Yoga and the creative spark: the paintings of Susan Hao

Practitioners in the shala would describe Susan Hao as…everyday Ashtangi…Filipino-Chinese…and very, very nice. But many don’t know that Susan has been, since 1988, a licensed agent and trader to various brokerage firms in the Philippines and is currently working for Accord Capital Equities Corporation.

Amidst the fast-paced, pressure-cooker environment of the business world, Susan discovered an artistic inclination and without prior experience in drawing or painting she took art classes at the Ayala Museum in 2008 under master portraitist Gig de Pio who is now her mentor.

A former professor at the University for the Philippines College of Fine Arts in Diliman - taught Materials & Techniques of the Old Masters, Anatomy, Figure Drawing & Painting from Life, Gig Mario Completo de Pio is known for capturing not only the likeness but also the presence of a sitter deftly from life.

Together with Yoga Manila, Susan Hao shared her passion for the beautiful practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga to her mentor and a group of painters who include Irwin Fernandez and Gideon Javier.

Below are the images I took of that Saturday sketching session which captured The Primary Series. Enjoy!

Avail of a special summer treat for practitioners new to Yoga Manila. For a limited period, all classes at all YM branches are offered at half-price. Visit their website for more details.

Yoga and the creative spark: "Panalangin"

Ashtangis doing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd series will enjoy spotting-the-asana in this elegant piece entitled, "Panalangin" which means Prayer choreographed by my yoga teacher Jon Cagas. This was included in the U.P. Pep Squad's Elevate 10 concert last month and is performed to Middle Eastern music. The hatha poses Jon weaved seamlesslessy into the number run the gamut from Sun Salutations, to Bakasana, Parsva Bakasana, Bhujapidasana, Eka Pada Sirsasana C, Pincha Mayurasana, Tittibhasana, Vrishchikasana, Mukta Hasta Sirsasana A & B, Astavakrasana, Eka Pada Galavasana and Vasistasana to name some.

I can't help but gush about the talent and artistry overflowing among Ashtangis. You should also catch the travel photography from another yoga teacher, Tesa Celdran, and the paintings of fellow practitioner Susan Hao. Will try to post their work with their permission.

Om.