“My name is Truth, a namesake that I share with you all. Formless, fluid and in constant flux. I am awareness. The interconnection between a waking star and the dreaming sea of darkness that it drifts upon. My name frames mystery. I am the vessel, and the void within. I am truth, in the form of question, catalyst for story. Lose yourself within me and learn to imagine your self.” — Truth

Truth embodies the virtues of his Seraphim brothers: Strength in character, integrity; the Passion to serve others, compassion; and the humility to experience Wisdom. The Seraphim may serve Truth, but he honors each of their voices and empowers them to  author their own stories.

Imagining Truth in my life:

Truth in Self
Voice of Strength: I practice expressing myself genuinely, in form and character.

Truth in Community
Voice of Passion: I want to empower my community to express their truth, share their stories and fulfill their potential.

Truth in Art + Design
Voice of Wisdom: Art + Design  provides  the opportunity to immerse myself in the world around me.  I want to utilize this ability as a service to my clients, to help give voice to their cause.

To fulfill my potential as an individual, it is my goal to bring out the potential in others. I align Strength, Passion and Wisdom to this mission.  Conzpire with me and “Sing Your Truth.”

Edited by Mei Li Ooi

“I am Passion. I am fire. The spark of a song that blazes into an inferno of voices. The warmth of the hearth that all rally around. I am truth manifested in movement, coursing through veins, giving life to purpose and mission. The fuel for change and revolution. I am the current that words and beats float upon. I inspire. I incite.” — Passion

Passion is the heart of the Seraphim brothers. He is nurturing and compassionate, as well as ferocious in upholding truth. Passion is the inspirational leader that keeps the Seraphim together and driven.

Imagining Passion in my life:

Passion in Self

I am fortunate to wake each morning with a drive to “Sing my Truth.”  I serve a company with a purpose that reflects my own personal mission: to bring out the potential in others. Passion allows me to give life to this mission in every aspect of my life.

Passion in Community

I believe that Passion plays a role in not only keeping the bonds of my community together, but also in leading us toward a shared vision. My goal as a leader is not to lead but to inspire and empower others to take the lead.

Passion in Art + Design

The concept of branding fascinates me in both my design and art practices. I believe that brand is the essence that gives people, cultures, companies, and works of art their hearts. This essence is the “story” that we all can relate to and, in turn, become passionate about engaging with. I hope to create brands and stories that resonate and inspire.

Passion drives me to push from one breath to another. It also moves me to give purpose and meaning to each breath. I once wrote in an essay that “to fulfill my maximum potential as an individual, it is my goal to bring out the potential in others.” I personally feel passionate about serving others to “sing their Truths.” In turn, being passionate aligns me with singing my own truth.

Edited by Mei Li Ooi

I was introduced to the Covey system by a creative director at my first design gig in Hawaii. I was drawn to its philosophy of prioritizing one’s life, to nourish four core areas: the physical, emotional/social, mental and spiritual. Although I no longer practice the system’s approach to time management, I still honor the four core areas, and also express them through Vizjhanti.

As I mentioned in one of my previous post, “Of Sirens and Muses,” I submitted a written essay along with my application to CCAC (The California College of Arts and Crafts). This essay stated my intent to explore what Vizjhanti meant to me. It was broken down into four sections: body, heart, mind and soul. These four areas became a repeating meta-pattern my life. I nicknamed my move to the Bay Area “Project Oz,” named after the film that inspired Vizjhanti. I viewed the four main characters in the The Wizard of Oz as embodiments of each area: The Lion represented body, the Tin Man longed for a heart, the Scarecrow wanted a brain, and Dorothy searched for a way home.

I moved to San Francisco with three of my friends, and we created a household in Richmond, California. I started imagining the four of us as personifications of these four areas. This directly inspired the Seraphim brothers in my story Vizjhanti. Manny was my constant gym partner. His integrity to uphold his values and principles is admirable. He represents Strength in body, as well as character. Sebastion and I always shared late night hours laboring over design projects. He was the extravert of the household. Sebastian’s dedication to his craft and desire to be there for others, became a model for Passion. I personally value Wisdom gained from life experiences, over knowledge that is taught. I believe that this comes from the ability to immerse oneself in life, completely open to being transformed by each moment. Robyn’s humility allows her to do just that. I initially planned on moving back home to Hawaii after one semester at CCAC. One semester eventually turned into sixteen years. My concept of home evolved from one of place, to that of self. This is my source of Truth.

This obsession with Vizjhanti  bleeds into every aspect of my life. It is a governing theme in my art, and a narrative that drives me to create a life with purpose and meaning. In this series, I will explore how these four areas give voice to my characters, and in turn, shape me. Hope you join me on this journey as I imagine Truth, Wisdom, Passion and Strength.

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VIZJHANTI: ACT 1
Multi-media work by Zaldy Serrano
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October 6 – November 28, 2014
Market Street Gallery
1554 Market Street, SF, CA 94102
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#vizjhanti
#singyourtruth

Z

Special thanks to Rob Vo for putting this all together!

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As we continue 2014, our year of ‘first ever’ exhibitions, we want to announce another one… another ‘first ever’ for Market Street Gallery… we are excited to announce vizjhanti : act i… the first installment of a graphic novel by Zaldy Serrano. Vizjhanti is Zaldy Serrano’s blank canvas that he offers to everyone to “Sing your Truth.” It’s a story of “Truth’s journey, to save our mysteries” inspired by a gift from his father as a young high school graduate. Some parents give you a new car for graduation, but Zaldy Serrano’s father gave him something MUCH more valuable… Zaldy’s father gave him a blank canvas for his life, challenging him to ‘…create [his] own life story’… and with this… Vizjhanti was born. Market Street Gallery is very fortunate to be the venue where Zaldy Serrano will showcase Vizjhanti to the world. The exhibit will open October 6, 2014, and run through November 28, 2014. The opening party will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014, from 6 PM – 8 PM for more info… go to marketstreetgallery.com

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VIZJHANTI: ACT 1
Multi-media work by Zaldy Serrano
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Opening Reception: October 18
Show runs October 6 – November 28, 2014
Market Street Gallery
1554 Market Street, SF, CA 94102
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#vizhjanti
#singyourtruth

Edited by Mei Li Ooi

Sing Your Truth

Building up to my art show, I head over to my neighborhood Starbucks to work on my Vizjhanti graphic novel. After picking up my order, I set my grande tea on a table and begin pulling out the contents from my backpack. First my tin container, then the spiral bound sketchbooks with all my references, and finally my computer. With my computer powered up, I plug in my headphones and dial into my favorite Spotify channel. I pull out my favorite pen and attempt to draw the days assigned panels. As usual, it’s a slow start. I hesitate as I struggle to set my hands free. The idea of perfection stalls me. I finally get into a flow and pump out panel after panel. While in the groove, someone draws my attention. I look up and recognize my fellow KQED staff member, Birrel. I pull the headphones from my ears and Birrell starts to comment on the art work that I’ve spread across the table. He loves the lyrical quality of the shapes and forms that compose my visual signature.

Our conversation shifts from the art to the intent. I explain that I’m creating a graphic novel and give him my pitch: “It’s a story about a hero named Truth, and his adventure to save the remaining mysteries in the world.” This intrigues Birrell as he begins citing philosophical references that he feels might inspire me more. With the time and emotional investment Birrel has shown, I’m compelled to tell him the whole story. I finally reveal the ending, which places Birrell in a sense of awe. After a brief pause of silence, Birrell tells me that the story has mythic resonance and that it needs to be told. I share my concerns and insecurities, but he reassures me that it really isn’t up to me anymore. I am merely the messenger channeling a deeper truth. I find myself quite drawn to this notion. Reassured and inspired from Birrell’s insights, I continue with my devotion to Vizjhanti.

Wayne Dyer once said, “Do not die with your music still in you.” I’ve held this story within for so long. Now I’m cherishing every moment to sing my truth.

What is your song?

Edited by Mei Li Ooi

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VIZJHANTI: ACT 1
Multi-media work by Zaldy Serrano
———————————————–
Opening Reception: October 18
Show runs October 6 – November 28, 2014
Market Street Gallery
1554 Market Street, SF, CA 94102
———————————————–
#singyourtruth

It was the fall of 1997. Revacomm, the design studio where I was employed, was throwing their annual retreat. We were treated to a cabin on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. We setup a campfire in the evening by the beach. Huddled by the fire, we got business out of the way and started telling personal stories, while eating poke and drinking beer. During that Fall I decided to apply to the graphic design program at the California College of Arts and Crafts. I shared the news with my fellow AIGA officers who we invited to our retreat. I had a copy of my admissions essay, which I handed to my friend Alvin to review. It was the very first time I formulated my thoughts and my intent to explore what Vizjhanti means to me.

Later in the evening, the fire settled down, and the warm glow from the charred wood slowly dimmed. This allowed us to appreciate what the night had to offer. The clouds were absent, and the stars were in full attendance. The moon, not fully ripe, was also present. The ripple of waves from the sea caught the light from the moon, allowing me to follow them as they marched towards shore. When the waves disintegrated into foam, and released the light from their grasps, my ears took over where my eyes could no longer follow. I could hear the water rush up close to us, then wash back to sea. I remember thinking that this could possibly be the last time I sat on this beach, a defining moment that I would freeze in time to remind me of home. I continued listening to the rhythm of the waves, washing to and from the shore. With every cycle, they carried away a bit of my conscious thoughts back to the sea, until I finally fell asleep. This rhythm was my lullaby, a song that would always carry me home.

I woke up the next morning and found a peculiar looking piece of driftwood lying next to me. The body was made up of several wooden reeds, held together by a nest of fibrous roots that formed a head. The parts of the roots that became untangled from the head flowed like hair. I was compelled to keep it as a memento of my final thoughts from the evening before. The following summer I got accepted to CCAC, and the driftwood made the journey with me to San Francisco. One evening, while I was formulating the story of Vizjhanti, I looked up at the shelf above my computer and took notice of the driftwood. I was reminded of the lullaby. This inspired the concept of the Song and the Dreaming Sea. I imagined the driftwood as a relic in the form of Mother Aria.

Several years later, after I graduated from CCAC, I met a girl named Marjo. She was a gifted singer whom I watched perform at a dive bar in Pacifica. I learned that she had an affinity for the sea, and considered herself a steward of it. One day I took her to the Sutro Baths. Looking towards the western horizon, I explained to her that this was the closest I could be to my home in the islands. Marjo countered that thought and offered to take me to another location that she claimed would take me even closer. And she did. We followed a trail that led us down to the shore. Close enough to actually touch the cold waters, and close enough to hear the rhythm of the waves. My lullaby. I would find myself returning to this location, Lands End, whenever I needed to be close to home. Marjo, who I call “Siren”, brought me here. I wove this story into Vizjhanti. The Siren lead Truth to the edge of the Waking World, Lands End, to begin his journey back home to the Dreaming Sea.

There are muses all around us. I used to believe that they only presented themselves when we were ready to see them. I’ve come to realize that I can imbue meaning and create wonder from anything / anyone I come across, for they inspire and call forth what I already have inside.

What muse has inspired you today?

Edited by Mei Li Ooi

Strength in numbers

Balancing time between KQED and Vizjhanti could place me in a solitary rut. With the limited hours to spare on both pursuits, it could be a challenge to maintain a healthy social lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, I could easily play the role of the reclusive artist. I am naturally introverted. I remember a parent-teacher meeting back in grade school. My teacher explained to my parents that I was a very shy kid but was able to use my art to connect with my fellow students. All the way through my junior year in high school, I sported the stereotypical nerd look: glasses, braces and bowl-cut hairstyle. This, coupled with my awkward, shy demeanor, meant that isolation was an inevitable conclusion. But art became my means of reaching out and being accepted by my peers. This experience shaped the symbiotic relationship between my introverted art practice and my use of art to connect to those around me.

space
These days, I could feel alone at times, believing that I’m the only one struggling to realize my childhood dreams. Luckily, I’ve found strength in numbers from the groups below.

Conzpire

What started out as a group of friends sharing life aspirations over dinner has evolved into a mastermind group where we hold each other accountable to fulfilling our individual dreams. My fellow conzpirators Mei Li, Magi and Pablo provide me with support and inspiration. We have our regular, weekly meet-ups where we continue our dialogue and create a synergistic space to practice our “art.”

The Rising Tide Sketch Krew

The Rising Tide Sketch Krew (RTSK), initiated by Michael Sacramento, has been a great source for social engagement and artistic endeavors. The group is composed of diverse individuals, ranging from full-time artists to those who, like me, balance full-time work with an art practice. We do various social activities that involve our sketchbooks. What I love about RTSK is that we often find ourselves sketching in public spaces, such as bars, restaurants and airport terminals. A monthly dose of RTSK provides me the chance to connect to fellow artists and explore the world around me through my art.

Mission: Comics – Creator Meetup

I’m extremely fortunate to have come across Leef Smith at Mission Comics and Art. Leef’s space is a comic book store and art gallery that supports local artists. In addition to the space, Leef organizes meet-ups for aspiring comic book creators. These events provide me with industry knowledge, art techniques and overall inspiration. It’s been a great place to network with fellow comic book creators, both aspiring and published.

From thoughts to words to actions

Staying active in these support groups not only allows me to practice my art but also fulfills my need for social engagement. My art is a journey that allows me to discover and connect with those around me.

In addition, I imagine “reality” as an illusion that a majority agrees to. In that sense, there is strength in numbers when attempting to make a dream (delusion) more tangible. I’m blessed to be amongst individuals who share one vision that art is integral to overall wellbeing.

Being in a committed relationship with my deadline.

Keeping motivated with my passion project is a challenge, especially with my full-time job at KQED. Something that motivates me is participating in arts shows. In the past five years, I’ve done three group art shows, varying in scale from a bar venue to a dedicated art gallery.  I’m far from being able to say I’m a veteran to this scene. In each case, I’ve been overcome with anxiety. But I’ve always had the comfort of knowing that I had my fellow artists to rely on, to share the burden. These art shows provided me an outlet to showcase Vizjhanti themed art, from posters to skateboards. After my last show, my friend Robert Vo, invited me to do a show at Market Street Gallery. The catch: it’s a solo art show. I accepted with excitement and apprehension. I love the idea of having a show of my own but I’m terrified that I won’t have my fellow artists to help carry the weight. I told my fellow Conzpirator Mei Li about the great news. I also mentioned that I would probably develop new pieces for the show. She was excited  for me, but posed a challenge…

Before I continue, here’s a little backstory. Mei Li and I have known each other for almost eight years now. She’s heard me speak about Vizjhanti and my repeated promises of creating a graphic novel. Mei Li has invested personal time, supporting and contributing her storytelling prowess to helping me develop the narrative. After all these years, I have had nothing to show for it. That’s right. No graphic novel. Just a lot of talk and dreams. So her challenge? Stop wasting time and produce the f’n novel already!

What better way to motivate myself to follow through and push me beyond my comfort level? Give me a solo show and a real deadline to finally present Vizjhanti: Act 1.

Countdown to The Show

Having a clear deadline and setting a production schedule, places a tangible finish line for me to treat and respect Vizjhanti as an actual project. My production schedule is broken down by phases and checkpoints. The time frame is quite ambitious, but it includes a  three week buffer to account for unexpected circumstances. Also on the schedule are auxiliary pieces for the show, which  includes an animated trailer, video installation, mural and banner signage. I shared my schedule with my fellow Conzpirators to keep me “motivated” (yup, accountable). And here it is for all of you to see:

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Graphic Novel / Phase 1

June 29
Artist statement + Complete First Draft  (36 pages)

Mural + Window Banners / Phase 1

June 29
Concept Thumbnail Concept

Video / Installation

August 10:
Refine Vizjhanti Trailer and The Ballad of Mother Aria + Father Book

Mural + Window Banners / Phase 2

September 16
Files to printer

Graphic Novel / Phase 2

September 16
Files to printer

Final Show Prep + Opening

September 20
Final Submission + Check-in with Rob

September 20 – October 5
Final A/V check w/ animations  Run through space with pieces Final Prep

October 5, 10 AM
Hang day

October 8 (Tentative)
Special Blood Moon (lunar eclipse) Preview Reception.

October 11,  6 PM – 8 PM
Opening Reception

This is my first foray producing a graphic novel. I confess, I dove in with tons of ambition, and with an expected naivete. As an artist, I have a natural tendency to want to dwell in the creative process. I especially savor the phase of developing my personal style. But the designer in me is hyper aware of the deadline, and is willing to make concessions to meet it. I had to prioritize my expectations. My main objective remains completing the graphic novel. I’ve extended certain benchmarks in it’s production, and offset them by pulling back on other deliverables. Rather than refining an existing trailer that I have, I will be utilizing it as is. I’m also streamlining the animation of the Mother Aria and Father Book video installation. I’ll be utilizing more of a slide show presentation and potentially adding some animated effects later, if there is time before the art show’s opening reception. I also originally planned to have a giant mural fill an entire wall of the gallery. My good friend Alvin came up with the great idea of utilizing my concept drawings to present as a process board to complement the finished product.

My deadline has been an ideal partner.  A yin to my creative yang. Setting clear expectations and willing to make compromises toward a common vision help me maintain a successful relationship with my deadline.

Edited by Mei Li Ooi

When your work is your calling, how do you pursue another passion in life?

In this growing trend of leaving the daily grind to follow your life’s passion, I wonder if there are those of you who are like me. I have what many call a “day job” as an art director for KQED. Between work hours, social events and maintaining my well being, I find pockets of time to work on my passion project, Vizjhanti. I’ll be honest, at times it can be challenging. Doubt often slithers in, and I question if it’s realistic to keep up both pursuits. I’m not willing to make concessions between what fulfills me, and bringing my childhood dream to life. I Want It All and I want it now.

Vizjhanti has always been on the back burner. Throughout the years there have been spurts of growth, but I never fulfilled my dream of completing my Vizjhanti graphic novel. This year, I’m attempting to do just that. And, to hold me to this intent, I have a solo art show scheduled in October, which I’ve committed to presenting the first act. I’m excited and nervous. Can I pull this off? Where will I find the time? Will I be sacrificing time with friends and family? Will my role at KQED burn away the creative drive from telling my story?

In this series, I will be addressing three systems that I’m implementing to help me maintain balance:
Part 1: Draw inspiration from KQED to nurture Vizjhanti.
Part 2: Set clear deadlines and a production schedule.
Part 3: Stay active with support groups.

KQED gives me meaning and purpose, so how does Vizjhanti fit into the story?

While attending CCAC, and pushing Vizjhanti through my class projects, I came across a program entitled The Power of Myth.  This was a program that featured Bill Moyer’s interview with Joseph Campbell regarding myth-making traditions. I was inspired by how the myths we share, shape our culture and world view. Through the The Power of Myth, I gained deeper insight into Carl Jung’s concepts of archetypes. I also loved that George Lucas considered Joseph as a mentor who helped inspire Star Wars. All my interests were meeting at an intersection, which opened up the world to me. The station that aired the program, KQED. It was my first introduction to the Bay Area’s public broadcast station.

In 2003, I was working for Tenazas Design. Our studio provided design solutions for Active Voice, a non-profit that tackles social issues through the creative use of film. I remember meeting with the Active Voice team who coincidentally were tenants at KQED. I fell in love with Active Voice’s mission, and quickly realized that they reflected KQED’s culture and values to serve Bay Area communities. On our way out of the meeting, the CEO of Active Voice shared how the architecture of the KQED building symbolized a ship. I loved this metaphor, and how it captured the idea of exploration.

In 2004, I transitioned from full-time employment to part-time contract with Tenazas Design to begin my own practice. With a handful of clients including Active Voice, I was forging ahead continuing what I loved to do. One year later, out of happenstance, I came across a job-posting from KQED looking to hire an art director. I was blessed to have been chosen for this position. When our current CEO, John Boland, left KQED back in 2006, he said that KQED will always be his home. It was more than a job, it was his calling. This reflects how I feel about my place at the “Q”. KQED was a beacon for me, a calling that I engage with till this day.

KQED, My Creative Well(being)

My role as art director for KQED, allows me to hone in on technical and artistic skills, that I directly utilize in the production of Vizjhanti. Aside from the technical aspects of art and design, KQED embodies a mission that I value and uphold. We explore stories that shape us, create stories that inspire our hopes and dreams, and give voice to the communities we serve. I hope to express this through Vizjhanti’s  mission:  “Sing Your Truth.”

Edited by Mei Li Ooi

I believe that we can author stories that empower us to express our own truth. This was a gift that my father gave to me. At around age five, I remember handing my father a blank sheet of paper, and asked him to draw a picture of King Kong. He would always draw for me upon request, but in this particular instant he hesitated. He handed the sheet of paper back to me, and encouraged me to draw it myself. With his guidance the illustration came into being. My art practice started on that blank sheet of paper.

Two weeks before graduating high school, I went to see a recruiter to enlist in the army. My father served 22 years in the navy. I wanted to follow in his footsteps, in a military career, to make him proud. With excitement, I shared the news with my father over lunch. I remember a long pause before he responded with something unexpected. He said “Son, you should create a life of your own.” My father, again, provided me with another blank canvas. That was a defining moment for me, which has bloomed into the life I live today. Every step I took was in accord with my own truth. Vizjhanti is an expression of this truth.

Vizjhanti is a story of stories, that’s been brewing in my mind since high school. It became an obsession of mine in art college, where I would interject it in all my class projects. This fascinated some of my peers and annoyed many others who saw this as blatant self-indulgence. During a class critique, a professor of mine stated that he was intrigued with the concept of Vizjhanti as a word without meaning, an empty vessel waiting to be filled. That validation was the catalyst that sparked the story of Vizjhanti. I introduced my protagonist, Truth, and his adventure to save the remaining mysteries in the world. For what is a world without mystery? There would be no room for imagination to spark stories of hope and dreams.

Vizjhanti is my blank canvas that I offer you to “Sing Your Truth.”

——————————————————————————————————————-
VIZJHANTI: ACT 1
Multi-media work by Zaldy Serrano
———————————————–
October 6 – November 28, 2014
Market Street Gallery
1554 Market Street, SF, CA 94102
———————————————–
#singyourtruth

Edited by Mei Li Ooi

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