Art School Taught Me

On this episode of Art School Taught Me, we talk with multi-medium creative and aspiring fashion designer Aaliyah. We go in depth on the entire creative process; from the initial conceptualization and theme, to inspirations, materials, and techniques required to produce an overall aesthetically cohesive collection.

Aaliyah on her collection: "It all started with the word “blue” and the many visuals that are attached to it. Each person would think of different things depending on their individual and unique experiences. For this collection, creatures of the deepest parts of the seas, swimming pools and boat sails were strung together to create a collection that is sophisticated and playful in its own way. The pieces may come off as ordinary but when given a closer, they are actually striking in subtle ways.

Found deep in the ocean are some of the most unusual creatures ever seen, a fusion of the strange and the beautiful. Drifting in the darkest depths of our waters, they navigate their surroundings through their own luminescence. Inspiration taken from these glittering creatures are their soft and rounded shapes, their transparence and their ability to stand out in the dark. The contrasting handstitches that run across ruffles of organdy and on patchwork are from the way comb jellyfish tentacles light up in horizontal lines. Fraying denim mirrors the way other deep sea fish float in the waters. The more tailored and rigid looks are inspired by pool tiles and boat sails. Pool tiles are mimicked through patchwork using different shades of denim while some pieces were made to look like square rig sails in cotton twill. Taking different design elements from each of these objects resulted into a collection that is detailed and decorative yet wearable because of its neutral color palette. Like deep sea creatures, these pieces are able to blend into the background and at the same time stay seen."

Check out her fahion illustration account on Instagram to learn more information about her collection and see detailed samples of textiles used, conceptual illustrations, and inspiration boards! https://www.instagram.com/scoutconfetti/?hl=en

Thanks for listening!

Today on Art School Taught Me, we talk with graphic designer and illustrator Raxenne of Plus 63 Design Co. We chat about her illustration process, design inspirations, her affinity for flora and fauna and how she incorporates it into her signature illustrative style. We also discuss at length Hydra Design Group and the four companies that make it up.

Hi! On today's episode we sit down with the talented musician and producer Dominic aka MOKUA. We talk about production. Needing to have a day job. Design work. Films. We also delve into our thoughts on CHVRCHES' discography and out common disdain for their third LP. It was a good episode overall despite the technical difficulties. Enjoy!

Hello! On this episode I sit down and chat with DJ/Producer Pamcy! We talk about production, her musical influences, volunteering, and her upcoming album BINIBINI, releasing July 30th. Though an introvert, Pamcy loves the feeling of playing in front of people. We also briefly touch on her collaborative project DanCy with her friend Dani who plays live drums to accompany Pamcy's sets. A bit of an oversight on my part as I should've had Dani on this episode as well. Oops.

On this episode we sit down with architect Arts of One Zero Design Co. He talks about how geometry influenced his design style. He invited us to his studio in Escolta where we recorded this episode. Just with the short period of timeI had talking with him, I could feel the sense of drive and passion he has for this city; the yearning for a better Manila. We discuss the city's lack of inspired architecture specifically in the CBDs and what we can do to revive the Manila's cultural identity.

One thing that stood out to me was when he said Manila is not a "car city" and that we should aim to create a more efficient system of travel. Anyone that's been in Manila can relate to the sometime frustrating amount of congested traffic that plagues the streets. But he has hopes for the city and so do I. Here's to a better Manila.

As always, thanks for listening!

We're back! After an almost 2 month hiatus, Art School Taught Me returns with Season 2 of Conversations with Creatives here in Manila.

On this episode we sit down with aspiring photographer and filmmaker, Hix. We discuss her views on film vs. digital photography, as well as her recent shift into filmmaking. Our conversation covers most aspects of production from writing to directing to producing. Aside from Pinterest, she reveals that random word generators are often sources of inspiration when it comes to conceptualizing ideas to write about, which was something that took me by surprise. Hix also talks about some of her past projects, and the importance of being sincere with your art. Vulnerability is a big aspect of her work and you can feel it when you watch her films.

Towards the latter half of the episode we discuss the LGBTQ+ community here in the Philippines and what needs to happen in order to make the future a safer and more accepting place for everyone.

Before wrapping up the episode, we talk briefly about Japan and how cool Daikanyama and Shimokitazawa are. As well as how sketchy Minami-Senju can sometimes be. I asked Hix about places in Japan that she finds special to which she responded with Yamanashi prefecture, her dad's province.

As per usual, the environmental noise is above what it should be for a podcast. I'm a bit rusty from the season break but hopefully we can get back into the swing of things soon. Thanks for listening!

How does it feel to return to somewhere you have never been?

This is the overarching theme of Meatfist's thesis; an introspective exploration on the identity people that have grown up outside of their birth country and inevitably feel like outsiders when they return.

We kept it focused; discussing only a select few topics. Thanks for listening!

Episode 90 focuses on the Internet. Mac (Asshulz) and Czae (Crispy Panda) are multidisciplinary artists from LB who use the Internet to their advantage. In this age of instant and unlimited information, we often take for granted the resources available to us and fail to use them to their fullest. Sitting down with these two, I've grown to understand how much of a role the Internet plays on modern creatives.

Mac is a multi-disciplinarian to say the least. He has his hand in many creative fields ranging from films to zines, event organizing, writing and design. Something I found interesting was when Mac revealed that he "doesn't really like art that much" but feels compelled to create. An internal conflict that I am unfamiliar with but I'm sure many of you can relate to.

Czae on the other hand balances her creative life with a veterinarian career. She says has a difficult time labeling herself as an artist as she mostly creates on the side. This has been something that has come up in episodes past; the internal struggle of the artist label. Something I hope I can continue to explore in future episodes.

We discussed many topics within the show's hour, as usual, it was not nearly enough time to fully express our thoughts and feelings. The overall theme though I suppose comes down to our love-hate relationship with the Internet.

Apologies for the audio quality again. I keep fucking up. Thanks for listening nonetheless.

Meow! This week, I had the privilege of sitting down with the 2018 Philippines Coffee in Good Spirits Champion and cat lover, Yassie!

As someone new to the Third Wave coffee scene, this was a particularly informative and educational episode. Yassie takes us on her coffee journey starting from the beginning, working at Caffe Bene then moving to Toby's Estate and then for the last four years at The Curator. She gives insightful information about the competitive coffee scene and how the process works. We also talk briefly about what makes a bad cup of coffee bad; burnt rubber and steel are notes you never want in a cup of coffee.

The Philippines is home to a vibrant coffee scene, you just have to take a moment to look for it. And I'm not just talking about cafés, but also farms!

Please try the Purple Haze at The Curator if you ever get the chance! It's so good! Thanks for listening!

On this episode of Art School Taught Me, I sit down with Visual Artist/DJ Andi! As per usual, the conversation jumps sporadically from topic to topic ranging from how creative courses are taught here in Manila to breaking into the DJ scene to the trauma of Catholic school to not putting out your own work in fear of being judged by your peers. We even briefly talk about about ghosts. I ask Andi to explain more about what transit records exactly is and she compares the company's model to that of Kitsuné which I found very interesting! Aaliyah also chimes in briefly when we discuss the state of local cinema and sci-fi.