In light with the celebration of Philippine Independence Day, Manila Bulletin hosted an event last June 11, 2011 at the Ayala Triangle Makati City called Sketch Fest with the theme of Freedom of Expression. People from all walks of life registered in the on-the-spot drawing contest showcasing their own interpretation and creativity.
It’s my first time to join an art contest. I have a lot of ideas in mind but in the end I want to keep it simple by using one subject to symbolize freedom of expression. I did not expect that my boyfriend would meet me there just to support me. Sweet! :p
I thought of the sturdy tree as the symbol because like a tree, our words should always abide in truth; spread love and peace; give comfort instead of hate speech. We are entitled to our own opinions using different mediums of expressions. Obviously, you can spot the tree from a distance. ;p
Ta-da! My finished tree inspired by the Philippine Flag color. I added some pillars with words like commandments on tablets. It took me almost 3 hrs to finish everything. Imagine the size of the paper which is 17×22 inches! My hands are so tired and we ate a late lunch at 2:30pm. I use oil pastel and color pencil for this piece.
Here is Ugat ng Kalayaan (name of painting courtesy of Jonats. English: Root of Freedom) in focus.
Guess where I worked?
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16 Responses
Annette G
Happy PPF, your painting is wonderful, so alive and full of joy. Annette x
Elisa Choi
Thank you so much Annette! My first time to join PPF! I checked out your site and I love your painting as well. I have already leave a comment. Looking forward for more PPF! :)
Cameron
I love the symbolism here! Thanks for deciding to join PPF and share this with us :)
What a fantastic event to be a part of! So sweet that your boyfriend met you at the Sketchfest….he sounds like a keeper…haha!
Elisa Choi
Hi, Cameron, thanks so much for dropping by and for your good thoughts. Yes, it surely is an event that I can never forget. I enjoyed and I am inspired by the activity and by all the artist gathered around. Haha! My boyfriend would surely love your comment here… He is! ;) Btw, I hopped over your site and I love the painting you created. Surely makes a great card. Looking forward for your site. :)
Pao Mateo
Aww… I missed it! But I like your artwork! And yes, your boyfriend is so sweet….aww :)
Kristin Dudish
Welcome to Paint Party Friday, Elisa! I am so glad you’ve decided to join in the fun!
It sounds like you were part of such a wonderful event – and the results were great… I love hearing about the symbolism behind it!
Sheri Cook
Welcome to PPF! Love your work. Thanks for sharing it and looking forward to your next submission with this great group of supportive artists!
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot Pao! :) Haha, he’s going to be happy when he sees all these compliments.. lol
Elisa Choi
Sheri, Thanks so much for your wonderful comment. The reason I join is to be part of this great group where we will inspire one another to create and just have fun. :) I head over to your website and I am amazed by your beautiful painting of horses… so real.. :)
Elisa Choi
Kristin, thanks to you and Eva for organizing this! I love this group because it is filled with creative and supportive artists. Your blog is amazing and I am inspired all the more to create.:) As for the symbolism.. I thought of the tree as a symbol for freedom of expression because like a sturdy tree, we have to always abide in truth whenever we speak. We should spread love, peace and provide comfort instead giving hate speech. The color of the branches symbolizes the color our flag. That’s about it… :) Have a nice day!
Crumpblog
Wow congratulations! You deserved it.=)
Elisa Choi
I didn’t win though but it’s great to join and be inspired by all the artists who have participated. Thank you!
Darla
What a fun idea that was to have a sketch fest, one to add to my list of ideas of things to organize! And your tree is beautiful, well thought out and deep with your symbolism. Welcome to Paint Party Friday.
Crumpblog
Congratulations for trying your best=)
Elisa Choi
Thank you so much Stacy!:)
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Darla! Wow, I hope that I can join your activities too! Happy PPF!