Palengke

CEBU, Philippines - His professional art career began in late 1999 when a lifelong dream of drawing comics was fulfilled. As a penciler and colorist, he has worked for Marvel, DC, Darkhorse, and Image Comics on such titles as Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Star Wars.

He shared that Japan allowed him to branch out from comics to designing T-shirts and CDs for major clothing labels and recording artists. He started doing live painting shows all over Tokyo. During his time in the Far East, Sig was surrounded by the freshest, most cutting edge Japanese street art and character designs. Rather than learning "how" to draw the way Japanese do, he instead focused on deciphering "why".

Now back in his country of birth, Sig has taken theknowledge, techniques, and most of all the experiences acquired, and is putting a modern spin on classic Filipino handicrafts. These new works reflect the artist himself as he tries to reconnect to his roots. He has taken to painting on the ubiquitous "banig" (Filipino woven mat).

The size, texture and durability of the hand-woven mats have become perfect canvas for his incredibly eye pleasing and movement filled designs.

Another Filipino staple getting a modern look is the capiz shell lamp. Along with his partner, TakakoSono, a very talented designer from Japan now living in Cebu, he is making beautiful and practical one of a kind artwork that would look great in any room.

Last April 21, which marks his first anniversary of living back in the Philippines, he mounted the "Palengke: Modern Filipino classics" exhibit at 856G Gallery along A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City.

"Every single one of us here has memories of the palengke (flea market) --- the chaos, the smell, the food, the crafts, and most importantly the people. It is where we go to feed our families and make our houses homes. It is where we find skilled artisans and craftspeople creating items from practically nothing but modest, usually natural materials and sheer limitless creativity. These people are artists and do not let anyone tell you otherwise," Sigmund explained.

For this exhibit, he rounded up a group of very talented artists who are also excellent at "creating something from nothing."

"We have paintings, accessories, crafts, and even a very socially conscious project for the public to enjoy and hopefully take home," he added.

Sigmund's notable works in Cebu include mural paintings onNeedlepoint Tattoos and Koa Treehouse, both in Lahug, as well as Maya Mexican Restaurant in Banilad. For film, he is art director of Cebu indie movie "My Paranormal Romance (produced by Cinema One Originals) and as poster designer of another indie film "Di IngonNato" (also from Cinema One Originals).

Among the artists who joined him are Giselle Tribaco, Gina Arjona and TakakoSono.

Giselle is behind Subtle Accents. She finished school with a Development Communication major in Journalism. She shared that she started making crafts when she was eight years old and has never stopped. Her creations, tagged "Subtle Accents," include handcrafted accessories, bags, dresses, magical items, and art crafts.

"For men and women, it is an expression of cosmic love and truth through weaving, sewing, beading and embroidery. My advocacy is to inspire Filipinos to tap their imagination through craft-making and using whatever resources that are available around them," Giselle said.

Meanwhile, Gina Arjona makes wonderful works of art from canvas bags to beautifully handcrafted paper cards. "My products are meant for people who appreciate beauty in simple things, as well as those who value gift giving. Unique and useful products out of paper and fabrics, all made by my own hands."

As for TakakoSono, she has been painting since she was a child.

Born in Osaka, Japan on April 25, 1974, she later on moved to Tokyo to pursue painting. First, she worked as a fashion model from the age of 15 but art was always her passion. The fashion world led her to design T-shirts and customize her own clothes. Afterwards, she began to design more than shirts. Accessories, bags, signage, shop logos, and even limousine interiors soon became her canvasses as well. Most recently, her job was interior coordinator for shops and restaurants all around Tokyo. Besides creating the overall look and atmosphere for the spaces, she personally drew, painted and created all of the decorations and artwork.

On December 2011, she moved to Cebu and is now following her love of art. Her art is like a diary. Every piece she creates - be it painting, designing or even building - is a direct product of her experiences and emotions.

"When I can express all that I feel, my art is complete," she said.