"What is Art for?"

Last July, Nikki Ocean held her solo exhibit, entitled Prism Pains and Those Voices in the Wilderness, at the Finale Art File art gallery. She's a budding artist and I've seen her grow from her college days to the present date. You could say that I've been one of her biggest fans! After seeing her exhibit, I was inspired to create jewelry pieces that ran parallel and    resonated with her paintings. This led me to experiment with different forms of beaded costume jewelry, as well as incorporating materials outside my usual style. 

Bloom, Nikki Ocean
2015, Oil on Canvas
84 X 60 inches

Ghost of your future's past childhood longings, Nikki Ocean
2015, Oil on Canvas
60 X 84 inches

Heart Burn, Nikki Ocean 
2015, Oil on Canvas
48 X36 inches

Peak of Haiyan, Nikki Ocean
2015, Oil on Canvas
36 X 36 inches

Wild, Nikki Ocean
2015, Oil on Canvas
48 x 36 inches

Home is where the tides take me, Nikki Ocean
2015, Oil on Canvas
36 X 36 inches

I have always been an accessory-loving person. I love wearing jewelry regardless of it being fine, bridge or costume. I also collect those made by different artists and retail brands. When I learned to make costume jewelry in particular, it played to my strengths as an artisan since I am a very visual and creative person. If I wasn’t doing this, I might have pursued painting or sculpture. Today, I see paint my canvass with my needle and thread as my brush and paint. 

I am lucky to be surrounded by creative people from different fields, who are artists in their own way using their form of "art" to inspire, influence and showcase their own advocacy. I suppose this is an example of what art is about. At one level, art inspires and on another level, it's an indirect way to self investigation. Allain de Botton's animated guide to "What is Art For" explains it more clearly. 

Live a life of meaning. Surround yourself with art! 
Keeping it real.- PJV

The Art in Polymer Clay

It was around 2010 that I started attending various art and crafts workshops including working with polymer clay. I took classes with Melody Felipe of Purple Nook Clay Shop (who also sells Polymer Clay materials). Melody mentioned Jen Cruz, the artist behind Purpleluggage, an expert in caning and creating whimsical flowers. I didn't pursue polymer clay, despite investing in materials, (including an oven) dedicated to this craft. It wasn't my medium but it was definitely Jen's.

“I'm a beach-going, dog-loving, crafty musician. All the stuff here were made lovingly -and at times painstakingly- with my own hands. I've been working with polymer clay since the mid-90's. An affair borne of a magical meeting of a limitless medium and busy hands.” - Jen Cruz, Purpleluggage 

Working with a medium as accessible as polymer clay and making it into something totally unique is a challenge that is both rewarding and enriching for polymer artist Jen Cruz. Being a tinkerer with restless hands, she is enriched by the intimate connection of designing and creating for people she’s never met. Her work brings her immense happiness, balance, and calm; and it means so much more when her creations speak to people in a positive way.

Most of the pieces she makes are necklaces, lockets and small trinket boxes. These bangles are an exclusive collection for Palamuti, with the signature floral designs of Purpleluggage.

Photos by Purpleluggage

Keeping it real.- PJV 

Palamuti Style Advocate: Ariane Alingog

Off to a wedding in La Union
Necklace by PJ Valenciano
Bangle by Stephanie Lopez 
Bag by Paola Germar

We are so proud to have Ms. Ariane Alingog as a Palamuti Style advocate. We are always on the lookout for women of substance, style and taste! She was featured in this week’s (July 21, 2015) edition of The Daily Tribune. Read her feature here:

Read about the family business here: The Lady Boss by Bam Santiago- Olivares

Photo from The Daily Tribune

WHO ARE OUR STYLE ADVOCATES? 

Ear Cuff and Ring by Stephanie Lopez

Ear Cuff and Ring by Stephanie Lopez 
Bag by Paola Germar

“Each handmade piece created by Palamuti was inspired by the uniqueness of the modern, empowered woman. Who better to represent us than real women in the real world? The objective of Palamuti’s Style Advocates is to find women with different personalities; women who exude confidence through their personal style. We want their stories to be shared with people with a love for art, beauty, hope and change."

Keeping it real.- PJV