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.
I have been living in the city for as long as I could remember, and in Manila alone there are so many places I haven't been to or explored. Travel and discovery, I believe, are innate qualities of my being. I may be an introvert, perhaps even bordering to becoming a social hermit, but the opportunity to explore hole-in-the-wall establishments, cultural hubs and art exhibitions always excites me. Through exposure you learn and get insights. And most importantly, you gain inspiration, even from those that most would consider as mundane. Creativity and inspiration are ideas that always seem to be beyond one's grasp but at times, especially when our minds are clouded. Through selective conditioning and unrealistic expectations, we fail to see any sort of redeeming beauty in the "ugliest" of places. To travel and explore the community you live in is a path one navigates to discover your own history, and discovering your place and the part you play in your community. Metro Manila is the center of commerce; the most populous city in the Philippines. One can be disheartened and discouraged to explore the city because of the impending traffic, noise and air pollution combined. However, as Carlos Celdran, an artist and cultural activist, puts it in is TED Talks, " If you can't find beauty and poetry in Manila, you'll never find it anywhere." Watch Carlos Celdran TEDx here:
With this in mind, I am planning my "walk this way" of Manila. Here are my pitstops for the month of August: 1. Revisiting Vargas Museum
Where: Roxas Avenue, University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City
Operating
hours: Tuesday to
Saturday, closed on most holidays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Museum fee: Php
20.00 for UP students, alumni, faculty and employees, PhP 30.00 for
everyone else; entrance is free every Wednesday for UP students, alumni,
faculty and employees.
“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 
