Nature inspired art
In this digital age, the art of writing with a pen or any writing instrument seems out-dated and consigned to the dustbins. Most of us would rather type out quickly on our laptops and send an e-mail, except for a select few who still enjoy writing notes on pretty stationery.
My wife is one of those lost romantics, along with a handful of friends, so she was delighted to discover that in this day and age, someone has come out with a small business turning out eye-catching notebooks, note pads, loose cards and undated planners, all bearing simple artwork that render them attractive and pleasant to write on and to receive as well.
Yvette Lising is an artist by profession, and most importantly an artist at heart. A graduate of Fine Arts from the University
of Santo Tomas, she worked in various advertising agencies for a few years until she got bored and burned out. Then she got engaged and found herself with a lot of time on her hands to work on all the preparations for her wedding, including the invitations, loose cards, even her illustrated wedding. Her creative juices flowed freely and she indulged her passion for drawing. Family and friends admired her works of art and that was how Typescratch started.
Her art work, she says, is inspired by nature, the world she lives in, her travels, and whatever suits her fancy when she sits down to create a design. Her designs are indeed varied, from lovable cats to sushi(!), which she says are her best sellers because these subjects are very relatable.
She admits that her price range isn’t for ordinary people, but because her market can relate to her subjects and designs, they tend to overlook the price. They can be considered pricey for what they are intended, but then again, her materials are only the best that one can source in the market. The paper she uses is of the highest grade and can even be used for calligraphy with no fear of smudging or bleeding. As I always say, if it is value for money, just go for it.
She started online like most others who start their home business, but her products are now carried by at least two brick and mortar stores, some malls (Alabang Town Center, UP Town Center, and Glorietta) and she is currently negotiating with two book stores to carry her line. She has note pads and note cards, design sets, undated planners which are more practical than the dated ones, and unlined notebooks for the more creative and free-spirited people. She is also going to launch her bullet journals and pocket notebooks soon, so watch out for her new lines. Yvette knows she has to maintain her image, sustain her brand’s presence and stay relevant while keeping the creative juices flowing. Digital gurus may raise their collective eyebrows at this but yes, the ancient art of letter writing is not dead.
Yes, go for it.
Some important events to watch out for: Rediscover Binondo – Tea with Tinio
This is actually the first of a three-part Tea with Tinio Series at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City.
Martin “Sonny” Tinio is an art and heritage expert and the focus of his series is rediscovering the lost beauty and prestige of old Binondo that was once a favorite destination. The past, genteel Binondo, the present with its bustling commerce and its growing nest of those so freely engaged in the underground economy and the future of what Binondo has to offer are what Tinio shares with us with his series.
This is happening today, March 3 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Tickets are at P300.
On another note, the Mall of Asia in Pasay City is another destination to consider when MOA lights up the skies as they hold the 9th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC). The competition actually started Feb. 17 when the Philippine awardwinning Platinum Fireworks opened the event with a breathtaking opening exhibition. Then, on Feb. 24, two top contenders, Pyro Engineering from the United States and Steffe-Ollig Feuerwerke from Germany showed off their pyro skills. Today March 3, Austria and Canada will square off with their entries Fire Event and Hands Fireworks.
The week after, on March 10, watch the Manila skyline as it will be the turn of France to show off its pyro skills with their Pandora-Pyrotechnic, Italy with its Alesse Fuochi Artificialli.
On March 17, Taiwan’s Yung Feng Fireworks will light up the sky, while the defending champion United Kingdom’s Pyrotex LTD will attempt to retain its crown.
And last but not least, China promises not to be outdone on March 24 when its Polaris Fireworks dominates the Manila skyline.
It’s a family-oriented six-week event from PIPC at the Mall of Asia with tickets priced from a low of P100 to P1,500 (with VIP dinner). However, prices will be different on closing day.
Mabuhay!!! Be proud to be a Filipino. For comments (email) sunshine.television@yahoo.com