A quick sketch before the week ends. I will most likely develop this into a painting. And even a triptych, perhaps?

I realize it it somehow inspired by Tara McPherson (who, by the way, I got to meet at this year’s Graphika Manila!). What can I say, I guess we’re both in love with hearts–or with the idea of love, for that matter.

The weekend was quite calm, with a slightly somber note. Saturday was spent mostly with family in celebration of the Chinese New Year (for the first time in a looong time I enjoyed just being with my fam at home); while Sunday was spent mostly in bed due to a bad case of migraine…

But B and I still managed to save the day with a simple yet lovely dinner, and pretty soon the clouds in my head lifted (thanks also to yummy hazelnut crepe and iced coffee!). We capped off the night watching Up in the Air at his place. Boring? Maybe, but at least it was cozy… And these days, just being cozy with the people I love is happiness…

P.S. Days ago I was shocked to learn of Alexander McQueen’s untimely death. They say it was suicide. I haven’t been able to read up on all the related material (due in part to some kind of denial–can’t believe he was only 40?), but it’s enough to say I really, truly felt how dreadful a loss it was to fashion. I’m not a huge fan, but I’d seen enough of his stuff to say he inspired me (and still inspires me) to dress a little more differently every now and then. I’m sure he’s in a better place now. RIP.

Heima LOVE 2010 Art Exhibit + Launch

06 February 2010 | Cubao X

I’ve broken the silence of my too-generic-looking office desk by sprucing it up with my personal style. It’s a mini-project I began a couple of weeks back…

Since getting my feet wet in fashion, design and interiors, I’ve gravitated towards three styles: romantic/glam rock, vintage kitsch, and modern minimalism. I wanted to give my cube a look that had pretty much all three (also inspired by the quirky, rock-chic home of Meg Mathews, which we ran in this month’s issue of Real Living). And so, the anchor piece–a plastic, white neo-Baroque picture frame I bought at a discount at Dimensione (not the exact one up there), holding a lovely illustration by Tanya Ling for LV (cruise 2009); a few of my Taschen Icons series books (loving them for the pops of color they give!); and a cheeky orange splash coaster from the local Me&U shop.

Not pictured–a white capital “A” (sans serif, to be sure!) decorative wooden letter, snapped up at Cubao X’s Vintage Pop right before they shut down. Sniff.

Possible additions to the group: a blank, white, vinyl Munny figure which I currently share with B. Still contemplating whether or not to put this into the mix–for all its simplicity, it ain’t cheap. Wouldn’t want this stolen! And another thing I want safely nestled here–a Diptyque candle in Feuille de Lavande, which has been, sad to say, only gathering dust at home. Perfect for those extra-stressful overtime nights! Speaking of, I’ve never actually seen anyone burning scented candles in the office… Hmmm.

Another strawberry-ice-cream pink entry finds its way here. What can I say, I’m so in love with this season’s romantic shades. I can’t help it. (This is actually a study I made for a new project, and I’m happy I get to do my own style–let’s see what client thinks…)

Tried drawing more naturally, and I like how “organic” this turned out.