The Beauty of Creation

There is nothing like a dream to create the future. -Victor Hugo

Isn’t it amazing to create something in your mind and make it real, so real you can actually touch it?

During our recent visit to the U.S., I had the opportunity to see, be in and actually touch two of the obras maestras of Santiago Calatrava, a world-famous architect, painter, and sculptor. Looking at The Oculus (NY) and Milwaukee Art Museum, I knew I was staring at something that, at first, only resided in Calatrava’s imagination. An unseen thought bubble. And from that simple pigment, stood giant structures made of steel and concrete, designed to last for decades and sometimes, for centuries.

I felt so small. Overwhelmed and a bit envious, even. But with much respect.

In my line of work that is lighting design, I also start with that tinypigment lingering in my head like a light bulb going off. The end result is not something you can touch or hear or smell but something to look at and to feel. Set mood with. With a flick of a switch, it goes out. It disappears. It appears again. But unlike a concrete structure, it can dynamically change colors and intensity and move to a beat at the speed of light.

Different discipline, different outcome…

A chef creates food that satisfies all senses.

An author writes stories that arouse the imagination.

…but to the creator -the gratification of finally seeing his/her creation, priceless.

In my discipline, I am content with the thought that without light, you see no creation.

I see this beautiful cup of coffee creation. So good to the smell. Now I touch. And I sip.

Cheers!

©all images by the author

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First Flight -The New Normal

This was how I looked like inside the airplane. Beneath all the mandatory wraps is my warm flesh. Old and maybe tough (as opposed to tender) but still warm. After nearly three years of being grounded, we are flying way higher than the birds in the sky. And this selfie was taken inside the plane’s toilet, 10kms above sea level -first time ever in my life I’ve done such a thing.

A mix of excitement and apprehension rose in equal measure as we counted the days until it finally happened. Then a good thing -while we were loading our luggage into my brother’s car, our parish priest who was visiting our village, just happened to walk by. Upon knowing that we will be driven off to the airport, he prayed over us. Such a blessing indeed, of being assured of God’s protection.

And so confident of a safe travel, I took this pic. I am really not a selfie person, but seeing my reflection in the mirror prompted it. I wanted to not forget this significant day in my life, no matter how good or how dreadful I looked. For my headgear and outfit, I’d like to thank Muji for the neck cushion that came with a hood, Kleenex for the mandatory face mask, H&M for the hoodie and Asian Eye for my eyewear. The rest of what appears to be plaster is my old skin. I thank God for the 62 years.

So yeah. The story of my flight.

We landed in the Windy City with so little fanfare. I was blown away.

Cheers!

If you’ve been touched, amused, or entertained by this post, or it put a smile on your face, please favor me with a cup of coffee via GCash or PayPal. I will continue writing.