Speech of Atty. Dominador D. Buhain for the Illustration Seminar
(May 19, 1999, ROAC)
REX has been in the book business for fifty long years. Most of you perhaps were not even born when the first REX Book Store was opened. Through those fifty long years we have endeavored to produce only the best books out in the market. Our books have seen artistic fads and fashion come and go. If you may have a time to browse over, our memorabilia will make you understand what I am trying to point out. Only a few years ago, a boy sporting a long hair may well be mistaken for a drug addict. Today a long haired teenager is in the in-thing. Earrings used to be an ornament for the female gender, now even the most macho person wears them, sometimes even by the nose. Art and fashion are indeed a fast changing medium for us to keep up with.
From a publisher’s point of view, yours truly do not wish to be left out by the changing call of aesthetics. In the fact, I do not only wish to catch up with art but also to be infront of the innovations: to be always on top of things. We have had artists and illustrators. Some of whom we have helped develop their craft and yet unfortunately are not connected with us anymore. Some still have become famous artists and book designers. Today, I face you. A new breed of artists – young and promising. REX organized this seminar that we will commence today not only because we wish to express our desire for you to be our partners but also to instill in you just how important your talents are in the success of the book industry.
Exactly how important artworks, book design and illustrations are to book making? You may ask. Aren’t books just a collection of written data and nothing more? My answer is a resounding NO. Books are not merely collection of printed texts but rather works of art themselves.
Although it is true that we should not judge the book by its cover, it is also true that a cover gives a great deal of impression to the buyer by which one will ultimately decide to make a purchase or not. I remember the words of Ms. Leticia Ramos-Shahani, during one of her speeches where she opined that Filipinos in general are not fond of reading. We have a great reason to believe her claim. Asked yourself, what books have I read lately? Or when was the last time I purchased a book which I eventually read? Now ask yourself, when was the last time I visited a bookstore to admire the book designs and illustrations?
Allow me to stress my point further by reminding you of the famous Cinderella story. I am quite sure you are all familiar with the Fairy Tale but how many among you have wondered what could have happened if Cinderella did not dress up for the ball? What if she didn’t change her dirty, cinder clothes? Or what if the Fairy godmother did not come and dress her up with queenly apparel? Would she have been noticed by the prince? It is most doubtful. The Prince learned to love the beauty within Cinderella by first beholding the beauty that was outside.
That is exactly your rule as artists in the publishing business. Writers and editors ensure the inner beauty from which learning and knowledge will emanate while artists dress up the inside to which people will see and appreciate.
I have a lot more to say yet I do not wish to take up what our able speaker has prepared for you today. REX Group of Companies is preparing for the next millennium and we wish for you to take part. Times are changing and we too must change…for the better.
Before this day ends, I wish that you have learned the importance of art and art design to book making. I do not wish anymore for you to improve your artistic skills because I have reasons to believe that your skills do not need any improvement and that you are among the best young artists in the country. What I wish for you is to develop that sense of quality and hardwork and that to every piece you will create is borne from the heart and not just by the hand.
Thank you for gracing our book illustration seminar and it is my wish for you to be our partners in the near future. Good morning to all.
