I’ve always been fascinated with process. I like watching something start from nothing and seeing it grow in to something special.
But, I never had the courage to share my own process in public. I’ve often opted to post “finished” or “nearly finished” works - be it writing, painting, scrapbook, collage, or craft.
I guess, it’s because when you share a process, you commit yourself to seeing it until the end.
Now, I want to make that commitment.
You see, I’ve been meaning to finish this diptych painting that I mentioned in this blog entry. I bought these two blank pre-stretched canvases (size: 1 metre x 1 metre each) over a year ago. I wanted to paint them for our lounge. But, until now, they remain blank and untouched.
In the beginning, we hung this big batik painting from Thailand that was a gift to my husband from my sister-in-law. While the painting often invited conversations from visitors, my husband and I agreed that it didn’t seem right in that place. This is how it looked like (hanging behind the couch):
So, as a way to push myself to start working on the canvases, I asked my husband to remove the batik painting and hang the two empty canvases as a reminder of what I haven’t done yet. In the meantime, we’re calling these pieces “Emperor’s New Paintings”. ![]()

These blank canvases must’ve been hanging there for about a month now. And, a day hasn’t gone by without me thinking about my unfinished work.
At this time, I’ve been doing some sketches and doodles - brainstorming for ideas. Here are some sample sketches:
Yes, based on these sketches, I’m leaning towards geometric abstraction - like these abstract paintings I made. But, I’m still wondering if I should do something a bit more representational. You know, pictures that people can actually recognise even if they’re still in abstract form. I like doing these a lot. However, I don’t want to do any interiors, florals, or women.
Anyway, I’ll keep posting updates here whenever possible. Now that I’ve committed myself to sharing the process for creating these paintings, I have more reason to keep working on them.




{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
AnP 04.03.06 at 5:46 pm
I like how “malamig sa mata” celebrate life and lift me up are.
favorite ko colored bottles.
would be interested to see what you will paint for your living room.
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lirechi 04.04.06 at 11:12 am
this should be nice, certainty..
watching this start from beginning and seeing it grow in to nice.
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Heather 04.06.06 at 7:27 am
Hi Shai,
I’m looking forward to seeing what becomes of these blank canvases.
[Reply]
Shai Coggins 04.09.06 at 1:41 pm
AnP: Thanks for the input. I’ll definitely post updates here.
Lirechi: Thank you. I sure hope it will end up nice!
Heather: Thanks. I just hope I don’t ruin them!
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