Carl Jung and a Lot of Color

Apologies for being away from the wordpress page for so long. I’ve been busy with a lot of things. Finally, at least, I’m able to find the time to write about wonderful things that have happened so far.

First up, out of intense curiosity, I took a class on self-exploration managed by four wonderful Jungian psychologists. I’ve been reading the book “Women Who Run with the Wolves” by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes (also a Jungian psychologist) and have been mesmerized by the use of myths and folktales as a form of initiation into the unconscious (pertaining to the lives of women). Throughout my life, stories have made a huge impact; stories inspire as much as they heal. Then serendipity sends a text message and I jump in to take the 4-day workshop.

During the workshop, we took self-exploration tests, told each other fragments of our life stories, drew and colored mandalas, and listened to stories from Greek mythology. What fascinated me were the stories. Maybe because of the gifted storyteller? The characters seemed so alive, real, and breathing beside me. The archetypes fit into the people I live with.

Did I learn more about myself? Of course. Jungian psychology places a strong emphasis on the inner world. There were a couple of aha! moments, lots of “that’s why, now I know…”. I also learned more about the people who surround me and how, at this point in time, we unconsciously play out our archetypal roles. These are  roles that we fit into because of influences in society, family, and other relationships. Hopefully, I learn to become more aware of  the things that I do and feel, and transcend the limits of archetypes to discover what I am truly made of. After that brief workshop, it’s nice to see the world revealed in a different way.

Next up! I’m so happy that “Provenciana” by Apol Lejano-Massebieau is now out! A book launch was organized in Paris last month and sana I was there! The book is just the funniest ever! Apol is just such a funny and talented writer…and that’s still an understatement. I’ve been a long time fan of her blog that chronicles her new life and adventures in the South of France. I’m really so happy that she loved the book cover that I designed for her. My friend, Bernice, did an amazing job designing the inside pages and filling the book with lovely illustrations. Wonderful and such an inspiring project to work on – Merci beaucoup, Apol!

And finally, I did some illustrations  for the new Spark Hope board at Starbucks. I’m glad the 5-piece set came out well – well, on my part. I just love it when I get to work on watercolor textures, line drawings, etc. Exciting rin to see how they’ll go together with the photographs once working on them in the computer. I’m glad that the baristas at Katipunan like them. If they’re happy, I’m happy.

Yey, now I can’t wait to work on new stuff for two exhibits in November!