3. The counter spacing was rather uneven in contrast to each character
4. Because of the above reasons, at very small scale, too much detail gets lost
So, addressing these issues, I switched up the geometry to a square, which doesn't distort the characters as much, and evened out both line weight and counter spacing. Aaaand voila:
The idea was taken from ancient Chinese seal stamps, which were usually fashioned in square/rectangular forms, since the characters themselves are rather blocky within their confines. The border line pays tribute to this, resembling an inked line. The characters themselves are monoweight and rounded to emphasize modernity within its approach. Even at small scale, the characters are still distinguishable (to me at least):
And there ya go. Any comments and constructive critiques are very much welcome.
edit: Version 2.1
Stay up,
~cyph
The idea was to resonate a familiar geometry, the circle, to complement the mostly-unfamiliar Baybayin script. However, as I further self-criticized the logo, I came up with the following faults:
1. The circular form heavily distorts the characters
2. The line weights weren't heavy enough to compliment a more even negative-space to line ratio
3. The counter spacing was rather uneven in contrast to each character
4. Because of the above reasons, at very small scale, too much detail gets lost
So, addressing these issues, I switched up the geometry to a square, which doesn't distort the characters as much, and evened out both line weight and counter spacing. Aaaand voila:
The idea was taken from ancient Chinese seal stamps, which were usually fashioned in square/rectangular forms, since the characters themselves are rather blocky within their confines. The border line pays tribute to this, resembling an inked line. The characters themselves are monoweight and rounded to emphasize modernity within its approach. Even at small scale, the characters are still distinguishable (to me at least):
And there ya go. Any comments and constructive critiques are very much welcome.
edit: Version 2.1
Stay up,
~cyph
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Eve of a new year
2010. It'll be bananas I'm sure! Quite excited about the adventures that I'll be having with the Baybayin movement/community. Last year of this time I was just getting my feet wet with scribbles and random acts of Baybayin vandalism. Now I'm knee deep and am about to make a cannon-ball splash onto the Baybayin and graphic design scene.
New suit, new style, new year. Let's go!
Stay up,
~Cyph
New suit, new style, new year. Let's go!
Stay up,
~Cyph
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Spoken Word Sunday: Intelect
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Translation Tuesday: "Ch-" Sounds
Welcome to the last Translation Tuesday episode of the year! My, what a journey 2009 has been... to compare my entire mindset, attitude, and Baybayin style in January to now, it's night and day! I learned alot, built with many people, and 2010 is only going to be bigger and better!
But first thing's first. Today's Translation Tuesday episode addresses how to achieve the "Ch-" sound, such as in "Chuck" or "Peaches"...
Again, thank you to all that have made 2009 so memorable and have supported the Baybayin movement! 2010, WE GOT THIS!
Stay up,
~cyph
But first thing's first. Today's Translation Tuesday episode addresses how to achieve the "Ch-" sound, such as in "Chuck" or "Peaches"...
Again, thank you to all that have made 2009 so memorable and have supported the Baybayin movement! 2010, WE GOT THIS!
Stay up,
~cyph
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Happy Humbugs
In this day and age of self awareness regarding consumerism, the echoes of colonization through Christianity, and general ideals that oppose the face value of Christmas, I can't help but still feel happy about the holiday season. I guess I can blame it on all on the great Christmas' that my parents could have afforded both my sister and I as children. I can blame it on the unity that my family had to congregate with the cousins and our ability to get along with each other, play, and give gifts. I can blame it on how much my family cares for one another with genuine smiles and cries.
But I am aware that it ain't all good in the hood. I know there are broken families that make being with them intolerable around this time of the year. I know there are people with no families to confide with throughout the whole year. I know there are those who can't afford to be a participant of the heightened consumerism culture for the holidays.
But I see you, brothers and sisters. I know you're there. For some, Christmas is the worse time of the year because it reminds them of what they don't have, much like Valentines is the worse for some because it reminds them of WHO they don't have. But stay strong, my brothers and sisters. You don't have to have a happy holiday just to be HAPPY. You're alive and breathing, and hopefully eating. I see you and I'm with you.
Happy holidays, stay up.
~Cyph
But I am aware that it ain't all good in the hood. I know there are broken families that make being with them intolerable around this time of the year. I know there are people with no families to confide with throughout the whole year. I know there are those who can't afford to be a participant of the heightened consumerism culture for the holidays.
But I see you, brothers and sisters. I know you're there. For some, Christmas is the worse time of the year because it reminds them of what they don't have, much like Valentines is the worse for some because it reminds them of WHO they don't have. But stay strong, my brothers and sisters. You don't have to have a happy holiday just to be HAPPY. You're alive and breathing, and hopefully eating. I see you and I'm with you.
Happy holidays, stay up.
~Cyph
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Translation Tuesday: Twin (Kambal)
This week's Translation Tuesday is quite different. It's been a while since I did a walkthrough-video of myself creating a Baybayin art piece, so when a client called in to render the word "Kambal" (Twin) into a Baybayin piece, I thought to kill two birds with one stone...
Props to my brother in rhyme, Stimey, for assisting with the videography! So, here's the text: According to Filipino mythology, the supreme being Bathala one day sent a lightning bolt to strike the largest bamboo plant on earth. This split bamboo plant gave two beings, the first man and first woman. The man was named "Malakas" (strong) and the woman "Maganda" (beautiful). I always thought that this symmetery and close relation with god, earth, nature, spirituality and this overall harmony in the Filipino creation story was quite interesting. The idea of natural compliments is the essence of the balanced equations that ties all sciences and theories together. So what about life? What about emotion? These questions are raised in this 24" x 36" poster...
The bamboo, representing the whole idea of Filipino spirituality finding compliments and harmony in nature are represented by the symmetrical patterns around the border, and the two large bamboo poles. Complimenting hues, orange and blue, are each tinting half of the poster. In the middle however, is a hodge podge of colors. I always felt that visually, colors can represent so much simply because there are so many depths to interpret, much like emotion. So, I wanted each dash of color to represent an emotion, and the essence of this ball of emotions is a soul. But if everything truly IS complimentary, and everything essentially has a twin, what is a twin to a soul? A soul mate? A kindred spirit? A best friend? I don't personally know, but whatever they call it, "Kambal" (Twin) seems to be one of those names by which we call such a beautiful pair. On the Baybayin characters I included repetitious strokes to further resonate the idea of "twin". And lastly, the characters in red, which as a color has historically been used for either love or war. Many poets have compared and contrasted the two, but they indeed compliment each other regardless of their extreme outcomes...
Perhaps we're on this planet to find our twin? Our soul mate? Our optimal genetic match? Surely, if the universe is self complimenting with matter to antimatter, 0 to 1, on to off, then perhaps it is our mission/destiny/fate to search for our twin. But to realize our choice as to who our twin is would be a lifelong adventure. If you're lucky enough to actually identify who your twin is, then love with loyalty and leave with honor.
Stay up,
Cyph
Props to my brother in rhyme, Stimey, for assisting with the videography! So, here's the text: According to Filipino mythology, the supreme being Bathala one day sent a lightning bolt to strike the largest bamboo plant on earth. This split bamboo plant gave two beings, the first man and first woman. The man was named "Malakas" (strong) and the woman "Maganda" (beautiful). I always thought that this symmetery and close relation with god, earth, nature, spirituality and this overall harmony in the Filipino creation story was quite interesting. The idea of natural compliments is the essence of the balanced equations that ties all sciences and theories together. So what about life? What about emotion? These questions are raised in this 24" x 36" poster...
The bamboo, representing the whole idea of Filipino spirituality finding compliments and harmony in nature are represented by the symmetrical patterns around the border, and the two large bamboo poles. Complimenting hues, orange and blue, are each tinting half of the poster. In the middle however, is a hodge podge of colors. I always felt that visually, colors can represent so much simply because there are so many depths to interpret, much like emotion. So, I wanted each dash of color to represent an emotion, and the essence of this ball of emotions is a soul. But if everything truly IS complimentary, and everything essentially has a twin, what is a twin to a soul? A soul mate? A kindred spirit? A best friend? I don't personally know, but whatever they call it, "Kambal" (Twin) seems to be one of those names by which we call such a beautiful pair. On the Baybayin characters I included repetitious strokes to further resonate the idea of "twin". And lastly, the characters in red, which as a color has historically been used for either love or war. Many poets have compared and contrasted the two, but they indeed compliment each other regardless of their extreme outcomes...
Perhaps we're on this planet to find our twin? Our soul mate? Our optimal genetic match? Surely, if the universe is self complimenting with matter to antimatter, 0 to 1, on to off, then perhaps it is our mission/destiny/fate to search for our twin. But to realize our choice as to who our twin is would be a lifelong adventure. If you're lucky enough to actually identify who your twin is, then love with loyalty and leave with honor.
Stay up,
Cyph
Thursday, December 17, 2009
FREE SWAG THURSDAY: Christmas Edition!
Be sure to follow The Bathala Project on either Twitter or Facebook for your chance to win a very special FREE SWAG THURSDAY prize: The Baybayin Christmas Card - Magellan's stocking
What you see is poor old Magellan, finding a lump of naughty coal in his Christmas stocking. Above him reads "Maligayang Pasko!" which is Merry Christmas! in Tagalog, written in Baybayin (Nordenx's Baybayin Round font). The colorway of Magellan's garb was inspired by historical documents:
Sort of... So again, be sure to follow The Bathala Project on both Twitter and Facebook for your chance to win this 4"x6" Holiday card print!
Stay up!
~cyph
What you see is poor old Magellan, finding a lump of naughty coal in his Christmas stocking. Above him reads "Maligayang Pasko!" which is Merry Christmas! in Tagalog, written in Baybayin (Nordenx's Baybayin Round font). The colorway of Magellan's garb was inspired by historical documents:
Sort of... So again, be sure to follow The Bathala Project on both Twitter and Facebook for your chance to win this 4"x6" Holiday card print!
Stay up!
~cyph
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
