Book Talk: Artist RV Basco of "Ang Punla ng Aratiles"

Posted by Looking for Juan Online Store on

Learn the inspiration and creative process behind RV Basco's paintings for his newest children’s book, 𝗔𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀, written by Eugene Evasco.

RV Basco with the contest piece of Ang Punla ng Aratiles

 RV Basco and one of his artworks for Ang Punla ng Aratiles

 

LFJ: What was your inspiration behind your initial artwork for the Romeo Forbes Storywriting Competition that inspired the story?

RV: I started working on the contest piece during the early part of the lockdown. We live in a village where planes would fly by at certain hours of the day. One morning I realized that we no longer heard the sound of an airbus flying above our house. Then I noticed the sky was clear, the air was fresh, and the birds were everywhere. I guess this explains why I painted something related to the environment. 

Ang punla ng aratiles boy with punla

 Close-up shot of one of the inside pages of the book

 

LFJ: Were there any considerations when you were creating the artworks for the book? 

RV: There were many considerations. One of them was adding humor to entertain the kids. But since the story tackled serious environmental issues, I thought it was inappropriate to make it into a comedy. I then figured a theater-style presentation might balance things out, and hopefully attract a broader age group. So, I spent most of the illustration process drafting the scenic and stage designs before adding the characters. 

From RV Basco's exhibit of Ang Punla ng Aratiles at UP College of Fine Arts

 From RV Basco's exhibit of Ang Punla ng Aratiles at UP College of Fine Arts

 

LFJ: Why are stories and art important for children in this day and age? 

RV: I believe it’s essential for parents and teachers to separate the good stories from the bad. Children need to read literature. In my opinion, good literature will always lead to sound art. 

One of the scenes in the book, Ang Punla ng Aratiles

 One of the scenes inside the book, Ang Punla ng Aratiles

 

LFJ: What would you like children to take away after reading Punla ng Aratiles?

RV: I think after reading the book, there will be a growing trend of kids wanting to try this fruit. Nothing is more satisfying than having your picture book re-enacted in real life. 

Front cover of the book, Ang Punla ng Aratiles

 

 

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Ang Punla ng Aratiles
Ang Punla ng Aratiles
Ang Punla ng Aratiles
Ang Punla ng Aratiles
Ang Punla ng Aratiles
Ang Punla ng Aratiles
Ang Punla ng Aratiles
Ang Punla ng Aratiles
Ang Punla ng Aratiles

Ang Punla ng Aratiles

₱1,500.00 Sale Save

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Signed copies will be available while supplies last.

Isinulat ni Eugene Evasco

Iginuhit ni RV Basco

Winner, 27th Romeo Forbes Children's Story Writing Competition

Tinitigan namin ang punla. Parang mga kamay na gustong magpaahon ang mga sanga. Nakakapit sa putik ang mga ugat nito.

Libutin man namin ang buong bayan, alam naming hindi na ulit kami makakakita nito. Malalanta lang ang puno sa bakuran ng pabrika.

Kukunin ba namin?

Year Published: 2023

Language:  Filipino with English translation by Annette Ferrer

Type: Hardbound, full-color

ISBN: 978-971-9689–59-1

Tungkol sa Manunulat: Lumaki si Eugene Y. Evasco sa tahanang may katabing puno ng aratiles. Ang hinog nitong mga bunga ay tila matatabang tuldok na nagpapatamis sa bawat hapon. Hitik ang pagkabata niya sa alaala ng mga punong mangga, santol, sampalok, at abokado. Hanggang ngayon, namamangha siya sa mga hiwaga ng kalikasan gaya ng mga kulisap, kabibe, punongkahoy, halaman, at bulaklak. Nangongolekta siya ng mga aklat pambata dahil ang mga ito ay munting museo ng sining at panitikan. Sa pagtatapos ng araw ng pagtuturo, abala siya sa pagpapalago ng mga munting punla ng kuwento, sanaysay, at tula. 

Tungkol sa Ilustrador: Noong 16 taong gulang pa lang siya, sumali si RV Basco sa summer workshops para sa watercolor painting. Nag-aral siya ng Industrial Design sa University of Sto. Tomas. Nagsimula siya ng sariling negosyo pagkatapos ng kolehiyo, pero hindi nawala ang pagmamahal niya sa sining. Tuwing may oras, nag-aaral siyang magpinta gamit ang iba’t ibang midyum, tulad ng oil at acrylic. Nagkaroon siya ng unang solo exhibition noong 2016. Sa 2023, ilalabas ang pangsampu niyang solo exhibition. Pag hindi nagpipinta si RV, madalas siyang magbasa ng libro ng kasaysayan, talambuhay, at pilosopiya.

BUY ONE, DONATE BOOKS TO JUAN! Every purchase of this book is matched with book donations to two children from disadvantaged communities in the Philippines in support of CANVAS' One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children Campaign.