Firsts: Art Journal Workshop

“It is by teaching that we teach ourselves, by relating that we observe, by affirming that we examine, by showing that we look, by writing that we think, by pumping that we drew water into the well.” –Henri Frederic Amiel

“The thing I loved the most –and still love the most about teaching –is that you can connect with an individual or group and exceed their limits.” –Mike Krzyzewski

“I alone can’t change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create ripples.” –Mother Theresa

This has been long overdue. To me, the experience is more than big enough to put into words. It has been challenging, exciting, overwhelming, lovely, beautiful, joyful…it left me in awe. The gift of firsts… or just maybe, the gift of teaching and sharing something so dear to me. Maybe it’s because, it is so powerful when women gather together. Especially in the name of art making.

That’s me and Airees giving instructions; encouraging everyone to just go for it…This is both our first ever workshop. And I can say that we are so full of joy, of love, of support having + sharing ourselves, our works, and our processes to the participant…The backdrop of art materials are just so perfect + the books around the store. The workshop was held at Fully Booked, Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

Eager + brave participants in action. Working on Airees’ lesson.

This is Ellie. A surprise participant! I was so happy + inspired seeing her at work. Can you see how captivated she worked? I can picture myself through her at that age. Lucky, lucky to have her mom Dette join us. Lucky, lucky girl to have Dette as her mom!

Half of the class with me and showing their finished art journal spread! Most of them, if not all, have never tried or never thought of painting a face ever. It was like magic unfurling as layer by layer their pages and faces come to life! Awemazing!

My younger brother Mak. Again, I was surprised and so happy to get a lot of support from the people dear to me. I thought I would only be joined by my sister that day. But then, one by one, family members + friends arrived to support me! This was all so new to me. It was such a blessing.