Community, Stories

Art & Fitness Workshops To Keep You Going Amidst The Pandemic

Photo from: kuro.pro

It is apparent that almost everyone suddenly became obsessed with plants since the beginning of the community quarantine. From students, yuppies, parents, up to the seniors, everybody has been fascinated with filling their bedroom, or even their entire house, with them. Most say that being surrounded by greeneries uplift their mood and make them feel calm and relax after a long tiring day, especially with the great chaos that the world is currently going through. But apart from the massive plant craze, another interesting activity that people can try out is creating their own special pots for their wonderful plant babies! 

Photo from: Art At Home Festival

Let’s take a look back at Art At Home Festival from August 1 to 7, a week-long online fair wherein top contemporary artists of the Philippines were brought together to conduct fun and thrilling art & fitness classes for free! This initiative was created to promote practicing art at home, to help people discover something that they might be passionate about, to become an avenue to express themselves, and to build a community for all ages. 

Photo from: Catherine Choachoy’s Instagram (@catchoachuy)

One of the numerous classes that was made available for everyone was “handbuilding succulent pots”. It was a basic pottery tutorial by Catherine Choachuy, a Manila-based ceramic artist. Cathy has been in love with pottery since 2015. She manages a publishing company by day, does charity work on the side, and pottery at night. Her love for pottery began when she visited Japan. As tourists, they were looking for activities to do, and so they decided to join a pottery class for tourists. The class was only supposed to last for one and a half hours, but they ended up staying for four hours. Cathy has always been into various crafts, even as a kid. And with a degree in architecture, she is passionate about creating, which is why she constantly studies and practices her art through various courses and workshops around the world. 

Photo from: kuro.pro

According to Cathy, pottery is really versatile. Anything can be applied in ceramics – painting, carving, block printing. It allows you to hone your other skills at the same time. Another great thing about pottery is that clay is forgiving. You can always recycle and start again from scratch. 

Photo from: Catherine Choachoy’s Instagram (@catchoachuy)

While we all aspire for perfection, Cathy shares that fingerprints and small cracks on your masterpiece are welcome to stay. These details make your work more unique and special. This made me realize, art does resemble life. It is incredible how pottery opens us to embrace our imperfections and utilize them to create something beautiful.

Photo from: kuro.pro

This amazing experience with Art At Home Festival is a great way to work on yourself and discover more about what’s inside you. It truly is for everyone, not just for those who are already passionate about the craft. Who knows? There might be a hidden artist within you that you never knew about, whether it may be in terms of pottery, doodle art, dance, yoga, painting, cooking, or anything else! Besides, there is always something new to uncover each day. Take this opportunity to rediscover new art, just like these students with their new experiences and awesome works from the recent Art At Home Festival.

Photo from: Art At Home Festival

With everything that is happening right now across the globe, be certain that you have something that will keep you going. Try exposing yourself more with art & fitness and use them to spend quality time with your family and friends.

Photo from: Art At Home Festival

It is always great to find something that can keep your creative juices flowing. Something that brings you to a different world and just allows you to be free and vulnerable. Find that something because that something is a part of who you are that would just make you bloom. 

Photo from: Art At Home Festival

Follow Art At Home on Facebook and Instagram (@artathomeph) for updates on how you can jumpstart your creative journey through various art and fitness classes that might be for you and your family!

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