This month’s featured artist is a fellow volunteer for Type Kita: Pass on the Passion last December 2015. She has been one of my close calligraphy friends. Her first name is, Gjenisa.
Featured Artist of the Month: Gjenisa Raquedan
As mentioned, we have been volunteers for Type Kita: Pass on the Passion last December 2015. That was the first time we met and the rest is history.
Honestly, I know that she has been doing calligraphy longer than I did. She’s more experienced with watercolor and brush. Also, she explored the art of embossing just like I did and currently enjoying it. Currently, she’s balancing the best of both worlds. Working a day job in the corporate world and being an artisan at night.
Also, she’s the person behind Gjen Scribbles. Oh and I forgot, she hails from Cavite!
About Gjenisa
Name
Gjenisa Raquedan
What made you start with this craft?
Some say curiosity killed the cat. But in my case it didn’t — maybe because I’m not a cat. I saw Leigh Reyes’ works when I attended a seminar back in college. It got me curious, so I tried calligraphy!
How long have you been doing this craft?
2 years (on and off lol parang relasyon)
Or in English, “It’s an on-and-off relationship for 2 years.”
Why did you pursue it?
Growing up, I tried different art forms. From singing to playing musical instruments to theater arts, painting, and a lot more. But calligraphy, how I get to write words beautifully, captured my heart the most.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVdjSmEBmNH/?taken-by=gjenisaaa
More About Gjenisa
Did you have struggles in pursuing the craft? If yes, could share it with us please?
After I graduated college and got my first corporate job, finding time for my craft was a struggle. I’m usually too tired or too busy with work. But if you really love something, you’ll certainly find a way to squeeze it into your schedule.
Pag ayaw may dahilan, pag gusto may paraan.
Which loosely translates to, “if there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Favorite quote?
Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSxbyJUhRzc/?taken-by=gjenisaaa
What keeps you doing the craft?
I want my craft to be productive. Productive in the sense that I can earn money not just to sustain the craft but also my other expenses (a.k.a. legit needs hahaha)
Top 3 favorite tools?
- Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolor
- Waterbrush (detailer tip FTW)
- Canson Montval watercolor paper
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVlSElwB1Uk/?taken-by=gjenisaaa
If you are to share your tips and tricks to newbies, what would those be?
Never be afraid to try new things. And when you try new things, don’t compare your output to other works just to think how bad yours looks. Find the points to improve on, and do better next time.
If you were to describe the craft in three words, what will those be?
Therapeutic hand discipline 💚
Get in touch
Are you now ready to try something new for yourself?
11 Comments
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I really love featured artists posts like this for so many reasons! It shows collaboration and it opens my eyes up to all the amazingly talented people in the world!
My hand writing is ugly at best, but these examples of text and typography are simply gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
So glad to know Gjenisa. It is true that after joining work there is hardly any time for hobbies.
Genuine passion alone helps pursue your interests. I am glad she persevered.
This is just so genius! I admire people with so much of passion in their hearts. The determination of the mind, is what drives a passion; it was great to learn about another such identity 🙂
Great Job you!
Ooh I love a creative mind feature another creative one. I am amused and aliw with calligraphy. I wish I have her talent and yours haha! I think I have to agree though on the statement saying therapeutic and discipline.
This is wonderful. I admire people who are able to find time for their passion. We shouldn’t slaves of the corporate world because just as Gjenisa said, if gusto may paraan. 🙂
Looking forward to see more of her work. Again my huge admiration to all artisans.
I like that you are featuring artists on your blog! This is a way for them to get exposure and who knows what it will bring to them. I really admire artistic people. Makes me wonder on what am I today if I continued my drawing.
It’s really nice of you that you bring up talented people here.This is a great way to find talented artists.It seems Gjenisa Raquedan is a talented lady with many creative skills.I wish her all success!
Oh another lovely featured artist! I can’t help but notice her smile on the picture. She has a natural beauty and a perfect smile! Not just a pretty face, but also a talented one! I always admire people who are so passionate about their craft!
She’s a pretty girl. I realized what she said that she had an on and off relationship with the craft. I also have an on and off relationship with this but ended up not pursuing it anymore. I don’t know what’s the matter with me. It seems that I am not progressing at all. Or perhaps my tools are not for newbies.
I love the fact that she works in a corporate world during the day and then in the night she is able to express all her creativity doing what she really enjoys doing. Moreover, I like her because she is stubborn – If there is will, there is also a way. This lovely and beautiful girl will achieve everything in her life, and I wish her a lot of success because as a person she really deserves it.
I think I’ve said this a million times I’m a frustrated artist. And I really admire someone who pursues their passion. Keep it up girl!