At one point during our discussion, we shared some of the blogs we check out. Mighty recommended several, among them, http://blographics.wordpress.com.

When I got home later that night, I immediately checked the blogs my friends mentioned, and indeed, they are worth reading. But Blographics stands out. Let me tell you why.

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Blographics is a home of a young man’s art works. This young man, Eli Avellanoza, is an Ilocano, born in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. He finished agriculture from the Central Luzon State University (Munoz, Nueva Ecija) as a working student, printing T-shirts, streamers, and other stuff. He is currently based in Nueva Vizcaya.

Eli started painting when he was in second year college. Using acrylic, oil, charcoal, watercolor, and other mediums, Eli paints various subjects, but he enjoys painting nature and Filipino way of life the most. He effectively captures Filipino traditional games, wares, and traditions in his canvas. He says he likes his works to carry the mark of a Filipino.

Talking about his creations, Eli says that he wants his paintings to be “Pinoy na Pinoy ang dating.” He adds that he wants that when people view his work, they would meditate and ask the question, “Bakit ganito?” to themselves. “Sa bawat gawa ko kase, gusto kong may mensahe akong maihatid about realities of life at gusto ko ring malaman nila na there is hope,” he explains.

And these life realities, says Eli, are his inspirations to create art. For, like other works of art, Eli’s carry messages that beg to be shared and understood. “Hindi mawawala sa isang artist yong pangarap na maipakita at ipahatid ang bawat mensaheng nakadikit sa bawat gawang sining,” he explains.

Although he never had a formal education in painting, Eli has been a member of the Samahang Makasining, Inc. (http://www.acpfi.org/) since his sophomore year at CLSU. An organization of artists with different backgrounds and courses, Samahang Makasining advocates cultural redemption through art. Among the current projects of the organization is the re-introduction of Filipino “laro ng lahi” or traditional games.

As a young artist, Eli has had experienced exhibiting his works, particularly in an art exhibit funded by the National Center for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) during his college years.

Although he is more involved in graphic or digital design now, Eli still dreams of one day having an art exhibit where he can show the simple life of the Filipinos. “Isa pa sa mga pangarap kong gawin, e series of paintings depicting the message in the Book of Revelations!” he adds.

At present, Eli is contemplating of creating badges which Ilocano bloggers can proudly display on their blogs and websites. Let’s hope Eli would sit down soon and create those badges. Bilingual Pen does look forward to displaying an “Ilokanoak” badge on its pages.

Way to go, Eli! Good luck.

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Bilingual Pen is on the lookout for outstanding Ilocanos — those who excel in their chosen fields or make a name in their hobbies. If you know such Ilocanos whom you wish to be featured in our website, please email admin at shermabenosa@bilingualpen.com or, better yet, write a short piece (300-500 words) about your outstanding Ilocano and be a Bilingual Pen author. BP looks forward to your submissions. Let us bring to the fore the good in the Ilocano.

All images are posted with permission from the artist.

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