AQUILEO - Mighty Synthesis

"AQUILEO" - Mighty Synthesis 
(Reversible steampunk necklace by Budge Aquino)
The animal version of my Machine versus Nature. 

My entry to the Philippine Polymer Clay Guild Mechanized Menagerie: P3's Steampunk Challenge.

When we talk about machine, I think about power. And when we talk about power and animals, I think about two of most powerful ones; Lion and Eagle. Imagine the majestic forms and agility of lion and eagle, enhanced by the power of machine.

Machine pertains to technology which is so vital in improving our day to day living, but could be harmful to our environment. Lion has the authority, strength and wisdom for balance and sound judgment. Eagle has a gift of exceptional vision. It glides when flying to conserve energy, and uses energies wisely.

Mighty synthesis: a balanced fusion of technology and understanding that enables us to have an advance way of living without the harmful effect on our ecosystem.

AQUILEO
Aqui - Latin for Eagle
Leo - Latin for Lion

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Arts & Crafts Passion

Budge Aquino

Arts & crafts have been my passion since I was a child. In preschool, my teachers often isolated me from class and nothing to do but to draw. It was later when I realized that the reason for isolation is for me to be trained for drawing competitions.

At a very young age, I was taught well to value money and make most of whatever resources we had. I was in primary school when my aunty gave me Barbie dolls. I never played toys like normal children do. Barbie dolls were new in our province and accessories at the province were limited and expensive, so I created them myself. With my mother & grandmother’s guidance, I crocheted & sewed my doll clothing, shoes and umbrella. By myself, I learned to create doll house, furniture, picture frames and organizers out of cardboard.

Yes, I've been so fascinated with mermaids since I was young

Moonlight Mermaid: When I was a child, I love staying at my grandma's rest house at the beach. At night, before going to bed, I walk along the sea shore, hoping that I could see a mermaid, but, of course, I never did. So I just draw/sculpt mermaids since then.

In highschool, instead of joining the girls for cosmetology & foods trade classes, I took up drafting/painting and ceramic classes along with the boys. Fine arts was my first choice for college, but I was late for the enrollment cut-off. So I took up another course which leaded me to my current profession. This did not stop me from doing my first love.

Recycled cardboard & paper tube

Recycled Shampoo Bottle

Recycled Shampoo Bottle

Recycled softdrinks & mineral water bottle

 My son and daughter got passion for arts & crafts too. We love exploring various media; we see trashes as treasures. We make accessories, home/school/office thingies and miniature stuffs. Until my daughter came across polymer clay and asked me to enroll her to Donna Cruz-Comia’s basic polymer clay workshop back in October 2012. The workshop was held at Purple Nook Clay Shop owned by Mel Felipe who game me guidance when it comes to materials & tools. For me, clay modeling was just a kid’s thing. However, I joined clay modeling with my kids. Crafting with them is one of my ways to get closer to them. We didn’t just create toy accessories, we created toys. 

My aunty in Norway is in to photography. She loves to capture flower; sweet, lovely, radiant flowers. So I made her this asymmetry necklace inspired by one of the photos she posted

One of my favorite subjects, Flutter-By

I researched for more clay project ideas and I discovered the broad applications of polymer clay. I got overwhelmed on the various techniques and how versatile this medium is. To combine polymer clay with other media made it even more interesting and fun. My kids & I kept on creating items which were intended for our personal use and gifts to our family and friends, until we were encouraged to sell our creations. Well, we’re now getting paid to enjoy our passion. 

I was so in-love when I created this.. with my significant other who is also in to polymer clay

I once visited Ms Mel Felipe and saw her creating her applique pendant in vintage bezel. I fell in-love with the technique, but since I didn't have bezel yet, created my own version

I was so in-love when I created this.. with my significant other who is also in to polymer clay

Oh Maleficent, power and elegance made you a perfect subject. This statement necklace may not be perfect, but I'll keep on trying

My friend's gist to his wife on their wedding anniversary

I plan to retire early and go back to our hometown where i started and got lots of arts & crafts inspirations; close to nature and nothing to do but crafting; and to further explore the unlimited applications of an amazing medium, polymer clay. 

- Budge Aquino, Polymer Clay Lover - 

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Budge Tag

GRAND WINNER!!!! Philippine Polymer Clay Guild "True Colors Open House Challenge"

Polymer clay door tag - My entry to the Philippine Polymer Clay Guild "True Colors Open House Challenge"

We, open house participants, were tasked to spell our name in clay; be as creative and inventive as we can and allow each letter to showcase our personality. 

"Nature and myth are two of my greatest inspirations in my art projects. Not only because of the color richness but for the values I gained since I was a child. I grew up in a community close to nature with a family who taught me how to appreciate and take care of it. My grandmother always told me that we can find deeper meanings hidden behind nature and mythical creatures that we must learn to read.

My subjects in this project:

- Butterfly for its beautiful transformation because of the magical process of metamorphosis.

- Yellow tulip, flower I admire the most, which represents sunshine and cheerful thoughts.

- The limitless symbolic meanings of flowers (check your birth month flowers).

- Mermaid who tells me to consider other creatures as human beings and treat them with care.

- Fairy tree which makes me believe that beautiful and magical trees are not only seen in fairy tales; but also in reality, if I learn to take care of the environment.

As a clayist, I don’t consider myself to be expert in any technique nor peg myself to any form of craft. I’m in the stage of exploring various methods and wanting to learn even just a little bit of everything. And this is my first time to combine several claying techniques/styles in one project."

Las Artesanias FB Page - https://www.facebook.com/LasArtesaniasdeReina/

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Budge Aquino Pinterest Account- http://www.pinterest.com/berncathy993/boards/