About

What is Paru Paro Studios?   My creative haven.

Can you describe your creative haven?  I consider my entire house to be my creative haven.  I am under going a major clean up and truly making it conducive to an artistic lifestyle.  It's quite a process, and I am realizing it takes time to readjust and it doesn't have to be perfect.  

Why did you call your creative haven Paru Paro Studios?  The literal translation in Tagalog is “butterfly”, since this radiant creature is metaphoric to my own personal transformation, it was only fitting that I would dedicate my creative space to it.

What are your artistic forms?  Illustrating, surface design, sewing, photography, garment constructions, textile manipulations, cooking, and gardening.  I think life in general is my artistic form. A very artsy thing to say but I really believe it. 

Can you give examples of techniques, mediums, or styles you like to work in? I render a lot by markers.  My best buddies are my Sakura Micron, Sharpie, Tombow, and Uni-ball gel pens.  I like coloring with pencils, watercolor, and gouache, but sometimes, I mix it up. I like trying new mediums.

Do you have artistic rituals?  I have none.  I just make it a goal to infuse creativity in my daily life.  

What is your favorite saying?  Currently..."The only person you are destined to become is the one you decide to be." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Most artist love to collect things, what is yours?  Sewing machines. I have never met one that I have not loved.  The mechanical engineering is ingenious, and I love to salvage vintage machines.  I have quite a collection.

Is it possible for you to choose a favorite color?  Green.  It puts me in a happy mood and it reminds me of lush gardens. I love color in abundance, though sometimes the lack of color is just as visually appealing.  Its obvious black is my go-to when it comes to my wardrobe especially in the winter season, but I always throw on a colorful scarf.  I have quite a collection of those as well.

Do you have other interest outside the artistic fields?  Sports. Especially volleyball and Muay Thai.  I am not much of a spectator but recently started watching football.  Five years ago, I took swimming lessons and I am still learning.  Now, I am moving towards yoga, I just started.  I've always considered myself flexible until I started yoga.  I do enjoy it, maybe next year certain joints won't be so stiff.

Where do you think you got your artistic genes?  Perhaps, from my Lola, Mom, and Dad.  If I was stranded on a deserted island with any of them, I would surely survive and possibly build our own country.  They can make anything.

Who are your favorite students?  If I had to choose, kids because they are less inhibited and I love to nurture that.  I think the joy of teaching sewing or craft, students tend to bring good energy and excitement. 

What would you tell your younger self?  That you are beautiful and be kind to yourself.  Be patient, enjoy the now.

What is your greatest accomplishment?  Launching this site. I was always insecure about showing my art.  The internet is the bravest way to show the world.  I am so proud of myself for overcoming that. 

A very typical question, what is your source of inspiration?  I naturally gravitate towards nature, especially flowers.  I am fascinated by the macro world. The patterns, shapes and colors that exist beyond the human eye is incredible.  I am perpetually in awe, because I have an overactive sensory. This is probably why I scream easily, cry easily, and laugh easily.  I have a curious mind and love learning how things are made.  I secretly wish I was a professional dancer and I am heavily influenced by fashion.

What kind of books would you find in your library?  How-to's in everything, spiritual, cookbooks and self-helps.  I would love to write a book one day.

Creative mission, have you thought of one?  Yes,  share my art and encourage others to live more creatively and with more self-confidence.  It's my form of therapy, it puts everything in perspective.  Its my way to remove junk from my soul.  I am unapologetically sentimental.

Can you choose a word that best describes your artistic work?  I love words from different languages, especially the ones that are hard to translate in English. If I had to describe my work it would be "Meraki". This Greek word means, "to do something with soul, creativity, or love; when you leave a piece of yourself in your work."

Do you have any formal training?  I have a Fashion Degree from Ryerson University in Toronto with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and a business background. My footprint is originally from Toronto, worked in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, back to Toronto, and finally residing in South of Boston.  I am a life-long learner.  I am a fanatic crafter and DIY kind of girl! If I don't know how to do something, I will find out how.

What was the biggest lesson from your career path?  I've learned so much about myself that I can work anywhere and will work hard to support myself.  I had started a company in Toronto with two other partners in a Professional Apparel Manufacturing company and realized the obvious, that if you are not passionate about it, its hard to sustain.  Also, I can work in a country where I had no knowledge of the language and away from my comfort zones.  My so-called failures actually built up my self-confidence, that I can still flourish even more.

Are you available for free-lance work?  I am interested in free-lance illustrations, teaching opportunities, and surface design.  I am currently seeking representation and licensing my work. I will be launching a private collection and an on-line shop as the next phases to this website.  In the meantime, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter in my creative-life adventures.

Have you ever interviewed yourself before?  No, it's my first time, it's fun. 

Det Agustin

I am an artist. Paru Paro Studios is my creative haven. I love drawing, sewing, photography, gardening, and cooking. I am inspired by the beauty of everyday. I am an advocate for creative and wholeARTed living.